Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Understanding Substance Abuse
and Facilitating Recovery:
A Guide for Child Welfare Workers
Acknowledgments
This document was prepared by the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW)
under Contract No. 270‐027108 for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA) and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), both within the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS). Elizabeth M. Breshears, M.S.W., M.Ed., developed the document with
assistance from Shaila Yeh M.S.W., and Nancy K. Young, Ph.D. Sharon Amatetti, M.P.H., served as the
government project officer from SAMHSA (CSAT); Irene Bocella, M.S.W., served as the project officer
from ACF.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily
reflect the views, opinions, or policies of SAMHSA, ACF, or HHS. Resources listed in this document are
not all‐inclusive; inclusion as a resource does not constitute an endorsement by SAMHSA, ACF, or HHS.
Public Domain Notice
All material appearing in this document is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied
without the permission of SAMHSA, ACF, or HHS. Citation of the source is appreciated. However, this
publication may not be reproduced or distributed for a fee without the specific, written authorization of
the Office of Communications, SAMHSA, HHS.
Electronic Access and Copies of Publication
This publication may be downloaded or ordered at www.samhsa.gov/shin. Or, please call SAMHSA's
Health Information Network at 1‐877‐SAMHSA‐7 (1‐877‐726‐4727) (English and Español). In addition,
this publication can be ordered from the Child Welfare Information Gateway at 1‐800‐394‐3366.
Recommended Citation
Breshears, E.M., Yeh, S. & Young, N.K. Understanding Substance Abuse and Facilitating Recovery: A
Guide for Child Welfare Workers. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Rockville, MD:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2009.
Originating Office
Office of Program Analysis and Coordination, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 20857.
HHS Publication No. (SMA) 05‐3981
Printed 2005
Reprinted 2006 and 2009
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
Understanding Addiction ............................................................................................................... 2
Alcohol abuse and dependence ................................................................................................... 2
Women and substance abuse ...................................................................................................... 4
Co‐occurring substance abuse and dependence and mental illness .......................................... 5
Determining an alcohol or drug connection to child welfare ..................................................... 5
Impact of parents’ substance abuse on children ...................................................................... 8
How to talk to children about parental substance use ............................................................... 8
Cultural and ethnic sensitivity ..................................................................................................... 9
Co‐dependence ............................................................................................................................ 9
Substance Abuse Treatment: Developing and Implementing a Plan for Management of a
Lifelong Disease............................................................................................................................
11
What is treatment? .................................................................................................................... 11
What is recovery? ...................................................................................................................... 13
Treatment and recovery issues specific to women ................................................................... 13
How effective is treatment and recovery? ................................................................................ 14
Self‐help or 12‐step groups ....................................................................................................... 15
Interventions for substance‐using, but non‐addicted parents .................................................. 15
How to Motivate Parents into Treatment and Enhance Treatment Readiness ........................ 16
Readiness for change ................................................................................................................. 16
Motivation to change ................................................................................................................ 17
How to Support and Facilitate Recovery and Enhance Treatment Effectiveness ..................... 19
Relapse and relapse prevention ................................................................................................ 19
Self‐help groups and recovery ................................................................................................... 20
Culture as a factor in recovery ................................................................................................... 20
Supporting recovery for women ................................................................................................ 20
Ways to Facilitate Cross‐System Communication and Collaboration ........................................ 22
Why should I partner with local treatment programs? ............................................................. 22
Why should the substance abuse agency partner with me? .................................................... 22
How do I partner with my substance abuse colleagues? .......................................................... 23
What issues and services should be included in the collaboration? ......................................... 24
How to increase the chance of a successful collaboration ........................................................ 26
Resources ...................................................................................................................................... 27
Federal resources: ..................................................................................................................... 27
Other resources: ........................................................................................................................ 28
Endnotes ....................................................................................................................................... 30
Introduction
The abuse and neglect of children are a serious social issue in the United States. During 2002, each day,
an average of 2,454 children were found to be victims of abuse or neglect.1 During that same year,
532,000 children lived in foster homes because they could not safely remain in their own homes.2 One
of the major reasons children enter foster care is abuse or neglect associated with parental alcohol or
,
drug abuse.3 4
Most states identify The abuse of alcohol and drugs is considered a serious risk factor for child
substance abuse as one safety.5 Whether the substance abuse is by a parent or by another adult
of the top two factors in caregiver in the home, the behaviors of adults while under the influence
child abuse and neglect.6 of alcohol or drugs can have life‐long effects on children.
As a consequence, it is important for child welfare workers to recognize when alcohol or drug abuse is a
factor in the case of child abuse or neglect; to help parents obtain appropriate treatment; and to
understand the concept of recovery in the context of child safety. A working knowledge of alcohol and
drug services can help child welfare workers meet the Adoption and Safe Families Act timelines and
fulfill the child welfare commitment to child safety, permanency, and well‐being.
The Adoption and Safe Families Act requires a permanency plan within 12 months after a child enters
foster care and requires states to initiate proceedings to terminate parental rights if a child has been in
foster care for 15 of the most recent 22 months. While 12 or 15 months is a long time in the life of a
child, it is a relatively short time in the recovery process of a parent with years, or even decades, of
alcohol and/or drug abuse. It is critical that the 15‐month time period be well spent, and that when
substance abuse is an issue, the parent’s treatment needs be assessed and appropriate alcohol and drug
services accessed without delay. To be effective, child welfare workers must understand substance use
disorders. Workers should always screen for substance abuse and feel comfortable asking questions on
a routine basis about substance use, abuse, treatment, and recovery while the case is open.
To help accomplish permanency for children, child welfare workers need to partner with local alcohol
and drug abuse professionals and programs. An effective partnership between the child welfare and the
alcohol and drug treatment systems can help parents with substance use disorders retain or regain a
parental role with their child, while not putting the child at risk of harm. Thus, the child welfare‐alcohol
and drug services partnership becomes a cornerstone for long‐term child protection, a key issue for
child welfare workers.
