This document addresses the importance and challenge of timely reunification of children and youth in foster care with their parents, especially considering that recovery from substance use disorders is a lifelong process; it provides a detailed list of actions that communities can provide, along with tools and examples of programs that support family reunification.
This document provides a detailed list of actions that communities can take in order to support the timely reunification of children and youth in foster care with their parents who are working to recover from substance use disorders (SUDs); it provides chart with tools and examples of programs that support family reunification. The document seeks to support family reunification and provide organizations with the resources they need to meet the requirements of the Adoption and safe Families Act (ASFA). Actions to promote and support family reunification include: early identification of the issues related to substance abuse; engaging recovery coaches; providing encouragement and frequent feedback to parents; inquiring about Family Treatment Drug Courts (FTDCs); ensuring that parents are set up for success; participating in the development of a safety plan in case of a relapse; celebrating families and equipping them with supports; learning about addiction and how it affects the whole family; considering attachment-based parent-child therapy and/or trauma-informed services; and collaborating widely and often. The document also provides details about Sobriety Treatment and Recovery Teams (START), and provides information on other selected resources, including Celebrating Families, Engaging Moms (EM), and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).