NCJ Number
206407
Journal
Spectrum: The Journal of State Government Volume: 72 Issue: 1 Dated: Winter 1999 Pages: 14-18
Date Published
1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article considers how the inter-related problems of family violence and alcohol and drug abuse are dealt with in the human service industry.
Abstract
Many service agencies come into contact with families and children affected by substance abuse, among them are the welfare system, the juvenile justice system, family violence agencies, and mental health agencies. Child welfare services also underscore the importance of schools, health agencies, law enforcement, and housing agencies in meeting the needs of children and families with substance abuse problems. The interrelated nature of the problems faced by families with drug and alcohol problems requires services from a variety of agencies outside of child welfare and drug treatment agencies. Alcohol and drug problems frequently overlap with issues of poverty, and States are beginning to seriously consider the effects of the 1996 welfare reform legislation on the well-being of children. Problems caused by the differing goals of child welfare agencies and income assistance agencies are considered. The juvenile justice system plays a prominent role in identifying and treating juveniles and families with drug and alcohol problems. The similarities and differences between the responses to family violence and alcohol and drug problems are enumerated; the differences between the approaches and the tendency for human service agencies to take a categorical approach to treatment services has meant that treatment for one problem generally completely ignores the other problem. The article reviews recent efforts to merge the two approaches so that family violence and drug and alcohol issues are addressed together; much more work is needed in this area. It is critical that as the child welfare system begins to handle both family violence as well as drug and alcohol problems that outcomes for children and families are well documented. As such, the first question for consideration will necessarily focus on what defines positive versus negative outcomes for this population.