The purpose of this guide is to help child welfare workers:
Understand the relationship of alcohol and drugs to child welfare, and recognize when substance
use is a factor in cases;
Understand addiction and how to support and facilitate treatment and recovery;
Enhance collaboration with substance abuse treatment partners; and,
Improve outcomes for children of parents with substance use disorders.
The National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare offers online training courses for child
welfare workers available at http://www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov/tutorials/index.asp.
1
Understanding Addiction
Alcohol and drug use occur along a continuum. Not everyone who uses substances is addicted. Levels of
use generally are identified as use, abuse, and dependence. Child welfare workers will want to
determine whether or not alcohol or drugs may be a factor in the reported abuse or neglect. If
substance use is a factor in the abuse or neglect, an assessment should be conducted to determine a
parent’s status on the use, abuse, dependence continuum.
Addiction to alcohol and drugs may be physical or
What is physical dependence? psychological. Physical dependence refers to physical
changes in the body, such as tolerance or withdrawal. The
Physical dependence refers to
symptoms of physical dependence vary by type of drug
physical changes in the body, such as used. Psychological dependence refers to the perceived
tolerance or withdrawal. The need for the alcohol and drugs to feel good, function, or to
symptoms of physical dependence keep from feeling bad. Parents who use substances may use
vary by type of drug used. alcohol only, one drug only, a combination of drugs, or a
combination of alcohol and drugs. Poly‐drug use (more than
What is psychological dependence? one drug, or alcohol and drugs combined) is a common
pattern of use among substance abusers.
Psychological dependence refers to
the perceived need for the alcohol
Alcohol abuse and dependence
and drugs to feel good, function, or to
keep from feeling bad. In many States, the number of people treated for alcohol
problems equals the number treated for all drugs combined.
What is addiction? The amount of alcohol consumed and symptoms of
dependence are discussed below and should be considered
Alcohol and drug addiction are in child safety and risk assessments. It is important to stress
diseases that, while treatable, are that, even when alcohol use is below the level that suggests
chronic and relapsing.7 “dependence,” the child welfare worker should assess
parental alcohol use or abuse as an indicator of risk to
What does this mean? children. 8
This means that over time, the
disease of addiction causes changes in How much is too much?
the person’s body, mind, and A child welfare worker should be concerned about the risk
behavior, and that a person is unable of alcohol addiction if a woman drinks more than seven
to control his or her substance use, drinks a week or three drinks at a time. For men, the level is
14 drinks per week, or four per occasion.9 The American
despite the harm that results.8
Psychological Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
Chronic and relapsing mean that the of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM‐IV/DSM‐
addiction is never “cured,” and that IV‐TR) gives the definitions of substance abuse and
substance use may persist or dependence found on the following page.
reappear over the course of an
individual’s life.
2
Implications for Child Welfare/ Examples of Risk
Alcohol and Drug Use Continuum
to Children
Use of alcohol or drugs to socialize and feel effects; use Use during pregnancy can harm the fetus
may not appear abusive and may not lead to Use of prescription pain medication per the
dependence, however the circumstances under which a instructions from a prescribing physician can
parent uses can put children at risk of harm sometimes have unintended or unexpected effects—
a parent caring for children may find that he or she is
more drowsy than expected and cannot respond to
the needs of children in his or her care
Abuse of alcohol or drugs includes at least one of these Driving with children in the car while under the
factors in the last 12 months: influence
Children may be left in unsafe care—with an
Recurrent substance use resulting in failure to inappropriate caretaker or unattended—while
fulfill obligations at work, home or school parent is partying
Recurrent substance use in situations that are Parent may neglect or sporadically address the
physically hazardous children’s needs for regular meals, clothing, and
Recurrent substance‐related legal problems cleanliness
Continued substance use despite having Even when the parent is in the home, the parent’s
persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal use may leave children unsupervised
problems caused by or exacerbated by the Behavior toward children may be inconsistent, such
substance as a pattern of violence then remorse
Dependence, also referred to as addiction, is a pattern Despite a clear danger to children, the parent may
of use that results in three or more of the following engage in addiction‐related behaviors, such as
symptoms in a 12 month period: leaving children unattended while seeking drugs
Funds are used to buy alcohol or other drugs, while
Tolerance—needing more of the drug or alcohol other necessities, such as buying food, are neglected
to get “high”
A parent may not be able to think logically or make
Withdrawal—physical symptoms when alcohol or rational decisions regarding children’s needs or care
other drugs are not used, such as tremors,
nausea, sweating, and shakiness A parent may not be able to prioritize children’s
needs over his or her own need for the substance
Substance is taken in larger amounts and over a
longer period than intended
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut
down or control substance use
A great deal of time is spent in activities related to
obtaining the substance, use of the substance or
recovering from its effects
Important social, occupational, or recreational
activities are given up or reduced because of
substance use
Substance use is continued despite knowledge of
persistent or recurrent physical or psychological
problems caused or exacerbated by the substance
The American Psychological Association, Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text
Revision (DSM‐IV/DSM‐IV‐TR)
3
4
Historically, substance abuse treatment has been These activities should occur during the
geared toward men, and fewer women had access investigation phase and when working with the
to substance abuse treatment services. However, family:
in recent years additional emphasis and funding
In‐home examination for alcohol or drug
have begun to address women’s treatment needs.
involvement, and
Gender‐specific treatment is becoming more
available to women with substance abuse or Screening the parent or caretaker for alcohol
substance dependence. and drug use or abuse.
