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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
www.samhsa.gov

Child Welfare and Substance Use Disorders

[image: Smiling boy]

What is a substance use disorder?
A substance use disorder refers to the misuse, dependence or addiction to alcohol and/or legal or illegal drugs. Substance use disorders affect many of the families involved in the child welfare system. More than half of the children in foster care have parents with drug- or alcohol-related problems. Eighty-five percent of states name substance use disorders second only to poverty as the greatest challenge facing the families who are reported to child protective services. Substance use disorders in families with dependent children cost society more than an estimated $250 million per day per day. These costs include treating the medical and and emotional problems suffered by these children, as well as addressing the long-term consequences of potential or actual abuse and neglect. Much of the spending is in response to maltreatment related to alcohol or drug addiction problems. If you work in the child protective services field or at an associated social service agency, you and your organization can be crucial allies in the nationwide effort to improve the lives of children and their family members who have substance use disorders.

[image: Mother and daughter]

How do I know if f a family is being affected by a substance use disorder?
Research shows that almost 10 percent of all children under 12 are living with a family member who has substance use- and/or alcohol-related problems. Only a proper screening and assessment by a qualified professional can determine if a substance use disorder exists, but there are signs that may indicate a family is in need of help. Child abuse and/or neglect may indicate that parents have a substance use disorder. Changes in school attendance, behavior and performance are indicators that children may be abusing drugs or alcohol. Addiction is a problem that tends to run in families, so if parents are affected, children are at a much greater risk for use or dependency themselves. Also be aware that families who exhibit denial, secrecy and shame may have a problem that requires your assistance.

[image: young girl]

What can I do to help these families?
For child welfare workers, identifying the type or severity of a substance use disorder is a crucial first step. Once a substance use disorder is properly assessed, interventions and/or addiction treatment may be recommended. If you need guidance in the screening and assessment process, the resources in this brochure are available to help.

[image: Close-up of smiling girl]

You and your organization should encourage, engage and support families with substance use disorders as they make efforts to address their addictions, care for their children and work toward recovery. By demonstrating acceptance, empathy and concern, you can provide hope, and ensure that families get help. Also consider partnering with the treatment community and other child and family service systems to improve screening and assessment capabilities, the effectiveness of treatment and the recovery services that are available to families.

What outside resources are available?
Refer families to any of the organizations listed in this brochure for free assistance in getting help and/or treatment. Through your guidance, encouragement and support, children and their families who have been hurt by addiction have a much better chance of rebuilding healthier and happier lives, together.

[image: collage of pictures of children]

Where there's help, there's hope.

Federal Resources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
5600 Fishers Lane,
Parklawn Building, Suite 13C-05
Rockville, MD 20857
www.samhsa.gov • www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov

SAMHSA's National Helpline
800-662-HELP (Toll-Free)
800-487-4889 (TDD) (Toll-Free) 877-767-8432 (Spanish) (Toll-Free)

SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
5600 Fishers Lane,
Rockwall II, 8th Floor
Rockville, MD 20857
301-443-5052 • www.csat.samhsa.gov

SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
5600 Fishers Lane,
Parklawn Building, Room 12-105
Rockville, MD 20857
301-443-0365 • www.csap.samhsa.gov

Non-Federal Resources:
This is just a sampling of available resources. inclusion does not constitute endorsement.

Child Welfare League of America
440 First Street, NW, 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20001-2085
202-638-2952 • www.cwla.org

National Association for Children of Alcoholics
11426 Rockville Pike, Suite 100 Rockville, MD 20852
888-55-4COAS (Toll-Free)
301-468-0985 • www.nacoa.org

National Center of Substance Abuse and Child Welfare
c/o Center for Children and Family Futures
4940 Irvine Boulevard, Suite 202
Irvine, CA 92620
714-505-3525 • www.ncsacw.samhsa.gov

DHHS Publication No. (SMA) 04-3945
NCADI Publication No. PHD1077
Special thanks to the Child Welfare League of America for their assistance.

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