CompletedObservational

Pre-birth assessments for women who use substances in pregnancy

The Willow Study explores how social services assess pregnant women who use alcohol or drugs before their baby is born. We know more babies are entering care, often linked to parents' substance use, but we don't fully understand how women feel about these assessments or how social workers are trained. This study aims to gather experiences from both women and social workers to improve the process. We will look at the support available, how assessments are carried out, and communication between social workers and women. The goal is to make these assessments fairer, more compassionate, and ensure pregnant women receive better support.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Sheffield

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2026

Substance use/treatment for substance use in pregnancy in women who undergo pre-birth assessments with Children's Services

What is this study about?

This study, called 'The Willow Study,' is looking into how pregnant women who use alcohol or drugs are assessed by social services before their baby is born. This type of check is known as a 'pre-birth assessment.' In recent years, more and more newborn babies have been taken into care in the UK, and often, this is connected to parents having problems with drugs or alcohol. However, we don't really know much about how women truly feel about going through these assessments, or how social workers are trained to do them.

The main aim of our study is to find out what it's like for women who go through these pre-birth assessments. We want to understand what support they receive, and how they feel during and after the process. We also want to hear from social workers about their experiences, any challenges they face, and what training they've had. By understanding both sides, we hope to learn how to make pre-birth assessments more supportive and effective for everyone involved. We'll be looking at how social workers and women communicate, and what support is available at different stages.

Ultimately, the findings from this study will be used to create better guidelines for social workers. Our goal is to make sure that pregnant women who use substances receive more understanding and support, and that social workers have the best possible tools and training to carry out these assessments in a fair and kind way. This research has been carefully planned with people who have direct experience of these assessments, ensuring it's ethical, respectful, and genuinely helpful.

Key takeaways

A UK study looking at pre-birth assessments for pregnant women who used alcohol or drugs.
Aims to understand experiences of both women and social workers.
Hopes to improve support and fairness in assessments.
Confidential interviews, in person, phone, or online.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two main groups of people to take part. Firstly, we need women aged 18 or older who have recently had a 'pre-birth assessment' or are going through one right now. These women should also have used alcohol or drugs during their pregnancy, or been receiving treatment for substance use.

Secondly, we are inviting social workers and other professionals who are involved in carrying out these pre-birth assessments in certain local areas to share their experiences. This helps us get a full picture from different viewpoints.

Unfortunately, if you didn't have a pre-birth assessment in the last year, or weren't using substances or in treatment for them during pregnancy, you wouldn't be able to join the women's part of the study. Also, if professionals aren't directly involved in these assessments, they wouldn't be eligible for that part of the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you had a pre-birth assessment in the last 12 months, or are you having one now?
Did you use alcohol or drugs during your pregnancy, or were you in treatment for them?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part as a woman, you would be asked to have an interview about your experiences during and after your pre-birth assessment. You can choose whether this interview happens in person, over the phone, or online, so you can do whatever feels most comfortable for you. The interview will be about your feelings and experiences. You can stop the interview at any time if you wish.

For social workers and managers, participation involves interviews or group discussions (focus groups). These sessions will be about your thoughts, any difficulties you face, and your training when working with pregnant women who use substances. The study will also look at number-based information (data) from local councils, but this will be anonymised, meaning no names or identifying details will be included.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer future benefits by helping to improve how social workers assess pregnant women who use, or are in treatment for, drugs or alcohol. Your experiences could directly lead to more supportive and effective care for others. However, talking about your personal experiences, especially around pre-birth assessments and substance use, might be upsetting for some women. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, even if you've already started, and you don't have to give a reason.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Northumberland County Council
City only
Morpeth, United Kingdom
Leeds City Council Child Services
City only
Leeds, United Kingdom
Newport Barnardo's Partnership - Integrated Family Support Service
City only
Newport, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'pre-birth assessment'?

It's when social services look at a pregnant woman's situation, especially if there are concerns like drug or alcohol use, to decide what support a baby might need after birth.

Will my name be used in the study?

No, your information will be kept private. Any data used from councils will not include names, and your interview responses will be anonymous.

Who is running this study?

The study is a team effort between universities like Sheffield, Cardiff, King's College London, and Liverpool John Moores University.

When will the study happen?

The study is planned to run from January 2025 to December 2026.

What if I feel uncomfortable during an interview?

You are free to stop the interview at any time, for any reason, without it affecting anything.

How to find out more

Shirley Lewis

s.j.lewis@sheffield.ac.uk +44 (0)114 222 2409 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.