Co-occurring substance abuse In-home examination
and dependence and mental
illness By observing the environment and persons in the
home, important indicators of alcohol or drug use
The co‐occurrence of substance abuse and may become apparent. Check for the following
substance dependence with mental illness is indicators of alcohol and drug involvement as part
estimated to affect between seven and 10 million of every child welfare worker’s on‐site
adults each year.14 In individuals with these co‐ investigation.16
occurring disorders it is not uncommon for one
disorder to go unrecognized. These individuals A report of substance use is included in the
often do not realize they need services or child protective services call or report
minimize the existence of their disorders. When
Paraphernalia is found in the home (syringe
they do come to the attention of service
kit, pipes, charred spoon, foils, large number
providers, symptoms of one disorder may mask
of liquor or beer bottles, etc.)
the symptoms of the other. Service providers may
not realize that what appears to be a mental The home or the parent may smell of
health disorder may be the product of substance alcohol, marijuana, or drugs
abuse and visa versa.15 Child welfare workers
A child reports alcohol and or other drug use
should be aware of the prevalence and complexity
by parent(s) or other adults in the home
of co‐occurring substance abuse and dependence
and mental illness. A parent appears to be actively under the
influence of alcohol or drugs (slurred
Determining an alcohol or drug speech, inability to mentally focus, physical
connection to child welfare balance is affected, extremely lethargic or
hyperactive, etc.)
How can a child welfare worker tell whether or
A parent shows signs of addiction (needle
not substance abuse is a factor in abuse or
tracks, skin abscesses, burns on inside of
neglect? Every emergency response by a
lips, etc.)
protective services or child welfare worker should
consider alcohol or drug involvement as part of A parent admits to substance use
the child protective services investigation. If
A parent shows or reports experiencing
alcohol or drug abuse is indicated, addressing the
physical effects of addiction or being under
substance abuse issues should be part of the child
the influence, including withdrawal (nausea,
welfare case plan. Child welfare workers should
euphoria, slowed thinking, hallucinations, or
use two processes to gather information regarding
other symptoms)
child safety and future potential risk of harm.
5
In addition, workers should observe persons who Ask the CAGE questions (amended for drug use).
frequent the home since actions of a parent’s
C – Have you ever felt the need to cut down on
friends or associates can be indicators of your drinking or drug use?
behaviors and practices. A – Have you ever felt annoyed by people
criticizing your drinking or drug use?
G – Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your
The most important questions to ask are, “How drinking or drug use?
does drinking affect the person’s ability to E – Have you ever had a drink or used a drug
make sound judgments regarding the welfare first thing in the morning to steady your
of the child?” and ”What behaviors are nerves or get rid of a hangover (eye‐
resulting or have resulted from the parent’s opener)?
alcohol use that may put the child at risk?” Scoring: If the answer is “yes” to one or more
questions, the parent should receive a formal alcohol
and drug assessment. “Yes” to one or two questions
may indicate alcohol and drug‐related problems. “Yes”
Screening the parent for alcohol to three or four questions may indicate alcohol or drug
and drug involvement dependence.
Alcohol and drug use often are under‐recognized The CAGE can be obtained through a number of
as a factor in child welfare cases. Most studies Internet sites or by accessing the original American
indicate that between one‐third and two‐thirds of Journal of Psychiatry article—Mayfield, D., McLeod, G.,
substantiated child abuse and neglect reports Hall P. The CAGE questionnaire: validations of a new
alcoholism screening instrument. Am J Psychiatry
involve substance abuse, and that nationally, at 1974; 131: 1121‐1123.
least 50% of substantiated cases of child abuse
and neglect involve parental substance abuse.17
Another screen that may be used is the UNCOPE.
Best practices dictate that child welfare workers
should always ask parents and adult caretakers Ask the UNCOPE questions
about their substance use to screen for alcohol U – Have you continued to use alcohol or drugs
and drug abuse. Substance abuse screening alone longer than you intended? Or, Have you spent
is never diagnostic, but screening can indicate more time drinking or using than you
intended?
whether a comprehensive assessment or
N – Have you ever neglected some of your usual
evaluation is needed. responsibilities because of alcohol or drug
use?
Screens should be brief and should include C – Have you ever wanted to stop using alcohol or
questions about unintended use and/or desire to drugs but couldn’t? (cut down)
end use, as well as some question regarding O – Has your family, a friend, or anyone else ever
consequences of use or concerns about such told you they objected to your alcohol or drug
use?
consequences.
P – Have you ever found yourself preoccupied
with wanting to use alcohol or drugs? Or,
One well‐known screening tool available for child Have you frequently found yourself thinking
welfare worker use is the four‐question CAGE. about a drink or getting high?
E – Have you ever used alcohol or drugs to relieve
These are quick screens that should be used in emotional discomfort, such as sadness, anger,
or boredom?
conjunction with other information and Scoring: Two or more positive responses indicate possible
observations. Answering “no” to all questions on abuse or dependence and need for further assessment.
either the CAGE or the UNCOPE does not rule out The UNCOPE can be obtained from Evince Clinical
Assessments at
the possibility of an alcohol or drug‐related http://www.evinceassessment.com/UNCOPE_for_web.pdf.
problem.
6
7
3. The child should be assessed by a qualified Some children strive to be perfect. Others become
professional for the impact of parental use and family caretakers by assuming responsibility for
for the possibility of his or her own use of other siblings and by “parenting” their parents.
alcohol or drugs. Treatment or counseling Emotionally and developmentally, an abused or
needs also should be addressed in the case neglected child of parents with substance use
plan. 23 disorders is likely to develop issues with trust,
attachment, self‐esteem, and autonomy.
