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Chapter 7—Emerging and Continuing Issues

lcohol and drug counselors treating clients who are involved with the child protective services (CPS) system should be aware of a number of emerging trends. These include limits on the length of time clients can remain on public assistance and increased demands on clients receiving aid, reforms enacted to the child welfare system that require CPS agencies to place far greater emphasis on children's health and safety and on permanent placement of children versus maintenance of parental rights, and constraints imposed upon substance abuse treatment by managed care.

Continuing trends also challenge providers to adapt new treatment regimes, acquire new skills, and advocate for client needs. While drug courts continue to provide mandated treatment for some substance abusers, a countertrend toward punishing substance abusers--especially pregnant mothers who have been prosecuted under abuse or neglect statutes--is evident in many State legal systems. The ever-changing demographics of drug use present new challenges, as an aging cohort of substance abusers are now parents to older children who are themselves at risk for substance abuse disorders. Increasingly detected through improved screening, clients with multiple diagnoses present complex needs that can be met only through collaboration and lobbying of managed care officials about the need for more complex treatment. At the same time, counselors continue to face requirements for professional education that require considerable expenditures of both time and money.

Go to: The Impact of New Legislation on Parents in Treatment In 1996, Congress enacted a major overhaul of welfare called The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. It transformed the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program, which entitled qualified individuals with dependent children to assistance, into Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a program offering limited relief. Unlike AFDC, TANF imposes work requirements on aid recipients, limits the amount of time adults can receive benefits, and bars benefits to certain categories of persons, such as individuals with felony drug convictions. TANF will undoubtedly have a major impact on parents in treatment. Refer to the forthcoming TIP, Integrating Substance Abuse Treatment and Vocational Services (CSAT, in press [a]), for an expanded discussion of welfare reform and substance abuse treatment.In addition to TANF, Congress has established a series of programs and funding streams that are designed to Extend services to troubled families to help them to remain intact or to reunite (i.e., family support and preservation services) Provide Federal payments to support foster care when children must be placed outside the home Expedite permanent placement for children who cannot be reunited with their families Provide assistance to increase the number of adoptions of children in foster care To qualify for funding, State child welfare programs must implement specific timetables and goals designed to expedite the return of children placed in foster care to their families or free them for adoption.The requirements and limitations Federal law places on States receiving Federal funding for child welfare and child protective services may have a profound impact on parents in treatment. Depending on how each State implements the law, the following examples illustrate how parents in treatment may be affected: States may be less tolerant of children living with substance-abusing parents. As States implement the requirement that the child's health and safety be the paramount concern, they may take a less tolerant view when children are living in households with one or more adults who abuse substances. Parents will have less time to comply with CPS agency mandates. As the 15-month time limit on maintaining the child in foster care goes into effect and States enforce requirements regarding prompt determinations about children's permanent placement, parents who cannot achieve sobriety after a year of treatment or otherwise comply with CPS agency mandates may be at greater risk of losing their parental rights. They may also lose the funding supporting their treatment. Parents with previous CPS agency involvement may lose parental rights quickly. Clients in treatment who have previously lost parental rights to another child may receive an expedited proceeding that denies them family preservation services and their rights to children currently in their care. Family Preservation and "Fast-Track" AdoptionThe Federal government has established a series of programs to fund and support States' efforts to help children and their families in crisis. These programs include Family Support and Family Preservation Services to strengthen family stability and facilitate the safe reunification of a child who has been removed from the home and Foster Care and Adoption Promotion and Support Services that support both the maintenance of foster care and encourage more adoptions out of the foster care system.These programs provide funding to States, but they also require States to adopt a number of important policies, timetables, and restrictions, including a significant emphasis on children's health and safety, permanent placement, prompt development, and frequent review of service plans; time limits on family reunification

services; and speedier termination of parental rights. In effect, the 1997 amendments to the Family Preservation and Support Services Act changed the emphasis from family preservation to child health and safety. This means that ensuring the child's developmental stability now takes precedence over extending "reasonable efforts" to reunify the family. For a more detailed explanation of this law and recent welfare reform laws, see Appendix C. Consequences of Losing Public AssistanceParents whose public assistance is reduced or terminated (e.g., because of changes in welfare law) may have difficulty providing their children with basic levels of food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. Will they find themselves charged with child neglect or abuse as a result? Most States prohibit a finding of child abuse or neglect if parents fail to provide the necessities of life because of poverty; however, it is not clear what will happen if their inability to provide is due to their failure to comply, for example, with welfare-to-work requirements. Treatment clients who lose public assistance may also lose their eligibility for Medicaid, which in some States pays for treatment.The child welfare system provides Medicaid benefits for all children in its care. Some States also provide Medicaid benefits for children living at home but in open CPS cases. In many States, however, parents are not eligible for Medicaid. Advocacy for entitling Medicaid benefits to those parents who are involved in the CPS system would benefit such parents who are seeking, or seeking to complete, treatment. The Combined Impact of Welfare Reform and Changes in Child Welfare LawsThe combined effect of new welfare reform requirements and changes in child welfare laws may place great pressure on parents involved with CPS agencies. To avoid losing their children, parents may be required to enter treatment, achieve sobriety, or meet other expectations from the CPS agency, all within a limited time period. Similarly, under TANF, welfare authorities may impose work requirements and sanction those who fail to comply.Those with substance abuse disorders, minimal work experience, and a lack of parenting skills can feel overwhelmed by these growing demands. Staying sober, by itself, is a difficult achievement for many. If they have to comply with work requirements and assume new parenting responsibilities, they may see all of this as impossible. For some, the response will be denial of the reality that the system has changed. Others may be overcome by hopelessness and be inclined to give up. Other parents will relapse. With the States placing greater emphasis on children's health and safety and permanent placement, any one of these responses could mean loss of parental rights. Moreover, States that choose to test welfare recipients for drug abuse may quickly detect a relapse, which could result in the reduction or elimination of benefits. Or a child welfare agency might conclude that a relapse means that reasonable efforts to preserve or reunite the family are no longer consistent with the goal of a safe and stable environment for the child.As welfare reform and changes in child protection laws are implemented, counselors will see increasingly stressed parents in need of supportive counseling and a web of other services. In these changed times, however, support will not suffice. If the parent in treatment is to emerge with her family intact, the counselor must combine support with a firmness rooted in the understanding that the rules in this area have changed and become less forgiving. The continuing challenge for counselors in the years ahead will be to provide support to clients while conveying to them the urgency of attaining or maintaining sobriety.

