0555b664__Alcohol_and_Other_Drug_Issues__Program_Improvement_Plan__PIP_
[State] Kansas Stakeholders did identify that there is a lack of intensive long-range services for children who were identified as Seriously Emotionally Disturbed (SED) and had substance abuse and/or mental health issues. In some instances there were waiting lists for some mental health and substance abuse services due to limited availability. Stakeholders and case reviews indicated that drug and alcohol treatment services are needed in some areas. Specialized mental health services are not readily available, i.e., crisis bed, attendant care, and respite care. The delivery of mental health, substance abuse, and family focused services were seen as areas needing improvement. In this area the following was noted: Stakeholders and case reviews indicated that drug and alcohol services are needed in some areas, and that once services were identified, the services were slow in being initiated; Stakeholders identified a lack of intensive long-range services for children who were identified as SED and had substance abuse and/or mental health issues (This was confirmed through case reviews); Stakeholders state that there were waiting lists for some mental health and substance abuse services due to limited availability in two of the sites; Stakeholders stated that the Family Preservation contractor decides who will receive the mental health services and the level of services for families involved through the contract. Occasionally this is restricted when the individual needs more services than authorized by the contractor Some stakeholders stated that services to parents were not always being provided as identified. The focus tends to be on treatment for the child while excluding the parents� issues. Family focused services were sometimes lacking. Mental health and substance abuse resources, specialized placement resources, and service provision were also seen as areas needing improvement. In this area the following was noted: Stakeholder interviews revealed that children are often removed from the home due to drug and alcohol abuse and lack of resources to treat the addictions while the children remain with the family. Parents are less likely to receive the needed treatment if they do not have private insurance that covers the treatment. Stakeholders stated that there is a lack of knowledge about drug and alcohol abuse. The system does not support identification of substance abuse issues as part of the reason that families come to the attention of SRS. Stakeholders indicated that the workers felt they needed more practical, reality based training to enhance job performance, i.e. working with families affected by alcohol and drug abuse, court procedures, working with the varied cultural and ethnic groups. Stakeholders identified that there are issues with transportation created by the distances that must be covered to obtain/deliver dental services, adolescent treatment, drug and alcohol inpatient treatment, etc. A need was also identified for a greater integration between child welfare and the substance abuse treatment system.
Benchmarks include: Develop specialized training open to foster parents, workers and mental health workers. It will cover 1) children with SED conditions, 2) substance abuse and 3) mental health and developmental disabilities. Develop a substance abuse training curriculum that identifies the substance abuse referral resources�like the Regional Alcohol and Drug Assessment Center�that are available to staff. Review and tasks that address mental health and substance abuse issues: The purpose of the review is to determine whether the worker is using the mental health needs screening tool and accessing the community mental health and substance abuse resources developed in the benchmark steps above and to identify the worker�s training needs in this area. Area Directors: Develop action plan that identifies strategies for increasing the number of mental health and substance abuse services for SED and other children.
A Review of Alcohol and Other Drug Issues
Program Improvement Plan (PIP)