Impact of parents’ substance
abuse on children 24 25 26 If a mother used substances during pregnancy, the
child could be affected in a variety of ways,
In some families involved with the child welfare depending on the type of substance used, the
system, children themselves have alcohol and amount used, and the stage of pregnancy during
drug issues. In cases in which a child has begun to which the substance use occurred.
experiment with alcohol or drugs, the child
welfare worker should ensure that the child is The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
assessed and if indicated, receives treatment. 27 28 (CAPTA) requires States to refer children under
the age of three who are involved in a
However, whether or not children in the family substantiated case of child abuse and neglect to
use substances, parental alcohol or drug use has receive early intervention services. These services
significant impact. Children from homes are funded under Part C of the Individuals with
characterized by parental substance abuse often Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 34
experience considerable chaos and an
unpredictable home life. They may receive For the reasons stated, it is important for the child
inconsistent, emotional responses and welfare worker to ensure that such children are
inconsistent care from substance‐using adults. evaluated and treated for the impact of parental
Issues of abandonment and emotional alcohol or drug abuse. If a child has been placed in
unavailability are themes one finds in children of foster care, the child welfare worker can promote
substance‐abusing parents. The parental alcohol better foster‐parenting if the foster parents are
or drug use may be treated as a family secret; cognizant of the specific issues and needs of the
children may feel guilt, shame, and self‐blame. child, and if the foster parents have received
specialized training in working with children from
The Children’s Program Kit: Supportive families in which parents abuse alcohol or drugs.
Education for Children of Addicted
Parents How to talk to children about
This helpful resource is a multimedia parental substance use
education kit geared towards substance The child welfare worker’s role may include
abuse treatment staff, community groups, talking with a child about his or her parent’s
and schools. It can be obtained through the substance use. Equally important, the child
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug welfare worker can help a foster parent or
Information at (800) 729‐6686 or kinship‐care provider talk with the children in
http://www.ncadi.samhsa.gov. their care about the parents’ substance use or
2930313233 dependence. Case workers and caregivers can
provide support and discuss a number of issues
Children respond in different ways to their
with children:
parental substance abuse. Teachers and others
may see a child as withdrawn and shy. Conversely,
a child may be explosive and express rage.
8
I didn't Cause it. abusing individuals.
I can't Cure it.
Those in a co‐dependent role may assume
I can't Control it. responsibility for the alcohol and drug use by the
other family member. Children may think that if
I can Care for myself
they made better grades, were not naughty, or
By Communicating my feelings, were better children, their parent would not use.
Similarly, spouses may attempt to control the
Making healthy Choices, and
environment to prevent their partner from alcohol
By Celebrating myself. or drug abuse, and may believe it is their fault if a
spouse or partner drinks or uses drugs. The
Source: National Association for Children of
Alcoholics, on‐line at http://www.nacoa.org
substance‐abusing parent may reinforce this
flawed thinking and blame the non‐using parent.
9
A co‐dependent parent often has a family history
of substance abuse by one or more parent or
relative. As a result of the intergenerational
nature of the disease of addiction, children in the
family are more likely to continue the cycle by
becoming co‐dependent or alcohol or drug
dependent themselves.
It is important for non‐using parents to receive
support and counseling about ways to make
healthy and safe choices for themselves and their
children. A goal for a non‐substance using parent
is to accept that he or she cannot change a spouse
or partner’s addiction. A non substance‐using
parent only can effect change in his or her own life
and can take action to enhance the safety and
well‐being of their children. When co‐dependency
is an issue, it should be addressed in the child
welfare case plan. At the end of this document,
several self‐help resources are presented for
family members of individuals who abuse alcohol
or drugs.
10
Substance Abuse
Assessment and treatment planning
Treatment: Developing and
Implementing a Plan for Prescription of certain drugs, such as
antabuse for alcohol dependence, or
Management of a Lifelong methadone and buprenephrine for heroin
Disease addiction
This section provides an overview of substance Crisis intervention
abuse treatment. It presents treatment principles
Case management to coordinate among the
and special treatment considerations. Most
treatment provider, child welfare agency,
important, the difference between treatment and
and other services needed
recovery is discussed.
Individual and group counseling and
psychotherapy
Detoxification is a process of treating Alcohol and drug abuse recovery education
individuals who are physically dependent on
alcohol or drugs, and includes the period of Medical assessment and care
time during which the body’s physiology is Acupuncture, diet, physical exercise, and
adjusting to the cessation of substance use. other nontraditional services
In some cases detoxification may be a
medical necessity; untreated withdrawal Self‐help groups or 12‐step programs, such
may be medically dangerous or even fatal. as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics
Anonymous (NA)
Source: TIP 19: Detoxification From Alcohol and Trauma‐specific services and mental health
Other Drugs. DHHS Publication No. (SMA) 95‐ services
3046 available through the National
Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information Other specialized services also may be needed as
at (800) 729‐6686 or part of a comprehensive treatment plan,
http://www.ncadi.samhsa.gov depending on a child’s or parent’s other medical or
psychological needs. Specialized services may
address domestic violence, mental illness,
childhood trauma, multi‐drug use, HIV/AIDS, or
What is treatment? other issues linked to the parent’s substance
A number of alcohol and drug treatment models abuse.
are used successfully; treatment can include a
variety of services and activities. Levels of The duration of treatment can range from weeks
treatment can range from outpatient, day or months to years. The type, length, and intensity
treatment, and short‐ and long‐term residential of treatment are determined by the severity of the
programs, to inpatient hospital‐based programs. addiction, type of drugs used, support systems
Prior to beginning treatment, some individuals available, personality, and other behavioral,
require detoxification and stabilization. physical, or social problems of the addicted
person. It is important to think about treatment as
Other individuals may need outreach services to management of a lifelong disease such as diabetes
help overcome barriers to treatment. Treatment or high blood pressure, rather than crisis
may involve a single service or a combination of intervention such as emergency treatment for a
therapies and services. A partial list of treatment broken leg.
services includes:
11
The treatment plan should be developed based on
information gathered in the substance abuse National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Treatment Principles (excerpt)—NIDA has
assessment process.
developed 13 research‐based treatment principles
that are important to the recovery process. An
Matching substance‐abusing parents to treatment abbreviated list is included here. For a complete
involves matching the severity of substance use to listing in English or Spanish, please access
intensity of service.39 Among the issues to http://www.nida.nih.gov/podat/PODATIndex.html
consider are the following:
No single treatment is appropriate for all
individuals. Treatment and services should
Acute intoxication and/or withdrawal be matched to the person’s problems and
potential—What risk does the parent’s level of needs.
intoxication or withdrawal present? Treatment needs to be readily available.
