Prevalence and Characteristics of Parenting Among People Served by Assertive Community Treatment

This study examines the prevalence and the characteristics of parenting among people served by Assertive Community Treatment (ACT). Four semi-rural ACT teams in southeastern Ontario were surveyed. The findings suggest that a significant minority (38%) of persons receiving ACT services are parents, although most (84%) do not live with their children and many rarely see their children. These findings are surprising considering the lack of discussion in the literature about parenting among recipients of ACT services. The results are discussed in terms of the meaning for ACT services.