0555b664__Alcohol_and_Other_Drug_Issues__Program_Improvement_Plan__PIP_
[State] North Carolina In regard to the provision of an array of services, the state has created a Family Reunification Pilot Project: the Restoring Families Program. This program was designed to reduce the number of children in DSS custody due to severe caretaker substance abuse. The Division has collaborated with the Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to implement a process "New Beginnings" to meet the behavioral health needs of children in care and to prevent children from coming into care solely to have their behavioral health needs met. Some of the other noteworthy services highly regarded as important resources included an Intensive Outpatient program for substance abuse and inpatient services for substance abuse. The DSS also has a collaborative with the Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse called New Beginnings, which focuses on the behavioral health needs of children. The Division has collaborated with the Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to implement a process to meet behavioral health needs of children. While a number of cases were timely assessed for risk and provided needed services, three cases were not assessed for risk or overlooked risk associated with substance abuse or domestic violence. Children in DSS custody receive behavioral screenings as part of EPSDT/Health Check. Once the screening is completed, the child will then be referred to the area program for further assessment if the screening indicates a need for mental health/substance abuse services. There are issues due to social workers not being able to access some services due to payment issues. Stakeholders expressed a concern about the managed care system that in their opinion has presented problems in getting certain services funded for certain family members. An example of this issue is substance abuse services changed from being DSS funded to Mental Health funded, and now some services are not covered. Local workers need more focused training in the areas of domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse, children's behavioral issues and Hispanic cultural issues. Stakeholders expressed concerns in some areas about the lack or effectiveness of mental health, substance abuse and domestic violence services. A particular concern is that in-home families do not have ready access to mental health care for children and youth or for the parents. Stakeholders expressed a need for more services addressing substance abuse and residential care particularly for females In some areas, substance abuse services are seen as not being provided in the communities where they are needed the most. While there is strong collaboration at the State level between the Division of Social Services and other State offices, such as mental health, substance abuse, health, etc. and Tribes, that coordination is not as effective locally, largely due to the autonomy/independence of county departments.
Related to redesign risk/safety/family assessment, the state plans to develop assessment structure that addresses critical family issues such as child well-being measures, educational needs, domestic violence, substance abuse, and other safety and risk factors � Date: March 2002
A Review of Alcohol and Other Drug Issues
Program Improvement Plan (PIP)