Parents and children who need treatment
Biomedical conditions and complications—
need it now.
Does the parent have illnesses or chronic
Effective treatment attends to multiple
conditions that affect treatment?
needs of the individual, not just his or her
drug use. Medical, psychological, social,
Emotional/behavioral conditions and
vocational, and legal problems must be
complications—Does the parent have
addressed, in addition to substance
psychological or other problems that need
addiction.
specific mental health services?
Remaining in treatment for an adequate
Treatment acceptance/resistance—Does the period of time is critical for treatment
effectiveness. A child welfare worker can
parent object to treatment or disagree with help prevent a parent from leaving treatment
the substance abuse diagnosis? If the parent prematurely.
agrees to treatment, is the compliance to Treatment does not need to be voluntary to
avoid a negative consequence, or is the parent be effective. Court‐ordered treatment, an
internally motivated to address their alcohol or employment mandate, or family insistence
can increase treatment entry, retention, and
drug problems? success.
Relapse/continued use potential—How aware is Possible drug use during treatment must be
the parent of relapse triggers and what skills monitored continuously. Monitoring can
does he or she have to cope with cravings or life help reduce the desire to use and provide
early warning of use if a slip or relapse
stresses and the impulse to use? occurs.
Recovery environment—Does the parent have Treatment programs should provide
family relationships and friendships that assessment for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C,
support treatment and recovery? Conversely, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases,
and counseling to help patients modify or
are there family members, significant others, change behaviors that place them or others
relationships, or living situations that may
at risk of infection. Counseling can help
sabotage or threaten treatment engagement parents avoid high‐risk behavior and help
and success? those who are already infected manage their
illness.
Recovery from drug addiction can be a long‐
term process and frequently requires
multiple episodes of treatment. Relapses
often occur during or after successful
treatment episodes. Relapse prevention
plans, self‐help groups, and other supports
can help minimize relapse and support
abstinence.
12
13
A continuing relationship with the treatment The child welfare and alcohol and drug services
provider, particularly for women, is important programs may need to collaborate on
in the recovery process.
transportation, visitation with children and other
Research shows women receive the greatest issues related to distance. Last, for individuals
benefit from alcohol and drug treatment involved with the child welfare system, treatment
programs that provide comprehensive
services. must be family‐focused. Issues of
intergenerational substance abuse, family
When child welfare workers seek treatment for a relationships and dynamics, and parenting are
substance‐abusing mother, gender‐specific among concerns to be addressed.
components are important considerations. It may
be helpful to think in terms of a comprehensive How effective is treatment and
treatment model with the following three levels of recovery?
services for women with substance abuse: 47
1. Clinical treatment services: Outreach and Decades of research have demonstrated that
engagement, screening, detoxification, crisis treatment works. Studies of publicly supported
intervention, assessment, treatment planning, treatment programs show a savings of $7 or more
case management, substance abuse counseling in other societal costs for each dollar invested in
and education, trauma specific services,
medical care, mental health services, drug treatment.48 Studies indicate drug treatment
monitoring, and continuing care. reduces use by 40‐60% and significantly lowers
2. Clinical support services: Primary health care criminal activity. However, treatment must be
services, life skills, parenting and child available, accessible, and individualized. The
development education, family programs, importance of a holistic approach to treatment
educational remediation and support, effectiveness cannot be overemphasized. The
employment readiness services, linkages with parent must be matched to the appropriate
legal system and child welfare system, housing
support, advocacy, and recovery community treatment program in terms of intensity, duration,
support services. and treatment content. To improve effectiveness,
3. Community support services: The following, the parent must complete all or most of
when available in the community, support treatment.
long‐term recovery: Recovery management,
recovery community support services, housing It is not enough to treat only the addiction. For
services, family strengthening, child care, recovery to occur, the child welfare and alcohol
transportation, Temporary Assistance for
Needy Families (TANF) linkages, employer and drug services partnership must identify and
support services, vocational and academic treat other co‐occurring psychological, physical,
education services, and faith‐based and social problems. Similarly, it is important to
organization support. identify other issues to determine their impact on
substance use and to address these issues in
In addition to being gender‐specific, treatment treatment. For example, alcohol consumption may
should be culturally relevant. Roles, values, and result in aggression, but it may also result in
beliefs should be respected, and the treatment increased victimization. It is important to identify
milieu should be compatible, whenever possible. and work with either or both issues as they affect
For example, some cultures have healing practices parents and children involved with the child
and traditions that are important to families. welfare system.
The traditional healing practices may be important
tools in treatment and recovery. Effective An important role of the child welfare worker is to
treatment programs routinely examine and support treatment and to help reduce barriers to
remove potential barriers to treatment and that treatment. Even if a parent does not achieve
address language needs, when indicated. complete abstinence, substance abuse treatment
Treatment also must be geographically accessible.
14
can reduce the number and length of relapses, substance use, the child welfare worker should
lessen related problems such as crime and poor not shy away from talking about the substance
physical and mental health, minimize the impact abuse. An open, direct, and “matter‐of‐fact”
of parental substance use on children, and approach by the child welfare worker to address
improve individual and family functioning.49 the parent’s alcohol or drug use can be an
important step to facilitate motivation and entry
Self-help or 12-step groups in treatment.
