Innovative Ohio program lets moms in recovery live with their children

By Nadia Ramlagan

In Trumbull County, the Brighter Beginnings recovery center is part of a state effort to transform how parents who are battling substance abuse experience recovery.

The new facility is a partner of the Ohio Sobriety, Treatment, and Reducing Trauma, or START program, which provides broad social work services to families involved with law enforcement and child services.

Marilyn Pape, executive director of Trumbull County Children Services, said funding from opioid settlements is expanding housing options for moms who stay clean.

"Moms who are at least 90 days sober, and if they are in treatment and on the recovery journey, they can actually come live at this house with their child," Pape explained.

Pape noted Brighter Beginnings has helped six families successfully reunify and transition to independent living in its first year, and she hopes the program is able to expand and provide more housing for parents and kids.

According to national research, caseworkers estimate 50% to 80% of the parents they work with struggle with substance abuse.

Jeannie Gurich, housing program manager for Brighter Beginnings and First Step Recovery, said START helps moms pick up the pieces of their lives and heal alongside their children. It also provides crucial educational services and transportation to court and drug screenings.

"We also have brought parenting classes in, any type of activity that will feel; can support them," Gurich pointed out. "We did a budgeting class."

Heather Setser, peer recovery support specialist for First Step Recovery, added START focuses on giving families the tools they need to end the cycle of relapse and separation.

"This model is a good one for families because it helps them to create stability and structure," Setser underscored. "And also accountability."

A 2023 study found custody loss re-traumatized mothers struggling with substance use. It also showed parent-child separation is linked to increased drug use, overdose, poor mental health and a lack of motivation to seek treatment.