0555b664__Alcohol_and_Other_Drug_Issues__Program_Improvement_Plan__PIP_
[State] Wisconsin Among all reasons identified for children coming to the attention of the child welfare agency, substance abuse by parents was cited in 18 cases (36%). Primary reasons for opening the child welfare agency case included substance abuse by parent in 7 cases (14%). Services provided to the families included, but were not limited to, intensive home family preservation service, in-home therapy, group therapy, counseling, psychiatric evaluations and treatment, medication management services, inpatient mental health services, day treatment mental health program, respite, parenting education, family education, educational assessments and advocacy for children, assistance with day care services, housing assistance, transportation, in-home Early Head Start, substance abuse assessment and treatment services, case management, home health nurse services, occupational/physical therapy, employment services, health services, domestic violence counseling, legal assistance, basic home management, supervised visitation, anger management, and family shelter care. The following barriers to achieving the goal of reunification were identified in the case reviews: (1) mother's failure to comply with services, (2) mother's inability to find adequate housing and employment, (3) child's desire to be adopted by foster parents rather than return home, (4) mother's relapse of substance abuse, and (5) the lack of desire of adoptive parents to take the child back following an adoption dissolution. In three of these cases, reviewers determined that the goal was not appropriate either because none of the parties involved wanted reunification or because the mothers had not exhibited progress in making the necessary changes. According to the Statewide Assessment, mental health and substance abuse services for children are not mandated by statute or DCFS policy, but are determined by individual caseworkers. Child and family assessments are expected to examine mental health and substance abuse as one component of a more comprehensive assessment. With use of the Wisconsin Model and WiSACWIS programs, these family assessments and results of evaluations are now being accurately recorded and tracked. Also, with increased wrap-around services in Milwaukee County and Statewide, agencies have increased their focus on the mental heath and substance abuse treatment needs of children in foster care. However, as noted in the Statewide Assessment, the ability to consent for mental health or substance abuse screens and treatment remains with the biological parent or guardian whether the child remains in the home or is in out-of-home care. Only in specific situations and with a court order may local agencies provide consent for mental health or substance abuse treatment. Stakeholders identified the following service gaps in the State: dental care providers who will accept Medical Assistance payments; mental health providers for children who will accept Medical Assistance payments; treatment and placement resources for children with behavior problems; prevention and early intervention programs; substance abuse treatment for adults and adolescents (inpatient and day programs); culturally appropriate services, including bilingual services for Spanish-speaking families; post-adoption services; housing options; and housing assistance for youth making the transition from foster care to independent living. Stakeholders also reported that almost all jurisdictions in the State experienced difficulties accessing some services. Stakeholders noted that many services have waiting lists, including prevention network services, parent services, and adult substance abuse and mental health.
Ensure that the impact of underlying issues (e.g., domestic violence and/or mental health and substance abuse problems of parents) on child safety is elevated in the initial or family assessment process and related staff training.
A Review of Alcohol and Other Drug Issues
Program Improvement Plan (PIP)