One common addition to treatment is Social workers and other child welfare
participation in self‐help or 12‐step groups, such professionals can improve their skills by using
as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics techniques from a substance abuse treatment
Anonymous (NA). Some areas have Cocaine approach known as “brief interventions.” The goal
Anonymous and Crystal Meth Anonymous groups, of a brief intervention is to reduce the risk of
as well. Most alcohol or drug self‐help groups are alcohol and drug use by motivating a person to act
based on 12‐steps originally developed by AA, to change their substance use.
which begin: “I admit that I am powerless over my
addiction and that my life has become Substance abuse counselors may choose a brief
unmanageable.” The self‐help groups can intervention model to work with persons with
complement treatment and often are mild‐to‐moderate substance use. Brief
recommended during and after treatment. Self‐ interventions also have been used by treatment
help groups augment treatment but are not in and providers on an interim basis for those on
of themselves treatment. treatment waiting lists or to engage someone
needing specialized treatment.
Interventions for substance-
using, but non-addicted parents
Components of brief interventions—Six
Some parents involved with the child welfare components (using the acronym FRAMES) offer
system may abuse alcohol or drugs, but are not
techniques that may be helpful to child welfare
clinically diagnosed as
workers when involved with substance abusing
Every contact dependent. Alcohol and parents.
between the child drug use without
dependence still can lead F—Feedback regarding the parent’s impairment or
welfare worker
to serious concerns about risk behavior
and parent is an
opportunity for parenting and the safety R—Responsibility
for change is the parent’s
intervention. and welfare of children. A—Advise
on possibilities for change
Because treatment may
M—Menu
of treatment and self‐help alternatives
be indicated, it is important to address effective
interactions between the child welfare worker and is offered to the parent
parent under these circumstances. E—Empathic
and non‐blaming style is used by the
social worker
Conversation about the reality of substance abuse S—Self‐efficacy or positive empowerment is
and the connection to child safety should be facilitated in the parent
initiated regularly and routinely by the child For more information on FRAMES and other brief intervention
welfare worker. Initiating and continuing the
techniques, see TIP 34 Brief Interventions and Brief Therapies for
dialogue about alcohol and drug abuse is Substance Abuse available through the National Clearinghouse for
Alcohol and Drug Information at http://www.ncadi.samhsa.gov.
important. Even if the parent or family is
uncomfortable or attempts to minimize the
15
17
Parent’s Stages of Change Motivational Tasks for Child Welfare Worker
Motivational interviewing is a practice technique used by many alcohol and drug services professionals.
Motivational interviewing assumes that people are comfortable with their drug‐related behaviors and
that those behaviors serve some functional purpose in their lives. Part of this technique includes
exploring what they see as the positive and negative aspects of their drug‐related behaviors. The goal of
motivational interviewing is to help parents to develop self‐motivational positions to change their use
and related behaviors.
Child welfare workers Motivational interviewing is a technique in which the clinician becomes a
can use motivational helper in the change process and expresses acceptance of the individual
interviewing as a he or she is working with. The role of the clinician in Motivational
strategy to help parents Interviewing is directive, with a goal of eliciting self‐motivational
improve their self‐ statements and behavioral change. The five general principles to be
esteem and feelings of practiced by a clinician using motivational interviewing include:
competence. It is critical Express empathy through reflective listening.
that a parent feel he or Develop discrepancy between clients’ goals or values and their
she has the ability to current behavior.
change. Avoid argument and direct confrontation.
Adjust to client resistance rather than opposing it directly.
Support self‐efficacy and optimism.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1999). Enhancing Motivation for
Change in Substance Abuse Treatment. Publication No. SMA 02‐3629. Rockville MD:
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration.
18
19
20
Helping develop aftercare step‐down services also The freedom and stability of recovery are benefits
is a valuable support that the child welfare worker that persons in recovery have identified as
can facilitate to help sustain recovery. important. Helping a parent understand how his
or her life is better is an important support for
If children have been removed from the home, a recovery. Many recovering individuals also talk
mother’s regular and frequent visitation with her about a new appreciation of everyday tasks, such
children and planning for their return are factors as reading a story with their child, having a family
that can motivate continued abstinence. However, meal together, or going to a park with their
some treatment programs prohibit visitations children.
during early stages of treatment. Restricted
visitation between a mother and her children by
the treatment program creates a conflict with the
child welfare expectation of frequent parent‐child
visits as part of the reunification plan. Child
visitation should be addressed by child welfare
and substance abuse treatment providers in the
development of a collaborative case plan. Rather
than a blanket rule regarding visitation between
parent and child, it may be more appropriate to
look at the factors affecting a specific case to
make an individual determination.
21
22
Parenting issues tend to be a significant factor in Many areas have local directories available
recovery, particularly in women’s treatment. through organizations such as the United
When the substance abuse counselor works in Way, a service agency, or county government.
concert with the child welfare worker, the Find out: Are women’s treatment programs
motivation for change and treatment available? What intensity of treatment is
effectiveness may be enhanced. Parenting skills offered—day treatment, residential, a
and child safety in the family are areas in which therapeutic community? Are children’s
the child welfare worker has expertise that may services also on‐site?
be useful in development of the treatment plan.
Establish relationships. Look for what you
In addition, the child welfare worker can play an
have in common, not just the areas that
important role in educating the substance abuse
divide you. Learn about the treatment
treatment provider, and reminding parents in
program’s philosophy, the goals of treatment,
treatment, about the Adoption and Safe Families
and the services provided. What are the child
Act timelines and case plan requirements where
welfare and alcohol and drug services
failure to comply could lead to termination of
agencies each trying to accomplish? Where is
parental rights.
the common ground between the two
systems?
How do I partner with my
substance abuse colleagues? Understand and value substance abuse
counselors and the contributions each of you
Research on effective collaborations provides a makes to the community. What roles do child
series of principles that can serve as a guide for welfare and substance abuse professionals
developing partnerships to improve services to play in the community? It is important for
vulnerable children and families: child welfare workers to be open and
Mutual respect, understanding, and trust; communicative about the child welfare
agency, and to respect and try to understand
Open and frequent communication; your alcohol and drug services partner’s
Partners see collaboration in their interest; framework. Conversely, it is important for
substance abuse counselors to be open and
A mutual sense of ownership; communicative about the substance abuse
Formal and informal communication; and treatment program, and to respect and try to
understand the child welfare framework.
