0555b664__Alcohol_and_Other_Drug_Issues__Program_Improvement_Plan__PIP_
[State] Louisiana Of the 50 cases reviewed, substance abuse by parent was cited as the primary reason for opening a child welfare agency case in 4 cases (8%). Services provided to the families included, but were not limited to: homemakers; parent aides; intensive in-home services, including in-home therapy; mental health assessments including psychological evaluations; mental health services including counseling, group therapy, and individual therapy; job counseling; concrete services such as provision of funds for utility bills, bus tokens, and household supplies; early childhood education services; parenting skills training and parenting education including teaching parents behavior modification techniques; recreation camps; family preservation services; housing services, substance abuse assessment and treatment services; medical services including home health nurses; and domestic violence services. Overall risk of harm to child was determined to be an area of strength, but was rated as needing of improvement in that OCS/DSS did not take the necessary measures to ensure that risk of harm was adequately addressed (3 cases). For example, in one case, a child was placed with a relative who was a known substance abuser. Regarding needs and services of child, parents, foster parents, most stakeholders commenting on this item expressed the opinion that OCS/DSS is effective in assessing service needs and providing services to children, parents, and foster parents, both initially and on an ongoing basis. A few stakeholders, however, reported that there are delays in accessing some services and that there is a scarcity of substance abuse treatment, mental health, and parenting education services. The Statewide Assessment notes that OCS/DSS has attempted to improve services to children and families through a number of efforts including a focus on substance abuse treatment services and on ensuring access to health services for children living in foster family homes The Statewide Assessment reports that adequate mental health and substance abuse services are not available in all Parishes.� Stakeholders identified accessibility concerns regarding inpatient substance abuse treatment and services for adults, youth, and families (parents with children) in some rural and urban settings:
Enhance clinical knowledge of staff pertaining to risk and safety screening of substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence. Develop Substance Abuse, Mental Health, and Domestic Violence curriculum in collaboration with community experts and/or national resource centers. Review and revise policy and training curriculums with the assistance of national resource centers to include screening of substance abuse, mental health issues, and domestic violence as they pertain to risk and safety of children in their own homes. Train staff on inclusion of Domestic Violence, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse issues in safety and risk assessment process. Evaluate staffs� increased knowledge through compliance with new policy and more comprehensive assessments. The agency will also explore the use of more community resources in order to support the parents and relatives, and specifically services to assist the parents who have substance abuse problems. Request additional funding to replicate successful substance abuse initiatives such as Project LA-Safe. In consultation with a National Resource Center, revise assessment process, case plan, and other relevant forms to include substance abuse and domestic violence.
A Review of Alcohol and Other Drug Issues
Program Improvement Plan (PIP)