Go to: Emerging Issues Managed CareMore persons entering treatment are paying for their services through managed care systems that place limitations on the type and amount of treatment provided. Medicaid, Medicare, and welfare benefits, once provided through private insurance, are all being allocated to managed care. Accountants and other nonhealth professionals who may have limited health care background often are making treatment decisions. Typically, clients are receiving authorizations for fewer sessions at less intensity. A client who required safe detoxification once was funded for 21 days; now, limited funding allows for only 2 days. In the late 1970s, a pregnant substance-dependent mother could stay in the hospital for 5 days. Now, she is discharged almost immediately after giving birth.The amount of time most agencies must spend on the telephone with managed care representatives is staggering. Services a doctor or counselor believes are medically necessary are frequently denied (Rabasca, 1998). Programs once referred clients freely to appropriate services; now, additional services with lengthy justifications must be preapproved. Rather than taking into account the individual's circumstances, insurance representatives use reference manuals, such as the American Society of Addiction Medicine's (ASAM) Patient Placement Criteria for the Treatment of Substance-Related Disorders, 2nd edition (ASAM, 1996) or the Green Spring Health Services Medical Necessity Criteria for Utilization Management(Nyman et al., 1992), to determine the appropriate level of care.Clients with childhood abuse and neglect issues as well as a substance abuse disorder may face managed care restrictions on the number of visits they can make to mental health services. Managed care often will not pay for sexual abuse or physical abuse assessments and evaluations if the State is involved, often looking to the State to provide them; this complicates access to services. These restrictions may mean that both problems cannot be adequately addressed, particularly given the fact that abuse issues often do not surface until late in treatment, when the allotted number of visits may be nearly exhausted. Often by the time additional visits are approved, the continuity of therapy needed for the best chance of success may have been lost. Managed care may also deny treatment to clients with childhood abuse and neglect issues because they are not sufficiently motivated to deal with these problems.In several surveys of members of the American Psychological Association (APA), respondents reported that managed care created ethical dilemmas in which they were required to report confidential patient information as a condition of reimbursement (Clay, 1998). Clearly, such dilemmas are of particular concern in cases of substance abuse disorder because they may also involve issues of child abuse and neglect. (See TIP 24, A Guide to Substance Abuse Services for Primary Care Clinicians [CSAT, 1997a], for more information on the legal and ethical issues involved in sharing information with insurers and other third-party payors.)The strong backlash against such policies has recently resulted in legal actions at both State and Federal levels. Legislation is also under consideration at the State and Federal levels to increase accountability for the health outcomes of managed care agencies. In 1996, five States passed laws protecting consumers from managed care abuses; in 1997, 17 more States took such actions (Clay, 1998).Implications for providers include the following: Know how to "work the system" and speak the language of managed care. Some counseling agencies hire an individual specifically to perform this task. It is especially important to know a company's stated placement criteria. In cases of current child

abuse, counselors should be aware that when a CPS agency is involved, the capitation rate might be higher because it is expected that more services will be used. Because the managed care company is allocating more money per client, there should be a greater capacity to support substance abuse treatment that will benefit the entire family. Consider innovative strategies. In Florida, for example, five major substance abuse treatment programs combined and created their own managed care company so that they could compete with other managed care companies. Develop the capacity for different modalities of treatment. For example, a managed care caseworker refuses to authorize residential treatment for a person who has a history of substance dependency, is currently using, and has no motivation for treatment. The counselor as provider may set up smaller goals to work within the system, proceeding with low intensity motivational counseling once or twice a week. At the end of the authorized treatment period, the counselor may be able to report increased motivation and succeed in having a higher level of care authorized. Have proof that the treatment program or agency is successful and ultimately saves money. A treatment program can demonstrate its contributions by maintaining data on quality assurance and program evaluations that the program manager can use when he works with the managed care administrator. Counselors should also be prepared to provide factual data to demonstrate problems that have arisen from system constraints. Although counselors and treatment program administrators often focus on the negative impact of managed care, this trend can benefit clients by providing incentives for developing interagency collaborations and satellite clinics in different settings. In the not too distant past, few counseling programs would have been enthusiastic about locating a treatment program within a primary care clinic or a satellite child guidance clinic within a methadone maintenance treatment program. Today, although these ideas are still novel, they are by no means unthinkable. Since no one agency is likely to be able to meet all the needs of a family affected by substance abuse, particularly one in which child abuse or neglect has occurred, closer collaboration among services may result in more effective, family-oriented approaches to intervention.As legislators address managed care issues, counselors can be effective advocates, working to ensure that the care their clients need is available. By working proactively with others to raise systemic issues, counselors can ensure their concerns are represented in the legislative process. Vocal, clear, factual communication can help hold State and managed care agencies accountable for the results of their policies. (For more information on managed care, see TIP 27, Comprehensive Case Management for Substance Abuse Treatment [CSAT, 1998a].) Increased AccountabilityIncreasingly, funders are holding CPS agencies, health care services, and substance abuse treatment programs accountable for demonstrating specific outcomes. Programs must be prepared to demonstrate their effectiveness using objectively verifiable outcome measures. Failure to meet established goals may result in a loss of funding or in mandated systemic changes. The individual counselor may be asked to provide both qualitative and quantitative data (such as case histories) to demonstrate the quality of care she is giving. Such evaluations can be expensive.Clients who are in treatment counseling and also receiving services from other agencies (which is often true of those involved in allegations of child abuse and neglect) may be assessed repeatedly through interviews and questionnaires. The counselor can help prepare clients for this invasive

mandated reporting by emphasizing its potential benefits. Although time consuming to collect, such data provide a valuable opportunity to streamline programs and improve services.Class action suits have been filed in Federal courts against child welfare agencies in several States, resulting in many of them being placed under some form of Federal supervision. The mechanisms in place to hold the agencies accountable could affect substance abuse counselors in these States, who may receive increased requests for case and outcome data from agencies that must report to the court. A counseling agency that has a contract with a CPS agency should be prepared to demonstrate that the services provided are likely to affect the outcome positively or risk losing funding.Concerning accountability, some jurisdictions are moving to open family court hearings. (The Adoption and Safe Families Act now requires that foster parents be notified of all hearings and be given the opportunity to testify.) Clients will be affected because their cases, along with their substance abuse, are being made public. CPS agencies will be held more accountable because their work will be open to public scrutiny. Interagency CollaborationFrom the Federal to the community level, changes are being made that influence the way substance abuse treatment agencies deliver services. Increasingly, agencies must communicate and collaborate to meet a client's needs under the constraints posed by funding limitations, applicable laws, and managed care policies. Some counseling agencies have merged with other service agencies in order to deal with administrative burdens such as reporting requirements and the need to work intensively with managed care representatives. Many Federal grants require public-private partnerships and multidisciplinary treatment strategies formalized through memoranda of understanding.As agencies become more accustomed to working together, their attitudes toward collaboration also are changing. Agencies increasingly cross borders that were once sacrosanct. Practitioners are more aware that research and experience have demonstrated the importance of a wide range of support services (such as transportation, housing, and day care) for increasing the effectiveness of counseling (Feig, 1998). As a consequence, the role of the treatment provider is changing from one who works in relative isolation to one who is a partner within an integrated system.Many traditional treatment agencies are expanding their practice to incorporate mental health services. By doing so, they make treatment more accessible for clients with coexisting disorders. For example, an adult survivor who has mental health issues and is also a substance abuser may receive treatment for both needs at the same location. Such close partnerships provide a more cohesive approach to meeting clients' needs. In addition, this approach may provide a more solid funding base for agency services. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is committed to leading efforts to improve collaborative working relationships between the child welfare and substance abuse treatment fields and to supporting States' efforts to do the same. The Department's recent report to Congress, Blending Perspectives and Building Common Ground, describes several programs that can assist States and local communities in expanding substance abuse treatment for clients in the child welfare system, including the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grants, the Targeted Capacity Expansion Program, and Medicaid (DHHS, 1999).An innovative program in Connecticut by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) called Project SAFE (Substance Abuse Family Evaluation) directly links CPS agencies with substance abuse treatment (see Chapter 5). The experience over the past

