The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

4091.0: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - Board 8

Abstract #45992

Integrating systems for treatment -substance abuse and child welfare

Janel Hines, JD, Milwaukee Women's Center, Inc., 611 N. Broadway, Suite 230, Milwaukee, WI 53202, 4142726199, jhines@milwaukeewomenscenter.org

In 1997, the Milwaukee Women's Center, Inc. (MWC) joined with the Children's Service Society of Wisconsin (CSSW) to create a child welfare agency, Innovative Family Partnerships, Inc. (IFPI). As a result MWC a substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health treatment provider partnered with IFPI its child welfare subsidiary to create a behavioral health clinic. The clinic is an example of successful systems collaboration. The partnership was formed to meet the treatment needs of families involved in child welfare. The model clinic incorporated family needs and strengths with recovery and safety. A shared vision of safety, permanence for the family and a financial commitment were required to bring the concept to fruition. This collaboration included cross training child welfare workers, clinicians and case managers. We developed goals and outcomes that incorporated education, treatment and prevention. During this collaboration the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare incorporated an alcohol and/or other drug (AODA) prescreen into the investigation and safety assessment conducted by child protective services. Using the AODA prescreen during the investigation allows for immediate referral and access to treatment. An assessment system was developed at MWC's clinic to meet system and court deadlines. Scales for parenting performance and child well-being were added to the substance abuse screen. Client choice was incorporated into referral and level of treatment. The presentation will include strategies for successful collaboration across systems and incorporating client needs and strengths into service delivery.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Collaboration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment

Outreach and Treatment Services for Women Poster Session

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA