The Policy to Practice Gap: Factors Associated With Practitioner Knowledge of CAPTA 2010 Mandates for Identifying and Intervening in Cases of Prenatal Alcohol and Drug Exposure

Abstract

This article describes results from a state-wide survey of social services professionals ( n = 259) regarding knowledge of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act Reauthorization of 2010 (CAPTA), clinically based markers of prenatal substance exposure (PSE), and appropriate child protection responses following a PSE referral. Few respondents were aware of CAPTA, and knowledge of clinical markers of PSE and appropriate child protective services responses to prenatal exposure varied according to substance type (alcohol or drugs). Regression models revealed that fewer years in practice and fewer annual drug referrals predicted more drug-exposure knowledge. Fewer years in practice and awareness of CAPTA predicted more alcohol-exposure knowledge. Policy implementation strategies are needed to increase the likelihood that CAPTA achieves its desired intent, particularly with professionals who have been in the field longer and may be less open to changing practice behaviors.