0555b664__Alcohol_and_Other_Drug_Issues__Program_Improvement_Plan__PIP_
[State] South Carolina Among all reasons identified for children coming to the attention of the child welfare agency, substance abuse by parents was cited in 12 cases (24%). Primary reason for opening a child welfare agency case included substance abuse by parent in 2 cases (4%). Services provided to families to protect children in home and prevent removal included, but were not limited to, housing services, intensive home-based family preservation services, medication monitoring for children and parents, mental health services (including family therapy), counseling, parenting classes, caseworker monitoring, sexual abuse counseling, supervised visitation with perpetrators, transportation services, domestic violence counseling, anger management services, substance abuse treatment services, assistance in acquiring basic living skills (for a mildly retarded mother), respite day care, and services to address developmental disabilities (for children and parents). Marion County stakeholders indicated that 20 hours of ongoing training are required for foster parents in that county. They noted that there is training on such topics as adolescent development, infant development, conflict resolution, and pre-natal exposure to alcohol or other drugs. Stakeholders in this county indicated that the training is well-received by the foster parents and is perceived as helpful in preparing them to work with children in their homes. The Statewide Assessment notes that services also are provided to DSS clients by other agencies through referrals for services. These referred services include mental health, family preservation, substance abuse, and health screenings. Seven licensed child-placing agencies provide adoption services, and IV-B funds provide post-adoption and respite services. The Statewide Assessment also notes that the needs and gaps in services include foster parent respite and substance abuse treatment. Stakeholders commenting on the issue of service array during the onsite review identified both positive services and service gaps. The identified positive services included the County Commission on alcohol and drugs providing substance abuse counseling and referrals services (Marion County) and Inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment. Several stakeholders noted that there is lack of services due to budget cuts. Service gaps included Substance abuse treatment services. Stakeholders commented that there are a variety of services that are not available in rural areas of the State. These include mental health services, dental services, and inpatient substance abuse services. State-level stakeholders reported that DSS has a stakeholders' advisory group that is involved in discussions of the CFSP, the Program Improvement Plan, and the Agency plan. The group includes youth, foster parents, Tribal representatives, representatives of the Foster Care Review Board, and representatives of the Office of Alcohol and Drug Treatment.
Conduct a needs assessment survey of existing support services and distribution to determine gaps in service array and accessibility/ distribution of services.� This is to include mental health services, physical health services, family violence, substance abuse, intensive in-home services, and out-of-home services.�
A Review of Alcohol and Other Drug Issues
Program Improvement Plan (PIP)