Adolescents often experiment with the use of drugs and/or alcohol and should be provided with education regarding the consequences of such behavior and support in stopping the behavior, particularly if the child comes from an alcohol/drug addicted family environment.

Chemical dependency treatment will be explored when a child is motivated and demonstrates a willingness to participate in treatment. The value of chemical dependency treatment must be carefully assessed when the child has a history of repeated failures in treatment, and there is no substantial change in their circumstances or behavior since their dismissal from the previous program.  Under these circumstances, the appropriateness of a specific treatment program should be questioned if the program does not offer aftercare services.

To the extent possible, the best possible treatment must be provided in the child’s community of residence, i.e., community C-Star program operated by the Department of Mental Health.

Related Practice Points and Memos:

7-9-19 – PP19 CM-01 – Timely Informed Consent – Inpatient Hospitalizations and Medication Management Checkups

7-26-19 – CD19-47 – Informed Consent for Psychotropic Medication (Form CD-275)

10-11-19 – DK19-04 – Immediate Implementation of Best Practices Regarding Behavioral Health Care and Medical Records

4-9-20 – PP20-CM-03 – Mandatory Psychotropic Medication Reviews

7-23-20 CD20-34 –Introduction to Child Welfare Manual policy updates to align with best practices and comply with Joint Settlement Agreement requirements.