Navigating the Pathways: Lessons and Promising Practices in Linking Alcohol and Drug Services with Child Welfare. Technical Assistance Publication Series

• Main Authors: Young, Nancy K, Gardner, Sidney L
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information 01.04.2002
• Subjects: Child Abuse; Child Welfare; Family Needs; Family Problems; Policy Formation; Prevention; Program Descriptions; Program Effectiveness; Social Services; Substance Abuse

Several recent reports have examined the needs of families with substance abuse problems in the child welfare system, and documented the barriers to obtaining social services. This report aims to inform substance abuse agencies in depth about the changes in child welfare laws and practices that affect substance abuse agencies policies and practices, as well as their clients and their children. To meet these aims, materials were gathered and analyzed from seven exemplary sites that have forged stronger alcohol and drug service-child welfare service links than most of their counterparts. Current and emerging responses in state and local policies are documented, and models of child welfare services and substance abuse treatment agencies practices that have been shown to improve outcomes for parents and their children are described and updated. The report also provides useful guidelines for state and local treatment agencies in redesigning policies and programs for parents who have been reported for child abuse and neglect, including treatment for parents and targeted prevention and intervention for their children. Appendixes include documentation from the exemplary programs discussed in the document. (Contains 22 references.) (GCP)