Interagency Collaboration: A Design for Effective Clinical Interventions with Substance Abusing Families

Beverly Vayhinger, Ph.D.Aldene Ault, R.N.,BSN

Paulette Jackson-Austin, LCSW-CTheresa McDonough, J.D.

Introduction

A Context: Substance Abuse and Child Welfare;

A Community Profile of Prince George’s County, Maryland;

History and Background for Senate Bill 512/House Bill 1209, “Children in Need of Assistance – Drug Addicted Babies”

Presentation Overview

Critical Considerations

Building Interagency Relationships

Model of Service Delivery

Case Studies

Organizational/

Legislative Change Process

Critical Issues

Early Identification and Intervention

Denial

Holistic and Comprehensive Evaluations

Co-Morbid Disorders

Different Agency Focus/Cultures (Child Welfare & Substance Abuse)

The Role of the Court System

Building Interagency Relationships

Develop a Shared Vision

Involve Key Players

Gain Support for Activities and Decisions

Collaboration Style

Identify Process for Communication and Resolving Conflicts

The T-Man Model

Triage/Risk AssessmentCommunication: Biweekly Staffing and Monthly MeetingsCollaboration Process: Developing a Protocol

Team Approach

Family Facilitation Process

Family Preservation ServicesHome VisitsUsing External Interventions/

Motivations

Case Studies

Referral/Screening

Assessment

Treatment Plan/Contract

Monitoring Treatment Compliance

Court Procedures

CHANGE

Advocacy

Legislative Change

Ongoing Solidification/Education of Team Partners/Judicial System