NCJ Number
228162
Date Published
July 2009
Length
114 pages
Annotation
Intended primarily for child-protective-services (CPS) caseworkers, this manual provides information on parental substance use disorder and its link to child maltreatment, so as to assist CPS caseworkers in identifying when drug and alcohol use by a parent/caregiver is a factor in child welfare cases and in addressing the needs of all family members.
Abstract
Following an introductory overview of the manual, a chapter addresses "The Nature of Substance Use Disorders" (SUDs). Following a description of the continuum of alcohol and drug use, the appropriate and inappropriate uses of substances are reviewed, along with the characteristics of addiction, why some people become addicted, the adverse consequences of SUDs, and co-occurring issues. A chapter then discusses "How Parental Substance Use Disorders Affect Children." This chapter advises that parental substance abuse and dependence have a negative impact on the physical and emotional well-being of children and can cause home environments to become chaotic and unpredictable, leading to child maltreatment. The chapter notes the impact of substance use on prenatal and childhood development. The next chapter provides guidance on the in-home examination, screening, and assessment of SUDs. An in-home examination includes observations by the CPS caseworkers of the family members and the home environment. Screening involves the use of a simple, usually brief, set of questions validated to show an accurate indication of a SUD. The goal of screening is to determine whether a family member requires further evaluation for SUDs. Sample screening instruments are provided. Remaining chapters focus on the treatment of SUDs, the role of CPS caseworkers when SUDs are identified, the similarities and differences between CPS caseworkers and SUD treatment providers, and the development of a collaborative system that works for families in which a parent/caregiver has a SUD. Appended supplementary information and sample items used in relevant casework