Unifying science, education and service to transform lives Module 14 Policies and Procedures A...

Unifying science, education and service to transform livesUnifying science, education and service to transform lives

Module 14Policies and Procedures

A Provider’s Introduction to Substance Abuse for Lesbian,

Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Individuals

First Edition

A Provider’s Introduction to Substance Abuse for LGBT Individuals Program Admin Guide: Mod 14-18

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1. Defining Agency Policies and Procedures

2. Identifying Training and Educational Needs

3. Developing Effective Quality Improvement Measures for LGBT Clients

4. Understanding How To Build Effective Alliances

Power Point Slide # 14-1, n1

to Working With Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Clients in Substance Abuse Treatment


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Module # 1: Policies and Procedures

Learning Objective

Know agency policies and procedures for serving LGBT Clients including the following areas:

Organizational mission, outreach, advertising & public relations, community relations, administrative, personnel, staff training, program design & implementation, aftercare



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The Need for LGBT-Affirmative Agency Policies and Procedures

LGBT-specific administrative policies and procedures

Examine all aspects of a program Make a commitment at every level of the

program Implementing LGBT-specific policies and

procedures



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Organizational Mission

Because LGBT communities are underserved and often invisible, it is important that treatment providers make a commitment to serving this population and incorporate the commitment into the organization’s mission statement, philosophy, and service literature.

PowerPoint Slide # 14-4, n4


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Policies and Procedures Regarding Outreach and Promotional Materials

Ensure that promotional materials include information about LGBT-specific services, if appropriate.

Use language that specifically identifies LGBT individuals as people the program is attempting to reach.



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Advertising and Public Relations

Policies and Procedures

Advertise programs and events in LGBT periodicals as well as in the mainstream press and publications that are geared to particular cultural communities.

Include articles by and about recovering LGBT individuals in newsletters.



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Community Relations Policies and Procedures

Support LGBT-specific events in the community through sponsorship, staff support, advertising, and distribution of announcements or by cosponsoring

Provide an information booth at LGBT street fairs, as well as at events geared to specific cultural communities.



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Administrative Policies and Procedures

Create or confirm the existence of agency policies regarding freedom from discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender, and cultural background.

Review all operational procedures, from initial phone contact through the intake process, to ensure that heterosexual bias has been eradicated and inclusive terms are available as options.



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Personnel Policies

and Procedures

Include sexual orientation and gender identity in your nondiscriminatory employment policy.

Enlist openly LGBT members to serve on the board of directors and in other leadership positions.

Employ openly LGBT individuals as staff and consultants. Ensure that LGBT individuals of color are represented in proportions that reflect the community demographics.

Include partners in the definition of family when writing bereavement policies or sick leave policies on caring for family members.



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Staff Training Policies and Procedures

Ensure that all new employees are familiar with agency policies regarding hiring of and providing services to LGBT clients.

As a part of regular staff training, include such topics as “LGBT cultures and communities.”

Have up-to-date national and local lists of resources and services available within LGBT communities and in offices and waiting rooms for easy access by clients and staff members.



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Program Design and Implementation Policies

Provide education for heterosexual clients about language and behaviors that show bias toward LGBT people.

Establish firm guidelines regarding client behavior, and consistently enforce these guidelines to ensure a treatment atmosphere of safety for LGBT (and all) clients.

Make all family services available for the domestic partners and significant others of LGBT clients in your program. These may include conjoint therapy, family therapy, or groups.



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Aftercare Policies and Procedures

Establish training procedures in which all staff members are educated about issues LGBT individuals face on discharge. Include workshops on relapse triggers specific to LGBT individuals in recovery.

Ensure that discharge procedures include providing each LGBT client with a comprehensive list of LGBT-specific or LGBT-sensitive community resources and services, along with clear information about how to access these services.



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Case Example: Walden House

FOR DISCUSSION

1. How does Walden House demonstrate its commitment to serving LGBT substance abusers?

2. What policy and procedure areas from the case description are evident?

3. How can you implement similar policies and procedures in your agency?


Unifying science, education and service to transform lives Module 14 Policies and Procedures A...

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