3 years has led to more than 20,000 unduplicated referrals from CPS agencies to a statewide network of substance abuse treatment providers. Project SAFE provides priority access to substance abuse evaluations, drug testing, and various outpatient substance abuse services to clients identified by the CPS agency. Referrals are coordinated from the beginning through a statewide network that also coordinates other payment responsibilities. The Project has led to communication and a definition of roles and response guidelines between CPS agencies and the substance abuse treatment system.Connecticut's DCF recently created Supportive Housing for Recovering Families, which will provide drug-free housing assistance and case management for families who are reunifying and making a transition to the community after successful residential substance abuse treatment. DCF is working on outreach approaches once the CPS agency and Project SAFE identify a client as needing substance abuse treatment. DCF is also collaborating with the academic community to pilot motivational enhancement training and approaches to both the CPS and substance abuse treatment system as well as case management services.In the current environment, traditional funding sources are drying up, and many traditional programs are going out of business. Moreover, many Federal grants and contracts are now aimed at collaborative efforts. Once there were many funding streams; now there are only a few State-subsidized funding sources. Persistent, creative fundraising is essential, and success almost always depends on proactive strategies to form collaborations. Agencies must clearly define their responsibilities and nurse the relationships they will need to seek funding in innovative partnerships. Program funding may come from drug courts or from CPS agencies, which now have the flexibility to use a portion of their funding to support substance abuse treatment (see Figure 7-1 ). 📷 BoxFigure 7-1: Linking Child Welfare and Substance Abuse Treatment Systems. In a unique program currently being developed, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families plans to make voluntary substance abuse disorder assessments available to (more...)

Go to: Continuing Trends Changing Demographics Of Drug UseOver the past 20 years, the number of people over 35 years of age using illicit substances has increased significantly ( Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 1996). The 1995 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse indicates there is a large cohort of aging substance-abusing parents:In general, the aging of people in the heavy drug-using cohorts of the late 1970s, many of whom continue to use illicit drugs, has diminished any observable reductions in use among the 35+ age group and has resulted in an overall shift in the age composition of drug users... For example, in 1985, 19 percent of cocaine-related episodes involved persons age 35 or older. By 1995, this percentage had increased to 42 percent (SAMHSA, 1996).Epidemiological surveys indicate that actual substance dependence occurs most frequently during early to middle adulthood, when a substantial proportion of the general population is parenting minor children (Anthony et al., 1994). Consequently, treatment providers should continue to expect to find many parents of minor children in their caseload, with the attendant possibility of substance-related child abuse or neglect. Gender IssuesSome research now suggests that gender differences are an important factor in addiction and recovery (Magura and Laudet, 1996). When counseling clients whose families are affected not only by substance abuse but also by child abuse and neglect, research suggests that counselors can best meet the clients' needs by taking these gender-specific factors into account (Coletti et al., 1997).Women who are pregnant or parenting need "family-oriented services providing comprehensive care as well as parenting and family skills training, all of which usually remain unaddressed in traditional drug treatment" (Magura and Laudet, 1996, p. 203). In the opinion of many researchers, the absence of such specialized interventions may well result in an increased incidence of child abuse and neglect, as well as increased out-of-home placement (Magura and Laudet, 1996). Programs that meet such needs can help engage pregnant and parenting women and improve treatment for them, but such services are still not widely available (see Chapter 6).Men's roles as fathers also should not be ignored in providing substance abuse treatment. It is true that among clients who are parents, women are more likely to have children in their care and men more likely to be estranged from their children. But surveys of representative samples indicate that in the general population far more fathers than mothers have substance abuse disorders (DHHS, 1994) and men consistently outnumber women in all types of treatment (Gerstein et al., 1997). Consequently, though it is true that a greater proportion of women entering treatment are mothers and are more likely to have minor children in their care, the numbers of men and women seeking help who are parents are about the same (DHHS, 1999). Changes in welfare laws now require a mother receiving welfare to identify the father of her children. Consequently, fathers who seemed nearly irrelevant in the recent past have regained visibility. Legal changes in welfare laws also allow fathers to be present in the home without the loss of financial support. Historically, in an abuse or neglect situation, CPS agencies have worked to keep the mother and children together but assumed that an abusing father should leave the family; this view, however, appears to be changing. Fathers are increasingly recognized and supported, with resulting benefits for children. Courts are discovering the value of paternal relatives as placement options for children. As substance abuse among women rises and women continue to be disproportionately affected by the AIDS

epidemic, fathers in treatment may become viable placement options for children whose mothers cannot care for them.Fathers are increasingly motivated to assume a greater share of parenting responsibilities. Over the past 20 years, a number of social forces have converged to create new definitions of fatherhood. If these trends continue, more men who enter treatment may see parenting as part of their identity as men, and more of them may be distressed about their inability to function effectively as fathers because of substance abuse. Paternal substance abuse (most commonly paternal alcoholism) has been associated with spousal abuse, parental neglect, and failure to provide financial support (Chassin et al., 1996; Dion et al., 1997; Dukma and Roosa, 1995; Egami et al., 1996; Ichiyama et al., 1996). Because many fathers today show an increased willingness to work toward change for the benefit of their children, the treatment provider would be well advised to use this information to help motivate male clients.More practitioners in other settings are now actively concerned with the client as father and are conducting research to define associated issues and needs.On a limited basis, some substance abuse researchers are engaged in developing interventions to build parenting skills that are offered to both men and women (Luthar and Walsh, 1995). Prisons sometimes offer courses in parenting to male inmates. Specialized interventions have also been designed for teenage fathers, fathers with newborn infants, newly divorced fathers, and fathers with families on welfare. However, gender-specific interventions targeting the specific needs and concerns of fathers with substance abuse disorders still need to be developed and tested. https://whateveryparentshouldknowaboutcps.blogspot.com/2020/07/chapter-7emerging-and-continuing-issues.html

#Chapter 7—Emerging and Continuing Issues

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jessicalynnhepner · 3 years ago

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Chapter 6—Legal Responsibilities and Recourse

Because many parents who abuse substances also neglect or abuse their children, it is common for clients in substance abuse treatment to have contact with some part of the child protective services (CPS) system. While the organizational roles and titles will vary, a CPS agency is the part of a State's child welfare system responsible for investigating and processing child abuse and neglect cases. For convenience, the term "CPS agencies" is used in this chapter to refer to all aspects of social services related to child welfare. For more on the role of CPS agencies, see Chapter 5.Some substance-abusing parents will be drawn into the CPS system during treatment; others will be compelled into substance abuse treatment by a CPS agency. In either case, it is critical that treatment providers become familiar with the laws governing the child protective system, including How child abuse and neglect are defined Whether, when, and how a counselor must report a parent or other primary caretaker--or a parent who was maltreated in childhood--to a CPS agency or police What happens after a report is made How State-mandated family preservation services operate How welfare reform will affect clients in treatment There are a number of Federal and State laws designed to protect the health and safety of children: State criminal statutes outlawing certain acts State civil statutes prohibiting child abuse and neglect State mandatory reporting laws requiring certain categories of persons to report suspected child abuse or neglect State "family preservation" laws offering families certain services or requiring families to participate in substance abuse treatment or types of counseling State "fast track" adoption laws that limit the time a child may remain in foster care before the State brings proceedings to terminate parental rights and free the child for adoption Federal laws requiring States to adopt policies, goals, and time limits in the child welfare realm Complicating the picture are the Federal law and regulations governing confidentiality of information about clients in substance abuse treatment (42 U.S.C. §290dd-2; 42 Code of Federal Regulations [C.F.R.], Part 2), which restrict the circumstances under which programs can make disclosures about clients, as well as the information they can disclose. This chapter explains the legal requirements treatment providers must follow, discusses the difficulties and potential conflicts that may arise, and offers some guidelines to help minimize legal difficulties and clinical dilemmas. Go to: Mandated Reporting All States require designated groups of individuals to report incidents of known or suspected child abuse or neglect. Eighteen States, in fact, require all citizens to report suspected abuse or neglect; other State mandatory reporting statutes often include substance abuse treatment staff, particularly staff comprised of State-licensed therapists, nurses, and social workers. If a professional's failure to report results in injury to the child, he may face criminal charges or a civil suit for damages or suspension or revocation of his professional license. Those who are mandated reporters under State law generally are immune from liability for reports made in good faith that are later found unsubstantiated or erroneous. In some States, any person or agency that employs individuals who are mandated reporters must provide all employees with written information outlining the reporting requirements.An adult survivor of abuse, however, usually discusses events that took place many years before. In these situations, there is generally not a duty to report and often little legal recourse for the survivor. A counselor is generally under no obligation to report abuse or neglect that the client describes suffering as a child many years ago. CPS agencies are not interested in investigating cases in which no child is in

imminent danger. However, if the person who abused or neglected the client now has custody of other children, the program should seek advice about whether it has reporting responsibility. If a client consents, the program can report the situation even if it is not mandated to do so. The situation is more complicated if, while in treatment, a client has had to leave her children with a family member who is the same person who abused her as a child. She may fear for her children's safety but have no alternatives for child care and therefore may not even identify this person as the perpetrator. Mandatory Reporting ProceduresAll States specify how reports must be made. Most require an immediate oral (spoken) report, and many now have toll-free telephone numbers to facilitate reporting. Most States require that reports include The age and address of the child The address and name of the parent or caretaker The type of abuse or neglect, as specific and factual as possible The name of the perpetrator Most States require oral reports to be confirmed in writing and within a given time frame. State statutory reporting procedures are available on the Internet at http://www.calib.com/nccanch/services/statutes.html. Disclosing information in reporting child abuse or neglectSubstance abuse treatment providers should disclose only the information required by State law when they report child abuse or neglect. Counselors and other staff members in treatment agencies are permitted to comply with State mandatory reporting laws under a narrow exception in the Federal confidentiality regulations. Those regulations (which are discussed below and in Appendix B) generally prohibit substance abuse treatment agencies and their staff from disclosing client-identifying information to anyone without the client's written consent. The child abuse reporting exception applies only to initial reports of child abuse or neglect (42 C.F.R. §2.12 (c)(6)). Programs may not respond to followup requests for information or to subpoenas for additional information, even if the records are sought for use in civil or criminal proceedings resulting from the program's initial report. (See below for a discussion of how to deal with such requests.) That means that in making an initial report of suspected abuse to a CPS or other designated agency, the mandated reporter should provide only the basic information required by the State mandatory reporting law. The counselor may give her name and the name of the program, and if the law requires it, she must. No other information should be disclosed without the client's written consent.Please note that these guidelines are an explanation of current Federal and State laws regarding client confidentiality for substance abuse treatment programs. They are meant to help reduce legal complications that could interfere with a client's treatment--or a program's operation. They are not meant to imply or encourage an adversarial relationship with CPS agencies. Ongoing collaboration is important and allowed when appropriate consent forms are signed. With more than 50 percent of child protective cases involving substance abuse, CPS agencies are dependent on the expertise of the treatment agencies. Dealing with the legal requirements: Making the task easierAgencies providing substance abuse treatment should develop a protocol to handle legal requirements. For example, an agency may have a protocol that requires the counselor to discuss the case in question with a supervisor. If they decide the case is reportable, then the supervisor discusses it with the clinical director. If more information is sought, such as by subpoena, the director would contact a lawyer. Orientation for new staff members should include the agency's reporting policies and procedures. It is recommended that

these policies include provisions requiring staff members to inform their supervisor or appropriate program personnel whenever they make a report, as well as the need to consult with their supervisor whenever they have concerns regarding the need to report.Many substance abuse treatment agencies have found it useful to designate a capable member of the staff to Handle all requests for information from outside individuals or organizations when no proper consent form exists to authorize a release of information Keep current with developments in the area of child abuse and neglect, including court decisions that clarify what conditions are reportable and how reports should be made Develop and update a list of resources the agency can consult when difficult questions arise (e.g., there may be a member of the agency's governing board who is a lawyer who would be willing to provide advice in difficult cases) Develop a form to use in making reports so only specific, relevant information is given Be careful of letterheads, logos, and headings on fax machines that may inadvertently reveal that the treatment center is involved A list of other potential sources of assistance appears in Figure 6-1 . 📷 BoxFigure 6-1: Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: Sources of Advice in Difficult Cases. Sources to be consulted only after reviewing confidentiality rules A clinical supervisor or a member of the treatment team Another peer The treatment program's legal (more...) Clinical concernsCounselors may be concerned that compliance with the mandatory reporting law will damage the client-counselor relationship or trigger relapse. A recent study shows that neither is likely to occur: Most clients stay in treatment after a report, and many are able to overcome the negative feelings that often result (Steinberg et al., 1997).There are ways to limit the potential damage to the therapeutic relationship. The first is to inform the client about the mandatory reporting law at the time of admission (Watson and Levine, 1989). This practice is actually required by the Federal confidentiality regulations. §2.22 of the regulations requires that substance abuse treatment programs give all clients a notice describing the confidentiality rules, as well as their exceptions (which include mandatory child abuse reporting), upon admission or as soon thereafter as possible. (The regulations contain a sample notice at §2.22(d) that may be used for this purpose.) This practice is also endorsed by the American Psychological Association and the Code of Ethics for Social Workers (Kalichman, 1993).A second way to limit damage is to provide the client an opportunity to self-report. Self-reporting "affords the individual an opportunity to assume responsibility for his or her own actions and allows for at least some control in what otherwise might be a powerless situation" (Kalichman, 1993, p. 126). If the client makes the report from the counselor's office, the counselor can provide appropriate support. Counselors should be aware, however, that although this might preserve the therapeutic relationship, it may not fulfill the counselor's statutorily imposed duty to make a report. Sometimes it is possible to minimize damage to the relationship by completing the report (both oral and written) in the client's presence.If there is imminent risk to a child, the counselor may not have time to engage the parent in the process. For example, if a counselor learns that the client has scalded his child and tied him to the bed, it would be appropriate to contact a CPS agency immediately. Similarly, if there is a risk that the client will continue his behavior and seek to cover his tracks, the counselor would probably not involve him in the report or inform him until after it has been

made.Although counselors may sometimes be tempted to use the threat of reports to coerce clients into complying with treatment requirements, counselors must remember that the purpose of the reporting laws is to protect children--not to provide counselors with a bargaining chip in the treatment process.Reporting may advance a client's recovery by providing an appropriate limit-setting example, increasing the parent's sense of responsibility for harmful behavior, and giving the family an opportunity to change. Parents may be relieved after a report has been made that external control has been introduced into a situation that frightens them as much as it does the children. Reporting may also open a dialog with the client concerning family relationships and any personal history of abuse, if one exists. Whether these positive results occur appears to depend on when the report is made (earlier in treatment is more likely to affect the relationship negatively), how much support the counselor offers when the report is made, and how well the counselor deals with the client's anxiety and anger (Melton et al., 1995).The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect offers the following guidance:The law does not require mandated reporters to tell the parents that a report is being made; however, in the majority of cases, advising the client is therapeutically advisable. First, the therapist is employing clinical leverage by using authority to set a firm and necessary limit... Second, if the therapist does not mention the report, there is secrecy and tension, which may result in the clients' feelings of suspicion, isolation, or betrayal. In some cases, reporting may elicit an extreme response from the clients... It can be very beneficial to give clients the opportunity to make the reports themselves in the therapist's presence (Peterson and Urquiza, 1993, p. 13).Although the manner in which the counselor makes the report may affect the counselor-client relationship, the importance of that relationship must not override the counselor's responsibility to fulfill the statutorily imposed obligation to report when a report is necessary to protect a child. If a client has a history of violence, the counselor must also consider her own safety when deciding how much to include the client in the reporting process. Developing Reporting Policies and ProceduresFailure to comply with statutory reporting mandates or to limit the report as required by the Federal confidentiality regulations can place the individual counselor and the counseling agency at risk. Therefore, everyone in the agency who is required by law to report suspected abuse or neglect must clearly understand when and how a report must be made and what information must be reported.The best practice is to adopt a written policy or protocol before a case arises. Recently hired counselors should read or be given training on such policies. Reporting policies and procedures should include a reference to the State's legal requirements, including the definitions of child abuse and neglect, the categories of persons who must report, what information must be in the report, and how a report should be made and documented. Specifically, the Consensus Panel recommends that agency policy include A statement that the agency strictly adheres to the State's mandatory reporting laws The State's definition of abuse and neglect The State law delineating when reports must be made (e.g., when a counselor has "reasonable suspicion" or "reasonable belief") A list of the categories of persons who are mandated reporters An outline of the information that must be reported and a statement that no other information will be disclosed unless the client has consented in writing The name, address, and telephone number of the person or agency to whom the report must be made

(Generally, jurisdictions require persons who suspect child abuse or neglect to telephone a report to the local CPS agency or the department of human services and follow it with written confirmation.) A requirement that clients receive a notice, when they are admitted, summarizing the Federal confidentiality regulations and the child abuse reporting exception (§2.22(a)) (The Federal regulations contain a sample notice that may be used for this purpose; the Consensus Panel recommends that the client be required to acknowledge in writing receipt of the notice.) A requirement that staff members who are mandated reporters consult a supervisor or team leader before calling the CPS agency to report suspected child abuse or neglect unless the situation is an emergency (Some States require that the agency as well as the individual care provider make a report; moreover, consulting with a supervisor ensures that the wisest decision is made in this emotionally charged area, particularly in ambiguous or doubtful cases, and it will ensure that the agency is prepared to handle any legal issues that may subsequently arise.) A statement describing how the report must be documented in the agency's records (At a minimum, documentation should include the name of person and agency to whom a telephone call was made, the date and time of the call, the information provided, a copy of the written confirmation, and a notation of whether and when the parent was notified of the report.) Guidelines describing when and how the client will be notified, including a description of the circumstances under which a parent should not be notified because of danger to the child A procedure for review of all cases and of issues that arise after reporting (Routine review will ensure that any problems, whether of a procedural or therapeutic nature, will be addressed expeditiously.) A requirement that orientation for all new staff include the agency's reporting policies and procedures and a statement that the agency will provide ongoing training in this area Go to: State Laws Regarding Child Abuse and Neglect All 50 States and the District of Columbia have statutes that protect children from abuse and neglect by their parents or others. There are criminal statutes prohibiting certain acts (or failures to act), violation of which may lead to imprisonment. There are also civil statutes that prohibit abuse and neglect. If these statutes are violated, the court may impose requirements that parents accept certain kinds of help (such as substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, or anger management training), that their children be removed from the home, or that their parental rights be terminated.Most States define abuse as an act or failure to act that results in nonaccidental physical injury or sexual abuse of a child. Neglect generally includes the denial of adequate food, shelter, supervision, clothing, or medical care when such resources or services are available. As noted in Chapter 1, each State defines abuse and neglect differently, and the conditions considered to be neglect or abuse in one State may not be the same in others. Because State law often requires that treatment providers report suspected abuse and neglect, treatment staff should become familiar with their State's definitions of abuse and neglect. Staff can contact the State's CPS agency for information on current laws. (If the abuse occurred in another State, or if the perpetrator is currently living in another State, it is wise to check on the laws in the other State to ensure compliance. At times, there may be a need to report in both States.) Readers can also find State statutory child abuse and neglect definitions on the Internet at http://www.calib.com/nccanch/services/statutes.htm. Federal

definitions of these terms appear in the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, 42 U.S.C. §5106(g). In some cases, the CPS agency can be consulted regarding whether or not a report must be made in a particular situation without divulging confidential (i.e., identifying) information. Consultation with the CPS agency must be done with great care, and this communication can be noted in the client's chart.Although each State's laws are different, the following conditions are reportable in most States: The child has been seriously physically injured by a parent or other adult by other than accidental means. The child appears injured or ill to the point that a reasonable person would seek medical attention, but the parent has not sought medical attention, refuses to consider it, or fails to follow medical advice, putting the child at risk. An adult has sexually touched (or made the child sexually touch the adult), abused, or exploited the child. The child is not registered for or attending school, and the parent refuses to remedy the situation (home schooling must be adequately documented). Although the behaviors outlined above are the most blatant examples of child abuse or neglect, other parental behaviors or practices may put children at risk. For example, the following may also constitute child abuse or neglect: Leaving a young child alone and unsupervised Inappropriate punishment that puts a child at risk (e.g., locking a young child out of the house as a punishment) Depriving a young child of food for an extended period of time Treating one child, the "bad one," far more harshly than others Whether behaviors like these are reportable depends, in part, on how State statutes define abuse and neglect, the seriousness of the behavior or incident, its impact on the child, and the counselor's perception of the client's overall behavior with the child and of the client's willingness to correct inappropriate behavior.The difficulty for counselors is that substance abusers are often the products of poor parenting themselves and many have had little or no exposure to appropriate parenting behavior ( Whitfield, 1981). Without a reasonable model of nurturing behavior, they may simply deal with their children in the same inappropriate ways they were treated. They may have no intention of harming their children and no notion that they are putting their children at risk.Because of these complicating factors, the decision whether to report parents who treat their children inappropriately can be rather difficult. Clearly, inappropriate child-rearing practices cannot be ignored; they are important danger signals. Yet not every inappropriate action a parent takes can--or should--be reported. On the other hand, counselors must keep in mind that they are required to report when they have a firm belief or a reasonable suspicion (the statutory definition will vary) that a child is abused or neglected (as that term is defined). Their responsibility is limited to making a report; it does not include conducting an investigation to determine whether the abuse or neglect actually occurred. That is the job of the CPS agency. There may also be timeframes within which reporting must occur, and sanctions for failure to report.If counselors are unsure of how to proceed or what is required in a murky or complex case, they should consult with a supervisor, a colleague in the treatment program, or others (see Figure 6-1 ). Of course, such consultation must be made without violating Federal confidentiality regulations. (See Appendix B for a further discussion of this issue.) As this chapter advises earlier in "Developing Reporting Policies and Procedures," programs should adopt written policies governing child abuse reporting and should require counselors to consult with supervisors before making a child abuse or neglect

report. Ongoing training and a thorough knowledge of community resources will help counselors determine what actions are most likely to benefit the child and whether reporting is required. Parental Substance Abuse as Child Abuse and NeglectThe differences in the ways States define child abuse and neglect are particularly striking in the area of parental substance abuse. In some States, parental substance abuse, by itself, may constitute child abuse or neglect. In others, something more must be shown. For example, in South Carolina, giving birth to a drug-exposed infant is a criminal offense; a conviction may send the mother to prison (State v. Whitner, 328 S.C. 1, 492; S.E. 2d 777 [1997], cert. denied, 118 S. Ct. 1857 [1998]). In other States, like New York, "[a] report which shows only a positive toxicology for a controlled substance [in the newborn] generally does not in and of itself prove that a child has been [neglected]" (Nassau County Department of Social Services v. Denise J., 87 N.Y. 2d 73, 661 N.E. 2d 138, 637 NYS 2d 666 [1995]).New York offers a particularly interesting approach to the question of parental substance abuse, as it distinguishes among three kinds: (1) those parents who misuse substances but not to the extent that they become intoxicated, unconscious, or their judgment is impaired; (2) those parents who misuse substances but are in treatment; and (3) those parents not in treatment who misuse substances to the extent that they become intoxicated, unconscious, or their judgment is impaired.In New York, a CPS agency that brings a neglect proceeding against a parent who uses substances must show, at a minimum, that the parent "repeatedly misuses a drug or drugs or alcoholic beverages, to the extent that it has or would ordinarily have the effect of producing a substantial state of stupor, unconsciousness, intoxication, hallucination, disorientation or incompetence, or a substantial impairment of judgment or a substantial manifestation of irrationality...." Substance abuse below that level is not prima facie evidence of neglect. When a parent is in treatment, the State may not use "such drug or alcoholic beverage misuse [as] prima facie evidence of neglect" even if it results in "a substantial state of stupor" (§1046(b)(iii) of the Family Court Act).Similarly, for a court to rule that a child is neglected because of the substance abuse of a parent who is not in treatment, the court need find only that the parent's substance abuse results in loss of self-control of his actions. On the other hand, if the parent is voluntarily and regularly participating in treatment, the court cannot make a ruling of neglect unless it finds (1) that the substance abuse results in the loss of self-control and (2) that there is sufficient evidence that the "child's physical, mental or emotional condition has been impaired or is in imminent danger of becoming impaired" (§1012(f) of the Family Court Act).The wide variation in the way States define child abuse and neglect makes it imperative that providers be familiar with their States' statutes. Substance-using pregnant womenMany States have employed both criminal and civil sanctions in an attempt to penalize pregnant women who use substances for the harm they may be causing the fetus. Since until recently no existing criminal statute directly addressed prenatal injury to the fetus by a substance-using mother, criminal prosecutors have used "State statutes related to child abuse and neglect, involuntary manslaughter, prohibitions on delivery or distribution of controlled substances to minor, and pure drug use" (Garrity-Rokous, 1994, p. 219). By 1991, at least 19 States and the District of Columbia charged women with felonies for substance use during pregnancy.Many courts have also disregarded sentencing guidelines and imprisoned

pregnant drug users for terms long enough to ensure their infants were born drug free (Garrity-Rokous, 1994). The South Carolina State Supreme Court was the first to rule that a viable fetus could be considered a "person" under child abuse laws. (In other States, however, courts have held that child endangerment laws do not apply to fetuses.) In South Carolina, district attorneys were directed to treat situations in which a pregnant woman is using drugs as subject to duty-to-report provisions, placing medical personnel and counselors in legal jeopardy if they failed to inform authorities of such a pregnancy. In a related trend, judges commonly remand substance-using pregnant women who are arrested for prostitution, drug peddling, or other crimes to residential treatment centers, which are ordinarily reserved for persons with severe substance dependence.Mothers who give birth to babies who are born harmed by or addicted to illegal substances may also face legal consequences. Child abuse and neglect laws have been passed in some States specifying that the birth of an infant who is addicted to an illegal substance constitutes a mandated reporting situation. A South Carolina woman was sentenced to a 5-year prison term for child neglect when her child was born with cocaine in his system. In a well-known 1989 Florida case, another woman was arrested and mandated into residential treatment for child abuse because of evidence of cocaine in the umbilical cord at birth. Because a fetus is not considered a "person" in Florida, the State prosecutor had to show that the woman "delivered drugs" to the baby in the brief period before the umbilical cord was cut (Garrity-Rokous, 1994). Eventually, the Florida Supreme Court overturned this conviction. Even so, there has been a movement in some States to define any maternal substance use during pregnancy as child abuse or neglect.Significant cultural and economic issues are associated with the way in which State reporting requirements are implemented. One landmark study showed that a woman who delivers a substance-dependent child is more likely to be reported if she is a woman of color (Chasnoff et al., 1990). It is worth noting that the same standards are not applied to women who use alcohol or smoke, even though the consequences may be equally--or even more--harmful for the baby. The long-term impact of fetal alcohol syndrome is far more clearly documented than that of fetal exposure to cocaine, for example. And according to at least one study, maternal alcohol abuse may be the most frequent environmental cause of mental retardation in the Western world (Ray and Ksir, 1996).If counselors are aware of these trends in their jurisdiction, they will be better able to discuss the possible legal consequences with pregnant women. At the same time, understanding the current mood in the country will allow the counselor to understand better the added stress felt by drug-abusing mothers. This pressure is a good topic to discuss with pregnant clients in substance abuse treatment. Counselors should be aware that the client's concern for her unborn child, and the self-esteem issues evoked by the situation, might help keep her in treatment--or lead to relapse. Go to: CPS Agency Investigation and Potential Outcomes Once a professional, relative, or neighbor has made a report about a child, the State or local CPS agency is supposed to take action and investigate the complaint. If the complaint is unfounded or unsubstantiated, it is dismissed, and there are no further consequences. If, on the other hand, an initial investigation substantiates the complaint, the CPS agency has a number of options: It may reach an agreement with the family (without filing any court action) regarding what changes are needed and what services will help the family

