0555b664__Alcohol_and_Other_Drug_Issues__Program_Improvement_Plan__PIP_
[State] Nebraska Among all reasons identified for children coming to the attention of the child welfare agency, neglect (not including medical neglect) was cited in 13 (26%) cases, substance abuse by parents was cited in 8 (16%) cases. Primary reasons for opening a child welfare agency case included substance abuse by parent in� 2 cases (4%). In 23% of the applicable cases, reviewers determined that placement changes were not in the best interests of the child.� The numbers of children and youth with identified special needs, e.g. medical issues, substance abuse issues and psychiatric issues � with fewer foster care providers willing or able to care for these children over an extended time � and an identified lack of community-based resources (medical and mental health care, including substance abuse treatment) on a statewide basis. Many stakeholders commenting on this issue expressed the opinion that children�s health screenings are not thorough or comprehensive. A few stakeholders suggested that preventive health and dental services are not routinely provided and that children�s health and dental needs are addressed only if there is a problem. In one site, stakeholders reported that the county does not have sufficient specialized medical services, dentists who accept Medicaid, or substance abuse treatment services. Nebraska reorganized its departments, with a new Integrated Care Coordination Unit as an outgrowth of a grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). A rating of Area Needing Improvement includes administering a comprehensive health assessment at entry into foster care when there was a critical need for that assessment (e.g., there was suspected Fetal Alcohol Syndrome � 1 case).
The Best Practices to Implement ASFA training offered through the Children�s Bureau National Resource Centers Foster Care and Permanency Planning and Legal and Judicial Issues and Youth Development will be appropriately and effectively integrated with the Collaborative Case Practice priority training. This full day program includes discussion of substance abuse treatment for children in foster care.
A Review of Alcohol and Other Drug Issues
Program Improvement Plan (PIP)