NCJ Number
137965
Date Published
1992
Length
70 pages
Annotation
This protocol was developed in response to the problems of drug-exposed infants and children, their parents, and families. This information, based upon law, expert opinion, and experience, is designed to help decisionmakers reach reasonable judgments to preserve families in drug-related dependency cases.
Abstract
The purpose of the protocol is to provide model questions to guide risk assessment and identify the family preservation service needs of families. It outlines the interfacing responsibilities and roles of decisionmakers including law enforcement, public health, medical and treatment service providers, social service workers, and juvenile and family court judges. The court proceedings checklist provides a comprehensive examination of factors designed to guide the risk assessment process. It covers shelter care/detention hearings, adjudicatory/disposition hearings, and subsequent judicial review hearings. Recommended service delivery systems for strengthening families are multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary teams, interdisciplinary case management, or specialized programs designed for women and children. The programs offer substance abuse treatment programs, treatment for children to address developmental problems, and support services for the family. The protocol includes an overview of statutory and case law and descriptions of model programs and approaches.