achieve those changes. It will then develop a service plan outlining the remedial steps the family has agreed to take and establishing a timetable for the family to complete those steps. A CPS agency can bring a neglect or abuse petition against the parent or guardian in a family or trial-level court. After a trial or fact-finding hearing, the court may take one of the following actions: Dismiss the petition (setting the parent free from further obligation) Issue an order requiring the parent to comply with all or part of the CPS agency's service plan, an order the court may review periodically to assess the parent's compliance (If the parent fails to comply with the court's order, the court may, after a hearing, either give the parent another chance or, if the case has been pending for some time, the parent has made little progress, or her behavior is particularly egregious, remove the child and begin proceedings to terminate parental rights.) Issue an order for the child's removal If the situation is life threatening, a CPS agency can remove the child (and any siblings) immediately and schedule a prompt court hearing at which the parent or guardian may contest the removal. If the court finds the removal unnecessary, the child may be returned, but the parent may still be required to comply with a service plan. A CPS agency can refer the case to criminal justice officials. The majority of child abuse or neglect reports will not result in full-fledged court cases. Of those that do result in court action, most are brought in a family court, where hearings are closed to the public and files are sealed. Only rarely will a report result in criminal charges against the parent.Whatever is reported to the CPS agency or whatever action that agency takes, if the parent contests the charges or objects to the CPS agency's proposals, she is entitled to a hearing and to be represented by an attorney. In this country, parents may not have their children permanently removed or their parental rights terminated or be punished or be required to go into substance abuse treatment without a court proceeding. (Of course, parents may find themselves coerced into agreeing to enter treatment to retain their children.) In cases where a child has been removed from a home against the parent's wishes, a hearing must be held within a specified time, or the child must be returned. The focus in any initial hearing will be placement of the child during a CPS agency investigation or during any trial. The Service PlanUnless the charges of child abuse or neglect are dismissed (or the parent is charged with a crime and incarcerated), at some point the CPS agency will meet with the client to assess his needs and develop a service plan.The plan should detail The steps the client must take and the terms and conditions he must meet to retain or regain custody of the children A timetable for accomplishment of each step, term, and condition A list of resources the CPS agency will make available to the family It is the CPS agency's obligation to make every effort to assist the client in retaining or regaining custody of his children. Clinical IssuesThe counselor's role can be critical for a client involved in a child abuse or neglect investigation or proceeding. Getting the client to sign a consent form allowing communication and joint service planning can be an important first step (see Appendix B). The counselor can help a client understand what is happening, help her stay focused on what needs to be accomplished, and provide support and encouragement. However, to offer the client sound assistance the counselor needs some basic information: Is this the first time the client has had a case with a CPS agency? What are the charges against the client (e.g., abuse, neglect)? What precisely is the client charged with doing or not

doing? Has a child ever been removed from the client's home? Does the client have a lawyer representing him? (The counselor should ask the client to sign a consent form permitting the counselor to communicate with the lawyer.) At what stage is the client's case? Has the client agreed to a service plan? Is he subject to a court order? What actions must the client take to comply with the service plan or court order? Is there a timetable? What are the likely outcomes of the proceeding and is termination of parental rights a possibility? What is the client's view of the CPS agency and of the entire situation? Although some might think the last question strange, soliciting the client's view of the CPS agency will help to maintain the counselor-client relationship as the investigation unfolds. Clients have often had negative experiences with CPS agencies or other social service agencies that have intervened in their lives, especially if cross-cultural issues are involved. If a counselor acts on the assumption that the client thinks a CPS agency is acting in her best interest, the counselor may well alienate the client and close the door on what could be an opportunity for developing a therapeutic alliance. In other words, if the counselor characterizes the CPS agency's intentions as beneficent and its intervention as beneficial, the client may well view the counselor as naive at best, and possibly part of the "enemy camp." It is best to begin a dialog with the client about the role of the CPS organization. Perhaps the safest approach is for the counselor to take the position that whether or not the CPS agency's intentions are benign or its intervention is welcome, it is a force with which the client must deal.It is important, however, for the counselor to help the client move past denial, hurt, and anger into a working relationship with the CPS agency. She should not align or overidentify with the client against the CPS agency. The counselor should make it clear that his major role in this situation will be to work with the client to ensure that the client understands and complies with the CPS agency's or the court's requirements regarding substance abuse treatment. To this end, the counselor should obtain a copy of the service plan and review it with the client. The terms and requirements of the service plan can often be integrated effectively into counseling objectives.In fact, the CPS system may have information for the treatment provider on the client's substance abuse history and other relevant clinical information. Collateral information from CPS agencies on substance abuse evaluations can be invaluable in raising the quality of the evaluation, providing accurate information, and making better treatment decisions. (For guidelines on maintaining client confidentiality and the legal requirements involved, please see Appendix B.) Frequently clients do not understand the severity of their situation and may minimize or withhold information. This may be due to drug-related cognitive impairments, low IQ, naivete regarding the legal system, or the same denial and rationalization that sustained their addictions.Service plans may include a comprehensive treatment plan involving several agencies. Some communities have established multiagency teams to coordinate support for families in crisis. In West Hawaii, for example, a multidisciplinary team is formed to assist the CPS agency worker in high-risk or complex cases, such as severe abuse that results in hospitalization. Members of the team represent the disciplines of medicine, nursing, psychology, and social work. Because more than half of reported child abuse and neglect cases involve substance abuse, a substance abuse treatment professional has recently been added to the team. The team helps the CPS agency worker assess the extent to

which further harm is likely to befall the child, gauge the family's motivation and capacity for change, and weigh the advisability of various options for protecting the child. Team members review available documentation (such as case histories, school reports, and medical records) in addition to contributing their own knowledge of the family in question, providing a wide range of additional support on an as-needed basis. Pediatricians assess the medical needs and perform comprehensive abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse exams. Consultants also provide expert witness testimony for the family court.The team approach can be extremely helpful to a client or family involved in the child protective process. The team can coordinate services so that requirements, appointments, and obligations do not overwhelm the client and can reduce the number of conflicting demands the client must meet. A team approach can be very helpful in obtaining a more complete picture of the client and the severity of the problem. A client often presents differently to various practitioners and may share different information depending on the practitioner's area of expertise and nature of the relationship with the client. The difficulty for a treatment provider is that before information may be shared with other agencies, the client must sign a consent form permitting the program to communicate freely with specified agencies. (In parallel fashion, the client must have signed a consent form allowing the other agency to communicate with the substance abuse treatment provider. Some counselors address this by having the client sign the two consent forms necessary for two-way communication and sending a copy of the appropriate version to the other agency.) The other agencies must also understand that they are prohibited by Federal regulations from redisclosing any information they receive from the counselor (see Appendix B). Communicating With CPS Agencies and Others After the Initial ReportAlcohol and drug counselors working with parents during CPS agency investigations or court proceedings may find that the CPS agency and others view them as a good source of information. It is important to keep two things in mind. First, substance abuse treatment programs and the child welfare system (including both the courts and the CPS agency) have different concerns, goals, and measures of success. Once the counselor has made the initial report, her concern must turn to the client's progress toward recovery. While the child protective system is also concerned with the client's recovery, its focus is on the child's safety and stability. These differences in primary focus mean that while the alcohol and drug counselor can help the client achieve recovery (and thereby successfully end the involvement of the CPS agency), she cannot change either the client or the situation. Sometimes, the treatment system's interest in the client's recovery conflicts with the CPS agency's interest in protection of and permanency planning for the child. For example, the counselor's goal of having the client reduce his substance abuse (and allowing sufficient time for that to happen) may conflict with the CPS agency's goal of finding a permanent placement for a child who has been in foster care for many months.Counselors must keep in mind that they may communicate with or respond to requests for information only when the proposed communication conforms to one of the Federal regulations' narrow exceptions permitting a disclosure. If a counselor fails to abide by Federal confidentiality rules, an unpleasant and expensive lawsuit may be brought against the program and possibly the counselor. Moreover, if word spreads that the program fails to protect information about its clients, it may have a difficult time in retaining its clients' confidence

