SBIRT for high risk-parents and caregivers: A program evaluation

This poster presents preliminary data from a program evaluation of a screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT)intervention for high risk-parents and caregivers. The Access to Substance Abuse Treatment for High Risk Parents and Caregivers (SA Access) project is intended to help improve the system by which at-risk families within a community are identified and connected to appropriate services. A Substance Abuse Navigator (SA Navigator) collaborates with Mental Health Systems Navigators stationed at corresponding Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) offices and works with DCFS staff and DCFS funded program services to provide integrated health care and a seamless connection to substance use services. The design of the program evaluation is twofold – a process evaluation followed by an outcome evaluation and incorporates the following objectives: 1) To monitor the implementation of the planned intervention and assist in meeting its treatment objectives by providing recommendations for improving key program components; and 2) To measure observed changes in participants who receive substance abuse treatment in the following domains of functioning: (a) alcohol and drug use; (b) child and family services status; (e) mental health and physical health status; and (f) treatment services received. Additional domains to be examined include: employment/education, crime and criminal justice involvement, stability in housing, social support/social connectedness, and access to the SA Access program as monitored by the number of persons served by age, gender, race, and ethnicity.