Concrete, attainable goals and objectives. 58, 59 Most importantly, how can the child welfare
Steps child welfare workers can take toward worker and substance abuse counselor work
collaborating with substance abuse treatment together to do a better job? Openness and
providers include: communication are building blocks for trust.
Understand that different values do not Acknowledge and learn about each other’s
preclude collaboration or the development of boundaries. Workers in all systems work
joint goals for systems or for individual cases. within boundaries and parameters. Generally,
the parameters and current practice are
Learn about your potential partner. Locate or intended to enhance ethical and effective
create an inventory of treatment programs. services. Sometimes system and practice
You can start with the Substance Abuse and requirements are perceived as barriers by
Mental Health Services Administration those in other agencies. Workers need to look
treatment locator website at for ways to improve communication.
http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov.
23
Both child welfare and alcohol and drug being disclosed. It must explain that
services workers improve their ability to redisclosure is prohibited unless expressly
navigate each others systems when they permitted in the signed consent. Child welfare
begin to understand and accept the workers and child welfare agencies should use
limitations, parameters, issues, and practices consent forms designed or approved by the
of their partner. alcohol and drug services provider. Different
consent forms are used to release alcohol and
Ask your supervisor for help. Your supervisor
drug treatment information to courts, with
may know if cross‐training is available
the primary difference being that the criminal
between child welfare and substance abuse
justice form does not permit revocation,
agencies, or if inter‐agency agreements exist
unlike the consent to release information to
between the two systems. To be most
the child welfare agency which permits
effective, collaboration should occur at all
revocation of consent at any time. A court
levels of your organization, not just at the
order or consent is required even when a
level of direct services. However, even if the
parent is mandated into assessment or
child welfare and alcohol and drug services
treatment. “Confidentiality of Alcohol and
agencies lack a formal memorandum of
Drug Abuse Patient Records” requirements
agreement, partnerships can be created
are found in Volume 42 of the Code of Federal
between service units and between workers
Regulations, Part 2 (42 C.F.R. Part 2). The
in the two systems.
Health Insurance Portability and
Identify specific areas for collaboration. Accountability Act (HIPAA) also protects use
When you are ready to collaborate, define the and disclosure of certain health information
subset of tasks and responsibilities in each through national standards available at
area, and determine who will be responsible http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa.
for each task. The result is a roadmap of
shared responsibility, ownership, and Cycle of addiction—The collaboration should
outcomes for a family served by both ensure that child welfare workers have an
agencies. understanding of the nature and progression
of the disease of addiction.
What issues and services should Relapse is an opportunity for intervention
be included in the collaboration? and may be part of enhancing recovery—
When child welfare workers share this
This section has three parts:
understanding of relapse, they can work with
1. What information about substance abuse their alcohol and drug services partner and
treatment will help a child welfare worker parents to create plans to address child
work with families? What do I need to learn safety.
from the treatment counselor?
Longer time in recovery is positive—
Confidentiality—Treatment for alcohol and Successful treatment outcomes are related to
drug abuse is the only client counseling area length of time in treatment. Therefore, it is
governed by Federal confidentiality important to connect a person in need of
regulations (as opposed to State laws). treatment to a treatment program as soon as
Alcohol and drug services programs use possible. This is especially important for
consent forms specifically designed to individuals involved with the child welfare
incorporate Federal requirements. The form system due to the timelines of the Adoption
must address the purpose of disclosure and and Safe Families Act.
how much and what types of information are
24
2. What information about child welfare will Share permanency plans. What is the
help substance abuse counselors work with permanency goal for the child? Is there a goal
parents in treatment? Or, what does the of reunification? What is the optimum parent‐
treatment counselor need to learn from me? child visitation schedule? Is there a concurrent
Understanding and navigating through the child plan? Discussing permanency, concurrent
welfare system is a challenge even to those who planning (if applicable) and how the parent’s
work within it. For those outside the system, it is progress will be determined in the case plan is
even more difficult to understand. The rules are important to the child welfare‐alcohol and
neither intuitive nor obvious. Child welfare drug services partnership; it impacts the child
workers can help demystify the child welfare welfare case plan and the alcohol and drug
system. services treatment plan.
3. What specific areas should be included in the
Explain the role of a child welfare worker. collaboration?
Help the substance abuse counselor The partnership between a child welfare worker
understand that child welfare actions are and substance abuse counselor works best when
driven by a priority for immediate child safety, both parties share mutual ownership. Both
the need to prevent future risk, and that professionals have resources they can bring to
safety and risk must be assessed throughout bear on a family’s needs. Areas to consider for
the period that the case is active. child welfare‐substance abuse treatment
collaboration include:
Help the substance abuse services provider
understand your timelines under the
Adoption and Safe Families Act. The substance In‐depth assessment of parents’ and
abuse counselor should be aware of the children’s needs, including a substance abuse
applicable Adoption and Safe Families Act assessment.
rules and court processes and how they affect Services to be provided if there is a waiting
the child welfare case plan. list for treatment. For example, regular and
Share specific child welfare parameters for frequent contact with the parent, brief
each case receiving alcohol and drug services. interventions with the parent, or other
For example, is this an in‐home case or has strategies while the parent waits for the
the child been removed from the home? Have desired level of treatment to become
one or more children been removed, while available should be designed and arranged.
one or more children remain in the home? Is Case planning.
it a voluntary case or is the court involved?
Integration of case plans or a joint
What are the court dates and case plan
treatment/child welfare case plan.
requirements? Explaining the child(ren)’s
placement and the voluntary or involuntary Engagement of parent and retention in
nature of the case can also be used by the treatment.
substance abuse counselor to facilitate
Identification and inclusion of other potential
treatment.
partners and needed services, such as:
Explain the development of court reports, income support, mental health, domestic
including the types of information needed to violence services, childcare, employment
show progress on the child welfare case plan, training, health care, and housing programs.
hearings schedule and procedures, and
Child visitation.
importance of including information regarding
the parent’s treatment and recovery progress.
