Addicted babies: a research model on development of children born and grown in a community context.

Addicted babies refers to children born dependent on psychoactive substances, since their mothers are drug-addicted. The studies on the detrimental effects of substance-exposure on child development generally do not take into account that frequently these children were born and raised in therapeutic communities (TC) for drug-addicted mothers and children, that provides children with specific intervention tools. Therefore, this paper aims to present an protocol to assess and monitor the development of children born and raised in a residential TC. This approach will be explained through the presentation of a single case: the first assessment occurred when he was one year old and then repeated when he was two years old. The outcomes point out an increase in mother’s sensitivity and responsivity in interacting with her child at the 12-month-follow-up. The importance of using early intervention approaches that are specific to the TC context for drug-exposed children will be discussed.