The OCWTP Substance Abuse Training Partnership
CHALLENGE
Inadequate knowledge and skills to support the complex needs of child welfare families impacted by substance abuse
GOAL
To increase skills and evidence-based practices used by Public Children Service Association staff, caregivers and adoptive parents that will enhance their ability to assist families impacted by substance abuse
OBJECTIVE
To leverage strategic partnerships and current resources that result in a responsive array of cross system training and skill-building opportunities available to child welfare practice professionals, caregivers, and adoptive parents
STRATEGY
Inadequate knowledge and skills to support the complex needs of child welfare families impacted by substance abuse
- Organizational reviews indicate that caseworkers are missing important indicators of substance abuse that could potentially put children at risk.
- In the past two years counties reported a substantial increase in the number of children who needed to be removed from their homes as a result of parents who are addicted to opiates or engaging in related illegal activities in their homes.
- Counties are requesting more training in substance abuse related content applied to child welfare needs.
GOAL
To increase skills and evidence-based practices used by Public Children Service Association staff, caregivers and adoptive parents that will enhance their ability to assist families impacted by substance abuse
OBJECTIVE
To leverage strategic partnerships and current resources that result in a responsive array of cross system training and skill-building opportunities available to child welfare practice professionals, caregivers, and adoptive parents
STRATEGY
- Identify subject matter experts in the substance abuse field who can consult with the OCWTP to design a coordinated training approach.
- Find local, state and national training information and resources that can be used in Ohio at nominal, if any, cost to the program.
- Increase the capacity of the OCWTP trainer pool by adding trainers who can facilitate effective cross training experiences and other high priority learning needs.
- Incorporate a continuum of different types of learning opportunities, utilizing a variety of training methodologies.
- Initiate strategies for ongoing technical assistance on substance abuse needs for county Public Children Service Associations and Regional Training Centers.