Module 6: Understanding the Needs of Children and Adolescents Affected by Parental Substance Use & Co-Occurring Disorders

The goal of Module 6 is to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding about the needs of children and adolescents affected by parental substance use and co-occurring disorders. Child welfare workers will acquire knowledge and skills to improve their identification of short- and long-term effects of parental substance use and co-occurring disorders on the prenatal, postnatal, childhood, and adolescence periods; be able to discuss the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders with information on symptoms, differences in disorder classifications, and treatment options; engage children, youth, and adolescents with age-appropriate tools and strategies for increased rapport and understanding of their individualized needs; utilize best practice screening tools for early identification and intervention for all indicated developmental, mental health, trauma, and substance use needs; and finally, awareness of the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences including strategies to prevent or reduce toxic stress.

After completing this training, child welfare workers will:

• Identify the short-and long-term effects of parental substance use and co-occurring disorders on the prenatal, postnatal, childhood, and adolescence periods
• Discuss the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders with information on symptoms, differences in disorder classifications, and treatment options
• Engage children, youth, and adolescents with age-appropriate tools and strategies for increased rapport and understanding of their individualized needs
• Utilize best practice screening tools for early identification and intervention for all indicated developmental, mental heath, trauma, and substance use needs
• Understand the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences including strategies to prevent or reduce toxic stress