Positive pilot outcomes among parents who use drugs

The Sibambisene Parenting Programme for Parents Who Use Drugs has completed its first pilot phase with encouraging results. Co-created by Clowns Without Borders South Africa (CWBSA) and NACOSA, the 10-session group programme was rolled out across eight partner organisations in four provinces – Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape – between January 2024 and March 2025.

Developed to support parents navigating recovery from substance use, Sibambisene combines evidence-based parenting principles from the Sinovuyo Caring Families Programme for Young Children with trauma-informed and harm-reduction approaches. Facilitators, many of whom were social workers or peer educators with lived experience, were trained and mentored throughout delivery, supported by in-person coaching and quality monitoring visits.

Participants’ engagement exceeded expectations. Despite initial concerns about retention, most parents attended all ten sessions, describing the experience as transformative. Many spoke about reconnecting with their children after long periods of separation, learning to communicate calmly, and rediscovering a sense of dignity as parents. Facilitators reported seeing clients shift from survival mode to active caregiving, using positive discipline and one-on-one time to rebuild trust and family connection.

Quantitative findings from a pre-post evaluation with 41 participants reinforced these outcomes. Statistically significant improvements were recorded in parental self-efficacy, resilience and coping skills, and positive parenting practices, alongside reductions in harsh or abusive parenting behaviours and depressive symptoms. Parents also reported greater awareness of available health, social, and financial services, and more confidence in accessing them.

While the pilot did not aim to reduce substance use directly, the programme encouraged stronger linkages to Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) and related harm-reduction services. Many facilitators noted that participants began enrolling in OST and applying parenting strategies in other aspects of their recovery, signalling the programme’s broader benefits.

CWBSA and NACOSA’s collaboration also highlighted the critical role of facilitators as champions of change. Many reported personal growth, renewed motivation, and improved relationships with their own families as a result of the process.

Looking ahead, the Sibambisene programme is well-positioned for scale-up and further adaptation. Planned refinements include streamlining session length, strengthening monitoring tools, and adopting more flexible models for co-caregiver participation. Future efforts will also explore integration within existing service delivery platforms to enhance reach, sustainability, and long-term impact.

Sibambisene demonstrates that when parents who use drugs are met with empathy, structure, and community support, meaningful change is possible – for themselves, their children, and the families connections they rebuild.

Listen to a podcast episode on the Sibambisene programme featuring CWBSA:
Say It Anyway NACOSA podcast (Episode 2: When Parents Use Drugs)

“Do you know a parent who uses drugs? Be honest – did you judge them? This second episode goes deep into the difficult topic of parents who use drugs. Their struggles, their heartbreaks, the love they have for their children and how a new parenting programme is helping them to be better and more present parents. You will meet courageous parents who are navigating this difficult journey and the people who are supporting them.”