Module 2 – Understanding Substance Use Disorders, Treatment, and Recovery

The goal of Training Module 2 is to educate child welfare workers about substance use, treatment, and recovery. The module informs child welfare workers about substances and their effects, the brain chemistry of addiction, and the continuum of substance use disorders (mild, moderate, and severe), explaining the signs and symptoms and their effects on children and families. This module provides an understanding of the treatment and recovery processes, and specifically how substance use disorders can affect family relationships and the dynamics of the families involved in the child welfare system. The information and learning opportunities are designed to support family-centered child welfare practice with families from diverse cultural groups.

After completing this training, child welfare workers will:

• Identify the types of substances and their effects, including methods of use.
• Outline the continuum of substance use disorders as mild, moderate, or severe.
• Understand the basic brain chemistry of substance use disorders.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of substance misuse in the context of child welfare practice.
• Discuss substance use disorders in a cultural context.
• Identify treatment modalities and the continuum of care.
• Understand the recovery process, relapse prevention, and long-term recovery maintenance.

• Partner with a local expert on substance use disorders to co-facilitate the training.
• Use the *** bolded discussion questions integrated in the module talking points to enrich the training and further engage participants.
• Share specific screening tools for substance use disorders used or approved for use by the child welfare agency.
• Supplement content with information about how child welfare workers can locate treatment for parents in the community.
• Highlight local child welfare programs with expertise in serving families affected by substance use disorders or who provide family-centered treatment.
• Contact the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare for more information about using the Collaborative Values Inventory, a self-administered questionnaire that provides jurisdictions with an anonymous way of assessing the extent to which group members share ideas about the values that underlie their collaborative efforts, in your community.

• Computer and projector
• Speakers
• Internet access
• PowerPoint slides
• Facilitator's Guide
• Flip chart paper or white board (for use as a visual aid during discussion)