0555b664__Alcohol_and_Other_Drug_Issues__Program_Improvement_Plan__PIP_
[State] Tennessee Among allreasons identified for children coming to the attention of the child welfare agency, neglect (not including medical neglect) was cited in 20 (40%) cases, and substance abuse by parents was cited in 13 cases (26%). Primary reasons for opening a child welfare agency case included substance abuse by parent in 4 cases (8%), and substance abuse by child in 1 case (2%). In regard to the needs and services of child, parents, foster parents, the item was assigned an Area Needing Improvement. Areas of concern included the adequacy of assessments, particularly with respect to identifying underlying problems such as substance abuse and sexual abuse. In regard to training, the item was noted as an Area Needing Improvement because stakeholders indicated that ongoing training needs to be more comprehensive in general and strengthened in subject areas including substance abuse and cultural competency training. The CFSR case review process found that DCS was not consistent in providing families with adequate services to maintain children safely in their own homes and was not routinely effective in addressing the factors contributing to the risk of harm for children. Reviewers noted that (1) the agency's assessments of children's and families' service needs were not always sufficiently comprehensive to identify underlying problems in a family such as mental illness, sexual abuse, or substance abuse. Stakeholders suggested that the following areas represented significant service gaps: post-reunification services, preventive services, mental health services, inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment services, Identifying service gaps is an on-going and challenging process for DCS. Problems that DCS must address in its efforts to assist children and families include drug/alcohol use. DCS coordinates with a number of agencies regarding Federal programs that serve the same population. As noted in the Statewide Assessment, there are gaps in the total service array that might be addressed by joint ventures of State departments. These gaps include drug and alcohol treatment services, educational services, and job skills training services for youth and parents.
TCCY Children�s Program Outcome Review Team process evaluates services to children in state custody and their families. The case review asks the question Drug or Alcohol use of adult(s) in child�s placement seriously affects his/her ability to supervise, protect or care for the child?
A Review of Alcohol and Other Drug Issues
Program Improvement Plan (PIP)