25
Supportive or counseling services for the
An important rule of
child, including services for the child’s alcohol
or drug experimentation or use. collaboration—Make the
commitment to stay at the
Coordinate case management. table, and continue to talk.
Treatment monitoring and recovery progress.
Joint system of follow‐up with parents who Believe in the value of the work you do every
miss treatment appointments or drop out of day.
treatment. See your community as a place of abundance
Deciding how to handle slips and relapses. rather than scarcity.
Collaborative intervention by the child welfare Recognize that the needs of children and
and alcohol and drug services agencies to re‐ families in your community are greater than
engage a parent in treatment and reassess one organization can meet.
child safety. Focus on child and family needs rather than
Ongoing assessment of child safety and risk on organizational needs.
of harm. Understand the strength of what you have in
common with collaborators.
How to increase the chance of a
Value diversity and synergy; there is often
successful collaboration another way that is more effective than my
Collaborations can be like families—there are way or your way.
times when everyone gets along and everything Reject the notions of turf and territory.
works smoothly; there are other times when there Remember, you are standing on common
are disagreements and unclear communications. ground.
Child welfare and alcohol and drug services
professionals generally are passionate and In collaborations personalities matter. Important
committed; emotions may be strong and feelings qualities include: flexibility, openness, patience,
may run high. You will disagree about some interpersonal sensitivity, the willingness to extend
things. Collaborations and partnerships can trust, and the willingness to do things in a new
weather these times. A key ingredient for way.61 Our most vulnerable children and families
continued collaboration is communication. will benefit when you bring these traits to your
child welfare‐substance abuse partnership.
You can foster a culture of collaboration. One
expert has identified seven rules of successful
collaboration that can be tailored to a child
welfare‐substance abuse partnership.60 These
rules are simple, but not always easy to carry out.
26
27
28
29
Endnotes
11 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
th
(2000). 10 Special Report to the U.S. Congress
1 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Alcohol and Health [Electronic version].
(2004). Child Maltreatment 2002. Washington, http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/
DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. 10report/chap02.pdf., p. 136‐137.
30
19 National Institute on Drug Abuse (2002). 28 Colorado Drug Endangered Children, Inc.,
Research Report Series: Methamphetamine http://www.colodec.org.
Abuse and Addiction,
http://www.drugabuse.gov/Research Reports/ 29 Drug Endangered Children (2000). Drug
Methamph/methamph2.html Endangered Children Health and Safety Manual.
(Previously available from the Drug Endangered
20 National Institute on Drug Abuse Info Facts (June, Children Resource Center, 14622 Victory Blvd.,
2004). http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofax/ Van Nuys, CA 91411).
methamphetamine.html
30 Irvine, G.D. & Chin, L. (1997). The Environmental
21 National Institute on Drug Abuse (2002). Impact and Adverse Health Effects of the
Research Report Series: Methamphetamine Clandestine Manufacture of Methamphetamine.
Abuse and Addiction, Substance Use and Misuse, 32 (12 & 13), 1811‐
http://www.drugabuse.gov/Research 1812.
Reports/Methamph/methamph2.html
31 National Institute on Drug Abuse, Research
22 Office of National Drug Control Policy (2003). Report Series (1998). Methamphetamine, Abuse
Drug Facts: Methamphetamine, and Addiction (NIH 98‐4210).
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/
drugfact/methamphetamine/index.html 32 Department of Justice Information Bulletin
(2002). Children at Risk (No. 2002‐L0424‐001).
23 The social and economic effects of the
methamphetamine epidemic on America’s child 33 Manning, T. (1999). Drug Labs and Endangered
welfare system. US Senate Committee on Children. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, 10‐14.
th
Finance, 109 Cong. (2006) (testimony of Nancy
K. Young).. 34 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(2008). Child Welfare Policy Manual. Retrieved
24 Hampton, R.L., Senatore, V., & Gullota, T.P. October 30, 2008 from
(1998). Substance Abuse, Family Violence, and http://www.acf.hhs.gov/j2ee/programs/cb/
Child Welfare: Bridging Perspectives. Sage laws_policies/laws/cwpm/policy_dsp.jsp?citID=3
Publications: Thousand Oaks, CA. 54
31
39 Mee‐Lee, D. (n.d.). Placement Criteria and 47 Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (2003).
Patient‐Treatment Matching. Retrieved CSAT’s Comprehensive Substance Abuse
September 24, 2003, Treatment Model for Women and their Children.
http://www.adoctorm.com/docs/match.htm Unpublished manuscript.
46 Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2005).
Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons With Co‐
Occurring Disorders. Treatment Improvement
Protocol (TIP) Series 42. DHHS Publication No.
(SMA) 05‐3922. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse
Mental Health Services Administration.
32
57 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(2000). Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons
with Child Abuse and Neglect Issues. DHHS
Publication No. SMA 00‐3357. Rockville MD:
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment,
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, p. 57.
58 Sussman, T. (2000, January). Interagency
Collaboration and Welfare Reform. Welfare
Information Network Issue Notes (4), 1.
59 Hogue, T. (n.d.). Community Based Collaboration:
Community Wellness Multiplied. Retrieved
December 5, 2003, from
http://crs.uvm.edu/nnco/collab/ wellness.html.
60 Sturm, P. (2000). The Seven Rules of Successful
Collaboration. Nonprofit World, 18, (2), p. 33‐36.
61 Hoel, J.L. (1998). Cross‐System Collaboration:
Tools that Work. Washington, D.C.: Child Welfare
League of America.
33
HHS Publication No. (SMA) 05-3981
Printed 2005