0555b664__Alcohol_and_Other_Drug_Issues__Program_Improvement_Plan__PIP_
[State] New Mexico While the State has an array of services in place reviewers rated these as insufficient to meet the level of identified needs. Virtually every stakeholder, both internal and external to the State agency, reported erosion of the service array in recent years. Stakeholders attributed this phenomenon to the transition to managed care. Many of the identified needs, such as dental care, mental health services, domestic violence services, and substance abuse treatment require coordination with stakeholders and others outside the protective services division of NM CYFD. New Mexico is a State with a large rural population and isolation can be a barrier to the provision of certain services in some locations. Concern was also noted as to whether family preservation was an appropriate service for families with severe substance abuse issues who may need much more time and in-depth services. Stakeholders agreed that NM needs more resources, especially in the area of substance abuse. Some stakeholders indicated concerns regarding children returned home who re-enter foster care later due to their parent's substance abuse. Concern about substance abuse issues were noted as a common problem across the State, with some services being seen as a "band aid" approach to an immense problem. Another concern was noted about the timeframe needed for approving the termination of parental rights (TPRs) in substance abuse related cases. In some of the cases reviewed, the agency recommended TPR but the court felt more time was needed prior to approving TPR. In regard to the relationship of child in care with parents it was an area needing improvement based on statewide assessment which found that the prevalence of substance abuse by parents may be another factor influencing the relationships of children in care with their parents. Many on-going needs of families are not being adequately addressed, such as: recurrence of substance abuse issues was not followed up on and was described as a major problem across the State, according to reviewers and stakeholders. Meeting the mental health needs of the child was an area needing improvement based on the statewide assessment that notes that the social worker arranges for services paid for under Medicaid, Title XX or mental health contractors including 1) Individual, group, or family counseling, 2) day treatment services, 3) behavior specialist 4) substance abuse treatment, and 5) mentoring. Substance abuse treatment and domestic violence resources and services are lacking across the State. Stakeholders report the greatest gaps in services include: Substance abuse treatment services for families.
Detailed quarterly reports on cases where repeat maltreatment has occurred will be examined to identify patterns that might quantified and addressed. The study will focus on the association between repeat maltreatment, and types of abuse, (physical abuse, neglect, sex abuse); domestic violence; risk levels; and substance abuse. An additional study will examine factors contributing to maltreatment in foster care.� Results of these studies will be used to direct changes in practice and contract funding. Requesting 10 resource days from the National Resource Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare to help develop training for staff and to move CYFD toward family centered approaches to working with clients and families affected by substance abuse.
A Review of Alcohol and Other Drug Issues
Program Improvement Plan (PIP)