Continued from History of the Center

In response to an alarming escalation of child protection cases associated with methamphetamine and other substance abuse, a staff position identified as the Substance Abuse Consultant/Trainer was included in the partnership agreement in 1998.  IDHW social workers were expressing concern regarding lack of resources and collaboration required to connect child abuse/neglect issues and substance abuse particularly in response to the requirements of ASFA.

This co-existence in a family was clearly recognized by IDHW as an important area for in- service training to increase knowledge of child welfare staff regarding the complexities and nuances of addiction and to educate substance abuse agencies regarding the complexities of working with addiction within the confines of child welfare mandates. 

Substance Abuse efforts of the Center were expanded to include in-service training, evaluation of substance abuse pilot projects, certificate training, and partnering across all Family and Community Services.  In 2002, Idaho was awarded a grant through the Rocky Mountain Quality Improvement Consortium (RMQIC) to fund substance abuse counselors who are housed in Children and Family Services Offices providing immediate technical assistance and assistance in navigating families who meet the criteria through the SA gate keeping process.  The Center provide technical assistance in the hiring and training of the substance abuse counselor and grant evaluation.

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