Addiction and Child Abuse

Level: Advanced Practice – Line Worker

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: Line workers and supervisors interested in acquiring up to date information and workable strategies to improve outcomes of those involved with substance abuse.

Intended Objectives:

• Examine the Illness of Addiction and its effects on children, families and relate systems.
• Identify reasons why the majority of children from addicted families do not receive needed services.
• Discuss the reasons why the majority of children from addicted families do not receive needed services.
• List the most necessary and effective services for children, parents and care providers.
• Discuss the role of the service provider in helping addicted families.

Topics Include:

• Addiction defined
• Spiritual Malady
• Chaos Oriented Family System
• The Scope of the Problem (national and state statistical supports)
• Denial, Symptom and Survival Strategy of the Illness
• Service Needs of Children, Parents, and Foster Care Providers
• Connection/Healthy Attachments
• The Worker’s Role in Moving the Family Toward Health
• Strategies for Worker Self Care

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

6.6 Student works collaboratively with biological families, foster families, and kin networks, involving them in assessment and planning and supporting them in coping with special stresses and difficulties.

7.2 Student recognizes potential for violence, suicide, and other potentially harmful behaviors.

7.6 Student can apply theories of human development and organizational change to develop intervention plans with clients.