Module 3 – Understanding Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders, Mental Health/Trauma, and Domestic Violence

The goal of Training Module 3 is to provide in-depth information and learning opportunities to support child welfare workers in working with diverse families affected by mental health disorders, co-occurring disorders, trauma, and domestic violence. It presents signs and symptoms of co-occurring and mental health disorders and includes domestic violence terminology. The module also includes an overview of treatment modalities within a culturally competent, family-centered framework.

After completing this training, child welfare workers will:

• Identify the spectrum and types of mental health disorders.
• Recognize signs and symptoms of co-occurring and mental health disorders.
• Explain the effect of trauma on co-occurring disorders.
• Recognize domestic violence in the child welfare population.
• Recognize the effects of co-occurring and mental health disorders on interpersonal relationships and parenting.
• Engage with families to identify co-occurring and mental health disorders.
• Understand treatment effectiveness and recovery from co-occurring disorders.

• Use the *** bolded discussion questions integrated in the module talking points to enrich the training.
• Partner with a local mental health and domestic violence service provider to co-facilitate the training.
• Share or incorporate agency policy and procedures.
• Provide a list of local resources.
• Highlight child welfare programs with expertise in serving families affected by mental health disorders and domestic violence, or programs that provide family-centered treatment.
• Contact the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare for more information about using the Collaborative Values Inventory 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)