0555b664__Alcohol_and_Other_Drug_Issues__Program_Improvement_Plan__PIP_
[State] California Among all reasons identified for children coming to the attention of the child welfare agency, neglect (not including medical neglect) was cited in 30 (61%) cases, substance abuse by parents was cited in 19 (39%) cases. Primary reasons for opening a child welfare agency case included substance abuse by parent in 8 cases (16%). In addition to home-based services, parent education and support, home visiting, childcare, family group conferencing, substance abuse treatment and wraparound services are provided to families to help prevent the need for out-of-home placement. Los Angeles County�s Statewide Assessment revealed that 70% of its funding is allocated for prevention case management through in-home outreach, with substance abuse treatment indicated as one intervention. Based on a survey of 45 child welfare agencies and 37 juvenile probation departments, nearly every respondent reported countywide substance abuse testing for minors and parents, with no waiting lists, yet waiting lists were reported in some areas for substance abuse treatment. Stakeholders identified that substance abuse treatment facilities where parents can bring their young children was a service gap. The case record review found that for the item services to family to protect children in home and prevent removal, 80% of the cases provided services to prevent an initial removal, including alcohol and drug testing and treatment.
PIP mentioned that they would be seeking technical assistance from the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare for expert consultation on how to effect change in parents and youth who have substance abuse problems in a timely way so that timeframes for permanency are met.
A Review of Alcohol and Other Drug Issues
Program Improvement Plan (PIP)