Protecting Children In Substance-abusing Families: User Manual Series

This manual, developed by NCCAN, provides an overview of how to identify parental substance abuse, assess the strengths and needs of families, develop service plans, and implement strategies for helping children of substance-abusing parents. Physical and behavioral indications of substance abuse, characteristics of parents at risk of substance abuse, and special risks of children of chemically involved parents are reviewed. The manual also addresses reporting obligations, comprehensive family assessment, and juvenile court involvement. Innovative approaches to intervention are described, such as programs for pregnant and parenting women, residential treatment, family preservation, transitional group care, specialized foster homes.