0555b664__Alcohol_and_Other_Drug_Issues__Program_Improvement_Plan__PIP_
[State] Washington Among all reasons identified for children coming to the attention of the child welfare agency, substance abuse by parent was cited in 17 cases (34%). Primary reasons for opening a child welfare agency case included substance abuse by parent in 5 cases (10%). Services provided to the families included, but were not limited to, victim advocacy services, child abuse intervention services, individual and family counseling, day care, assistance in obtaining welfare and housing, medication management services, homemaker services, medical treatment and public health nurse services, anger management classes, parenting classes, summer camps, parent support groups, family preservation services, in-home parenting instruction services, in-home therapy, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence services, financial support, psychological evaluations, case management for medical services, behavioral therapy, and sexual abuse services. Stakeholders expressed the opinion that most reunifications take place very quickly, within 1 or 2 months of the child's entry into foster care. Stakeholders also reported that there is a lack of consistent effort to achieve reunification for children who remain in foster care for longer periods of time. In addition, some stakeholders voiced concern that it often takes longer than 12 months to address parental deficits, particularly if substance abuse is a major issue in the family. The State has critical gaps in its service array in the areas of mental health services and substance abuse treatment, and has an insufficient pool of foster homes. According to the Statewide Assessment, Washington has a broad array of services that are provided to children and families directly or through contracts and community organizations. These services include pre-placement preventive services including regular home visits, practical assistance with food and housing, child care, counseling, home support specialists, and coordinated efforts with public health nurses and substance abuse treatment. The Statewide Assessment indicates that the Children�s Administration service array includes reunification services such as mental health, home support, substance abuse treatment, child care, visitation, parenting classes, home-based services, family preservation and intensive family preservation. The Statewide Assessment also notes that although the Children�s Administration supports an array of services provided by State staff, contracted providers, and community organizations, there are critical gaps in service delivery and barriers to providing timely and appropriate services. For example, it is difficult to access mental health service for children and substance abuse treatment services for parents. Stakeholders commented favorably on the private sector services that are available for family preservation and support, independent living, and to support foster care and adoptive placement (e.g., visitation, respite and day care for foster parents, post-adoption subsidies). Stakeholders also indicated substance abuse assessments and out-patient treatment were accessible. Stakeholders identified the following service gaps in the State: mental health services for children and families; in-patient and long-term (more than 21 day) substance abuse services and substance abuse aftercare; foster homes, therapeutic foster homes, and adoptive resources.
Improve collaboration with community partners and Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (DASA) to improve access to chemical dependency services, mental health services and foster parent recruitment. Complete the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CA and DASA.�� In collaboration with courts and UA providers, assess the feasibility for UA�s to be completed at the courthouse. Collaborate with CIP Steering Committee regarding the development of additional Family Drug Courts. Additional substance abuse training will be provided to CA staff. Completion of an MOA with DASA to increase training for CA staff Develop improved substance abuse screening tools and access to services for CA clients Convene management focus groups to develop recommendations and strategies for kinship care, children aging out of the foster care system and drug and/or alcohol addicted parents who are receiving services from both Economic Services and Aging and Disability Administrations (ESA) and Children�s Administration (CA).
A Review of Alcohol and Other Drug Issues
Program Improvement Plan (PIP)