NCT07278427 · Ohio State University
Reducing Parental Substance Use and Enhancing Family Resilience Among Rural Families Through Ohio START
(Ohio START)
What this study is about
The goal of this observational study is to learn about the roles played by parental activity spaces and social networks in reducing parental substance use and promoting child and family health outcomes in the context of Ohio START (Sobriety, Treatment, and Reducing Trauma) for families in rural areas.
View original scientific description
The goal of this observational study is to learn about the roles played by parental activity spaces and social networks in reducing parental substance use and promoting child and family health outcomes in the context of Ohio START (Sobriety, Treatment, and Reducing Trauma) for families in rural areas. This study will investigate if substance use treatment service referrals and family peer mentoring services provided by Ohio START lead to positive changes in parental activity spaces and social networks, and if these positive changes lead to better child and family outcomes.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Ohio START (Ohio Sobriety, Treatment, and Reducing Trauma)
Ohio START launched in 2017 in response to the opioid epidemic and is led by the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PASCO). Ohio START integrates child welfare and substance use treatment systems to enhance access to treatment for parents who come into the child welfare system with addictions. Ohio START capitalizes on collaboration between the child welfare system and behavioral health providers in order to reduce parent wait times for treatment for referrals, increase parent engagement and retention in treatment, and enhance coordination of resources and support for parents and children. Another key aspect of START is the use of family peer mentors as a social network intervention. Parents are paired with family peer mentors who, through weekly visits, support participating families and enhance coordination of resources. Family peer mentors are required to have a minimum of a weekly face-to-face visit with parents for 90 days.
Primary outcome measures
Parental substance use severity
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months
Parental substance use problems will be measured using the Simple Screening Instrument for Alcohol and Other Drugs (SSI-AOD), a 16-item screen that assesses respondents' experiences with substances in the past month and measures the severity of alcohol and other drug problems. In addition, weekly urine drug screening data (tests administered randomly each week) collected from all Ohio START participants will be drawn from the Need Portal and used to objectively assess parental substance use.
Child psychosocial and behavioral health
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months
Child psychosocial-behavioral functioning, including emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer relationships, hyperactivity, prosocial behaviors, and total problems will be assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; 25 items), a well-established brief psychological assessment tool for children 2 to 17 years old. For children ages 2 months to 1 year and 11 months, the Ages \& Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE) will be used.
Child maltreatment
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months, and 12 months
Using SACWIS data, we will assess the number of reports made to child protective services (CPS) and the type of maltreatment (e.g., physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- age 18 or older;
- currently enrolled in Ohio START;
- are unemployed or have family income at or below the federal poverty level,
- designated as the primary parent in the Ohio START case plan.
Where
- Columbus, Ohio
Collaborators
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), University of Michigan
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations