0555b664__Alcohol_and_Other_Drug_Issues__Program_Improvement_Plan__PIP_
[State] Idaho Among all reasons identified for children coming to the attention of the child welfare agency, substance abuse by parents was cited in 22 cases (44%). Primary reasons for opening a child welfare agency case included substance abuse by parent in 8 cases (16%) and child�s behavior (including substance abuse) in 2 cases (4%). Several stakeholders suggested that drug and alcohol abuse accounts for much of the maltreatment recurrence because substance abuse issues are not adequately assessed, parents have difficulty accessing substance abuse treatment, and some parents experience a relapse after completing treatment. Although there were many cases in which reviewers determined that CFS had made concerted efforts to prevent removal and reduce risk of harm, there were concerns about the needs and risk assessment processes. Reviewers identified a substantial percentage of cases in which the services provided to prevent removal and the efforts to reduce risk of harm were not adequate because there was either no assessment or the assessment conducted was insufficient. In some cases, it was observed that the assessment focused on the immediate crisis rather than on underlying causes, such as domestic violence and substance abuse. Because substance abuse, particularly methamphetamine abuse, was identified by stakeholders as a major concern in the State, it was suggested that failure to address substance abuse issues in the risk assessment process may result in children being left at home at high risk. Services provided to families to protect children in home and to prevent removal included, but were not limited to, mental health treatment for children and parents, assistance in finding housing, domestic violence services, food stamps, economic assistance (for rent payments, car repairs, dental care for child, etc.), daycare referrals, substance abuse treatment, assistance in finding employment, educational services for parents, parenting classes, counseling, random drug testing, mediation (for divorce issues), medical services, developmental services, anger management services, stress management, budgeting, mentoring, tutoring, and intensive in-home family preservation services. A key finding of most of the cases rated as an Area Needing Improvement in Ada County was that the agency provided the family with economic assistance but did not conduct any risk or safety assessments to determine if other services were needed to ensure the child�s safety. Although these cases were opened to provide economic assistance, reviewers determined that the history of the family, which usually involved multiple maltreatment reports and chronic problems (such as substance abuse or homelessness), was of sufficient concern to warrant assessment of service needs other than economic assistance. In one case, for example, the agency provided funds for a rent payment, but did not address the father�s substance abuse and domestic violence history. There was general agreement among stakeholders that the services available to prevent placement are not always readily available. Mental health, domestic violence, and substance abuse treatment services for adults were identified as being particularly difficult to access. Despite the case review findings, many stakeholders expressed the opinion that re-entry into foster care is a problem for the State. The identified reasons for re-entry included the lack of post-reunification supports, particularly in substance abuse cases where relapse may be an issue and parents relapsing on drug and alcohol use, particularly methamphetamine abuse. Stakeholders noted that when reunifications are delayed, the delay is generally due to serious substance abuse problems, families not accessing services, or a lack of services resulting in wait lists. Stakeholders identified some current and planned CFS efforts to address the issue of foster care re-entry. This included implementing a practice of extended trial home visits to keep CFS involved before transferring custody to the parent; expanding the use of Drug Courts throughout the State; and establishing a �return-home� procedure that involves gradually increasing the length of time that the child participates in a home visit. The State has in place an extensive array of basic services to address the needs of children and families to prevent removal and to facilitate a safe return to the family. While there are some concerns about availability of mental health and substance abuse treatment and services for both children and families, the array of services available is sufficient to address basic child welfare concerns. The Statewide Assessment advisory group identified a need for more substance abuse treatment. Stakeholders reported that housing is available to facilitate reunification, a substance abuse specialist is available, a master�s level clinician is available for mental health assessments, etc. However, service gaps were identified with respect to inpatient substance abuse treatment, foster homes for adolescents with behavioral problems, services for sex-offenders, and dental providers. In some counties, Stakeholders identified gaps in services for children who are dual diagnosed with substance abuse and mental health problems and substance abuse treatment services for adults and children, specifically inpatient programs.
Improve availability of substance abuse services which focus on relapse planning to prevent re-entry into foster care. Increase availability of substance abuse services which focus on substance abusing caregivers with children. Modify current substance abuse contracts to increase provider focus on substance abusing caregivers with children. Standardize the service array and function of CFS contracted substance abuse providers in each region. CFS contracted substance abuse providers in each region will assist with case specific relapse prevention planning to address the family�s need for an ongoing safety plan during and following reunification. Develop or adopt and implement training curriculum for agency workers on substance abuse and child welfare including relapse prevention planning.
A Review of Alcohol and Other Drug Issues
Program Improvement Plan (PIP)