Working with Related Agencies

Working with other agencies should be considered by the collaborative, because many parents with substance use disorders also require assistance from services other than substance abuse and child welfare to address the multiple, complex issues impeding the functioning of families affected by alcohol- and drug-related problems. In particular, mental health, domestic violence, primary health, housing, and employment-related services are needed partners.

• Mental Health Practices in Child Welfare Guidelines Toolkit (PDF 407 KB) This toolkit is designed to help administrators, supervisors, and case workers put into action the recently published consensus guidelines for mental health in child welfare (Child Welfare Vol. 88, No. 1, 2009). The toolkit offers valuable tips and resources for mental health screening and assessment, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, parent support, and youth empowerment.
• Working with Families with Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders (PDF 527 KB)
  Reviews the special challenges of working with persons with both substance use disorders and mental health issues
  
• Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons with Co-Occurring Disorders
  Provides information about new developments in the field of co-occurring substance use and mental disorders for consumers and providers. It covers assessment and treatment strategies, specific mental disorders, cross-cutting issues such as suicidality, medications, dual recovery, and mutual self-help programs. TIP 42.
• Knowledge Path – Locating Community-Based Services
  An electronic guide for service providers and families to help them find resources within their communities to address child and family needs. It contains web addresses, toll-free telephone lines, and databases related to child care and early education, special needs, mental health, family support, parent education, health and wellness, and financial

Websites

• Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (ICAMA)
  The Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance facilitates the administration of, and advocates State participation in, the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance (ICAMA). ICAMA is the legal mechanism by which member States regulate and coordinate the interstate delivery of services to children with special needs adopted pursuant to adoption assistance agreements. The Association provides technical and legal assistance, education and training, and materials on practice and policy issues.
• Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC)
  A uniform State law that establishes a contract among party States to ensure that children placed across State lines receive adequate protection and services. The primary function of the ICPC is to protect the interests of children and of States by requiring that certain procedures are followed in making and maintaining the interstate placement of children going into adoption, residential care or foster family homes, or being placed with relatives.
• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD)
  An organization that fights the stigma and the disease of alcoholism and other drug addictions. It provides education, information, help, and hope to the public through offices in New York and Washington and a nationwide network of affiliates.
• NAADAC Association for Addiction Professionals
  The largest national organization for alcoholism and drug abuse professionals across the country who treat addicted individuals and families. NAADAC is committed to increasing general awareness of alcoholism and drug abuse and enhancing care of individuals through treatment, education, and prevention programs.
• National Association for Drug Court Professionals (NADCP)
  Seeks to reduce substance abuse, crime and recidivism by promoting and advocating for the establishment and funding of Drug Courts and providing for collection and dissemination of information, technical assistance, and mutual support to association members.
• Drug Court Planning Initiative (DCPI)
  A training initiative that helps communities develop effective adult, juvenile, family, and tribal drug court programs. Communities interested in planning a drug court program are encouraged to register for DCPI. Up to 200 communities are selected to participate in DCPI annually.
• Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF)
  The country's leading non-profit dedicated to preventing domestic violence. The FVPF challenges lawmakers to take domestic violence seriously, educates judges to protect all victims of abuse, and advocates for laws to help battered immigrant women. The FVPF works with health care providers and employers to identify and aid victims of abuse, helps communities support children from violent homes, and shows Americans how to help end domestic violence.
• The Greenbook Initiative
  Helps child welfare and domestic violence agencies and family courts work together more effectively to help families experiencing violence.
• Rural Assistance Center (RAC)
  A national resource on rural health and human services information. Information specialists are available to provide customized assistance, such as web and database searches on rural topics and funding resources, linking users to organizations, and furnishing relevant publications from the RAC resource library.