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PARTNERS FOR CREATIVE COLLABORATION

Dean C. Wolf, LCSW-C

Licensed Social Worker

101 W. Main Street 304 York Street

Westminster, Md. 21157 Gettysburg, Pa. 17325

(410) 876-3030 (410) 596-4917

GUIDELINES & CONSIDERATIONS FOR BUILDING A SOLUTION FOCUSED

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PLANNING, MANAGEMENT & INTERVENTION

INTIATIVE IN CHILDWELFARE & JUVENILE JUSTICE

In the modern day substance abuse has become an increasing focus of concern in child

welfare. Many teens whether living with their biological families, in kinship familysystems or foster care are coming to the attention of Departments of Social Services and

Juvenile Services because of symptoms of substance abuse. These youth continue to

use/abuse substances despite the best efforts of parents, caseworkers, juvenile probation

officers, courts and treatment professionals to stop them. The issues that define andexplain substance abuse in youth are well known and often discussed including

sociological, psychological, familial, peer, genetic predisposition and more.It appears what is often missing are what solutions can be developed in an effective

manner when a helper is faced with a substance abusing or addicted youth. Most

intervention in community outpatient clinics and residential rehabilitation centers stress

individual and group therapy as the treatment of choice along with self-help groups suchas AA(Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous). In most cases family

involvement is minimized in outpatient/inpatient settings except for parent/child

substance abuse education modalities. Many serious youthful substance abusers whodemonstrate addictive symptoms are known to go through several residential placements

and outpatient treatment efforts without much effect or success. This is sometimes calledthe revolving door. The following guidelines and considerations are an effort toimprove outcomes and find meaningful solutions to the problems of substance

abuse/addiction for those youth and their families involved in the child welfare system.

All efforts should be made to avoid residential rehabilitation placements, especially longterm out of home placements.

Build a collaborative team of natural and professional support around the

substance abusing youth that includes the agency caseworker and thoseindividuals who love and care for the child/family, know the child/family well

and are viewed by the child/family as likely go to people for help. These often

include parents, extended family, neighbors/friends, pastors/ministers, teachers,

coaches, peers and concerned community members, including agency helpers.This is sometimes called a wraparound team

Utilize the collaborative team in evaluative, planning, management and

intervention roles. With the help of a facilitator the team comes up with howinvolved the youth is with substances and begins to plan for how to manage and

intervene to modify and/or stop the substance abuse. A plan of intervention with

the consensus recommendations of the collaborative team can be presented to thecourt for review.

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Develop a detailed crisis plan and anticipate the ups and downs associated withintervening to change substance abusing patterns in youth. See guidelines for

developing crisis planning

Services should include individual and family solution sessions targeting

problems that have been brought up by the youth and family as in need of change Drug screens should be given on both a random and on demand basis and if at all

possible the parents should be in charge of taking drug screens and getting the

samples to the testing site. This enhances parental empowerment and gives aclear message to the youth regarding the commitment of the parents in solving the

problem

If the youth has a positive (dirty) screen the parents and team members shouldmeet as soon as possible to discuss responses. Positive consequences should be

considered rather than threatening placement or punitive measures. An example

might be that for every positive drug screen the youth must work a certain number

of hours in a soup kitchen or other contributory service to the community.

Perhaps they could help paint or landscape their house or school If the youth exhibits out of control drug using behavior such as use of heavily

addictive drugs, anti-social or criminal behavior or any behaviors where the youth

is unsafe, the short term shelter wraparound method may be utilized. This

consists of short term placement in a shelter with continued involvement of the

parents and team in order to stabilize the youth and return home within 30 days.Bring the youth home a step at a time, first a day pass, then one overnight and so

forth to evaluate their response to parental rules and guidelines.

Be sure to develop clear rules, expectations and guidelines for the youthsbehavior including drug use, curfew, peer involvement and activities, school

attendance and so forth.

Hold team meetings of all participants at least every 4-6 weeks. This gives anopportunity to review progress and make revisions in the overall plan and

approach as needed

Consider the use of the Strengths-Based Portfolio throughout the process

Assuming progress by the youth and their family invite them as consultants to

offer helpful tips to other families afflicted with the same problems

Ask the family to develop a detailed and meaningful written aftercare, relapse

prevention plan regarding how they will maintain progress,

Be sure to mark the youth/family progress by such things as giving awards,

certificates and having a celebration of success

February 2010