The Willow Study
This study is a collaboration between the СŷÊÓƵ of Sheffield, King’s College London, Cardiff СŷÊÓƵ and Liverpool John Moores СŷÊÓƵ. It explores the experiences of women undergoing pre-birth assessments when they use or are in treatment for substances during pregnancy.
Why is this research needed?
There are no clear guidelines on best practices for pre-birth assessments of women who use substances in England and Wales. While safeguarding policies recognise the risks associated with maternal substance use, they lack specific recommendations for social workers. Women who undergo these assessments often feel stigmatised, overwhelmed, and mistrustful of social services, affecting their engagement with support.
At the same time, social workers feel like they lack training on substance use in pregnancy and consequently may struggle to provide appropriate support.
We also know that Infants of mothers who use substances are at higher risk of child protection interventions, yet little is known about how pre-birth assessments are conducted for these women, or how they impact outcomes for mothers and babies.
What will this study do?
The study will examine women’s experiences of pre-birth assessments, their interactions with social workers, and the level of support they receive before and after birth. It will also explore social workers’ perspectives, assessing their knowledge, confidence, and training needs. It will also collect data from the participating local authorities.
Findings will be used to develop evidence-based recommendations that improve social work practice, enhance support for women, and lead to better outcomes for children.
People
СŷÊÓƵ of Sheffield staff
Joint Principal Investigator
Dr Shirley Lewis is a research associate at the СŷÊÓƵ of Sheffield. Her research interests are in child welfare including the experiences of children in care, care leavers, and parents.
Research Associate
Dani is a research associate at the СŷÊÓƵ of Sheffield in the School of Allied Health, Nursing and Midwifery. Her research interests include care-experience, child exploitation, women in conflict with the law, relational practice, professional boundaries, lived experience criminology and co-production.
External staff
Joint Principal Investigator
is based at King’s College London and brings extensive experience of conducting research with vulnerable groups in health and social care settings, particularly in the area of substance use treatment.
Co-Investigators
is a reader at Cardiff СŷÊÓƵ and is a registered social worker with substantial experience in research with vulnerable groups, including parents in and leaving state care.
is a senior Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores СŷÊÓƵ. Sam is a mixed-methods researcher with particular expertise in the analysis of routinely collected records and complex statistical techniques.
Interested in participating?
If you have any questions or would like to register your interest, email d.j.darley@sheffield.ac.uk.