Substance Use (SU) during the perinatal period presents a complex challenge, due to direct consequences of fetal exposure for infant health and development, and potential parenting
difficulties. This results in frequent admission of children of SU parents within the child welfare system, although it has been demonstrated that (early) separation has adverse effects on child health and development. Yet, not all women struggling with SU are unable to parent effectively, and the perinatal period has been identified as a Window of Opportunity for change, depending on available recovery capital. This study aims to explore the role of recovery capital in promoting positive outcomes for mothers and their children. Adopting a multi-method, multi-informant approach, this study addresses four research questions: (1) What factors, as perceived by mothers in SU recovery, contribute to the chances of mother and child remaining together? (2) What are basic conditions, according to experts, for allowing mothers with SU and their children to stay together? (3) How do maternal mental health, the maternal-fetal relationship, and early mother-child dynamics during the perinatal period relate to childcare outcomes? (4) To what extent do early mothering practices and mother-child bonding within the first 6 months postpartum influence childcare outcomes? This study will contribute to a more strengths-based understanding of perinatal SU and inform more tailored support for affected families.