Prenatal Drug Exposure and Child Welfare Services eLearning

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworker, Supervisor

Credits: 1

Intended Audience: New and experienced lineworkers and supervisors

Intended Objectives:

• List the common drugs of abuse and their impact on pregnancy and the developing fetus
• Describe the short and long term effects of prenatal substance exposure on fetal and child development
• Identify the risks and needs of drug exposed infants and children
• Consider casework and practice implications when working with children who have experienced prenatal exposure to drugs

Topics Include:

• Effects of drugs on the developing fetus
• Drug classifications and unique impact on the fetus
• Working with birth parents, caregivers of infants exposed to drugs in utero
• Effects of cigarettes and nicotine on the fetus
• Breastfeeding and drug exposure
• Long term effects of drug exposure
• Maternal screening criteria
• Case scenario and casework implications

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

3.1 Student is able to practice basic principles and techniques of interviewing children and families for purposes of assessment, intervention, and service planning.

3.2 Student demonstrates the ability to perform a preliminary safety assessment an to monitor the safety of the child through ongoing assessment of risk.

3.6 Integrating knowledge of individual, family, and cultural dynamics, the student can recognize signs and symptoms of substance abuse in children and adults and assess its impacts.

4.8 Student understands the requirements for effectively serving and making decisions regarding children with special needs, including the balancing of parental and child rights.
5.1 Student demonstrates understanding of child and youth development, including physical, cognitive, social and emotional components, and can recognize
developmental indicators of abuse or neglect.