0555b664__Alcohol_and_Other_Drug_Issues__Program_Improvement_Plan__PIP_
[State] Pennsylvania Among all reasons identified for children coming to the attention of the child welfare agency, neglect (not including medical neglect) was cited in 18 (36%) cases, substance abuse by parents was cited in 21 (42%) cases and substance abuse by child in 2 cases (4%). Primary reasons for opening a child welfare agency case included substance abuse by parent in 6 cases (12%) There is an impressive array of services available in the state to meet most of the needs of children and families, including substance abuse services. Stakeholders expressed the opinion that the agency has been assertive about reaching out to other federally funded programs to coordinate services. Examples include a program for services to mothers with mental retardation, and pre-trial conferences which allow for rapid drug and alcohol referral and assessment of families. Stakeholders found that there are barriers to adoption in the state, yet in instances where substance abuse issues are involved, it may not be appropriate to push adoption and stay within the 15-month timeframe for filing TPR. Stakeholders noted that while the agency has been effective in identifying needs of children and families, that there are often delays in accessing mental health services and substance abuse assessment and treatment. In assessing the mental health of the child, the state was rated as Area Needing Improvement because the assessment was not done in some of the cases, including cognitive abilities, drug and alcohol abuse, emotional capacities, physical and mental health issues, and parent/child development needs. A review of the data indicates that the highest training needs for casework staff are in the areas of sexual abuse, working with adolescents, drug and alcohol abuse, childhood emotional disorders, adult mental health issues, domestic violence, and legal issues. Stakeholders identified gaps in drug and alcohol treatment inpatient facilities. Stakeholders expressed concern that there is insufficient collaboration between the child welfare agency and MH/MR/Drug and Alcohol agencies which results in a lack of coordination in service delivery for families with multiple problems.
Revise county children and youth administrative regulations to address child health and safety assessment, including mental health and substance abuse history. Expand competency-based training programs to include private providers and other child-serving systems such as mental health, drug and alcohol and juvenile probation.
A Review of Alcohol and Other Drug Issues
Program Improvement Plan (PIP)