and in attracting new clients into its treatment services (as well as the possibility of professional sanctions and relicensing difficulties).The following discussion about communicating with parts of the child welfare and legal systems relies heavily on four exceptions to the Federal regulations that permit disclosures: Proper written consent from the client (§2.31) Proper written criminal justice system consent from the client (§2.35) Court orders (§§2.64-2.66) Qualified service organization agreements (§§2.11, 2.129(c)4)) Appendix B contains a full discussion of the regulations, including these exceptions. Dealing With CPS Agencies, Courts, and Law EnforcementAll professionals who work in the field of substance abuse treatment are aware that their clients have serious problems that may involve procuring and using illicit drugs. Abuse of such illicit substances interferes with their lawful behavior and, when they are parents, interferes with responsible parenting (Magura and Laudet, 1996). Treatment providers, therefore, will often need to interact with the legal and child protective systems. The way in which counselors interact with these agencies will vary from case to case. The counselor may have to contact a CPS agency to report a client suspected of child abuse, or the legal system may contact the counselor for information about a client's participation in a treatment program. Whatever the nature of the interaction with CPS agencies or the legal system, counselors need to be aware of their legal responsibilities.The following subsections discuss how the counselor should deal with various agencies. In all of these circumstances, the Consensus Panel recommends that counselors (1) ask for their supervisor's guidance on what boundaries to keep, (2) consult their client, (3) use common sense, and (4) consult State law (or a lawyer familiar with State law). Communicating with a CPS agencyEven if a CPS agency has sent the program a Request for Information Release that the client has already signed, if the form does not comply with §2.31 of the Federal confidentiality regulations, the counselor may not release any information. (For a sample form that complies with the Federal regulations, see Appendix B.) Even if the form complies with the Federal requirements, the counselor should remember that a signed consent form does not require her to disclose any information. The counselor should still evaluate the appropriateness of the request in the context of its impact on the client's treatment.First, after getting the client's written consent to do so, the counselor should consult with the client's lawyer. (Some clients may not be aware that they have the right to an attorney when custody of their children is being questioned.) The counselor should ask the lawyer whether she has objections to the program's making a disclosure and whether she thinks it is in the client's interest for the program to disclose the requested information. The lawyer may be pleased to know that the Federal confidentiality regulations provide a way to limit the kind of information disclosed. If the lawyer has no objections, the counselor can simply have the client sign a valid consent form, making sure to limit the scope of the disclosure as appropriate (and as the regulations require). If the lawyer does have an objection, then it is best to let her take the lead.If the client has signed a proper consent form authorizing the counselor to communicate with the caseworker at the CPS agency, how much information should the counselor disclose and how active a role should he take? In some cases, disclosing information to the CPS agency or court will benefit the client. It may also help the client if the counselor participates in developing a service plan for the family. However, it is up to the client and the lawyer,

not the counselor, to determine whether communication or cooperation with a CPS agency will benefit the client. Therefore, it is essential that the counselor communicate with the client's attorney before taking it upon himself to communicate with a CPS agency.Counselors should avoid using a standard report form in communicating with a CPS agency, unless the form calls for a limited amount of relevant, objective data. Each case is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach may hurt the client. It is best to think through each case on its own terms--with the help of the client's lawyer and with appropriate supervision. Sometimes, however, CPS agencies only need to know whether the client is participating in treatment, what the program's expectations are, if the client's participation has been satisfactory, the extent of drug involvement, and whether the client has complied with specific directives the treatment provider may have made. Responding to lawyers' inquiriesIf a lawyer calls to find out about a client's treatment history or current treatment, unless the client has consented in writing to the counselor's communicating with the lawyer, the counselor must tell the lawyer, "I'm sorry. I can't respond to that question right now. Can I have your telephone number and call you back at another time?" This is because the Federal confidentiality regulations prohibit any other response without the client's written consent. The regulations view any response indicating that the person in question is the counselor's client as a disclosure that the person is in fact in substance abuse treatment. This applies even if the lawyer already knows that the client is in treatment.A firm but polite tone is best. If confronted by what could be characterized as "stonewalling," a lawyer may be tempted to subpoena the requested information and more. The counselor will not want to provoke the lawyer into taking action that will harm the client. Even if the counselor has the client's written consent to speak with the lawyer, she may find it helpful to consult with the client before having a conversation about him. The lawyer can be told, "I'm sure you understand that I am professionally obligated to speak with this person before I speak with you." It will be hard for any lawyer to disagree with this statement.The counselor should then speak with the client to ask whether the client knows what information the caller is seeking and whether the client wants her to disclose that or any other information. She should leave the conversation with a clear understanding of the client's instructions--whether she should disclose the information and, if so, how much and what kind. It may be that the lawyer is representing the client and the client wants the counselor to share all the information she has. On the other hand, the lawyer may represent the CPS agency, the prosecuting attorney, or some other party with whom the client is not anxious to share information. There is nothing wrong with refusing to answer a lawyer's questions.If the lawyer represents the client and the client asks the counselor to share all information, the counselor can speak freely with the lawyer once the client signs a proper consent form. However, if the counselor is answering the questions from a lawyer who does not represent the client (but the client has consented in writing to the disclosure of some information), the counselor should listen carefully to each question, choose her words with care, limit each answer to the question asked, and take care not to volunteer information not called for. If the lawyer asking for information represents the prosecuting attorney, the counselor should consult both the client and his lawyer, as well as the program's legal counsel before responding to any

questions. Responding to subpoenasSubpoenas come in two forms. One is an order requiring a person to testify, either at a deposition out of court or at a trial. The other--known as a subpoena duces tecum--requires a person to appear with the records listed in the subpoena. (Depending on the State, a subpoena can be signed by a judge or filled out by a lawyer and stamped by a court clerk.) Unfortunately, it can neither be ignored nor automatically obeyed.When a subpoena is received, the counselor should call the client about whom he is asked to testify or whose records are sought and ask what the subpoena is about. It may be that the subpoena has been issued by or on behalf of the client's lawyer, with her consent. However, it is equally possible that the subpoena has been issued by or on behalf of the CPS agency's lawyer (or the lawyer for another adverse party). If that is the case, the counselor's best option is to consult with the client's lawyer (if the client has signed a consent form) to find out whether the lawyer will object (i.e., ask the court to "quash" the subpoena) or whether the counselor should simply obtain the client's written consent to testify or turn over her records. An objection can be based on a number of grounds and can be raised by any party, as well as by the person whose treatment information is sought. Often, the counselor may assert the client's privilege for her.If the program has an attorney to represent it or an attorney who is willing to provide advice on issues like these, the counselor could seek his advice. As is detailed in Appendix B, the best way to handle this arrangement is for the program and the lawyer to sign a "Qualified Service Organization Agreement" (§§2.11, 2.12(c)(4)), which permits the program to communicate information to a person or agency that provides services to the program. Project Connect Coordinating CommitteeIn Rhode Island, the Project Connect Coordinating Committee meets monthly to explore and establish linkages between treatment agencies. Its members include representatives of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF); the Department of Health, Division of Substance Abuse; substance abuse treatment providers; health care providers; staff from perinatal addiction programs funded by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention; and staff for Project Connect. Among the project's accomplishments are the following: Holding a treatment provider fair to give DCYF a better grasp of treatment issues and options Preparing a resource directory to help DCYF workers make appropriate referrals Developing referral, intake, and reporting procedures to integrate and facilitate the work of substance abuse treatment providers and DCYF workers serving the same family Sponsoring a conference to work toward a common language Exchanging information through formal presentations on topics of mutual concern Advocating for the development and implementation of a managed care system Communicating with the courtSometimes, the court hearing a client's case will ask a treatment program to write a report about his progress in treatment. Or a client's lawyer may ask an agency to submit a letter to the court to support a disposition she is advocating. In any letter it submits, the agency should limit itself to reporting factual information, such as client attendance and urine toxicology screen results; it should not speculate on the future of the client or the client's family. Nor should it offer an opinion as to where the child should be placed. Of course, any information the agency releases in the form of a letter-report must be limited to the kind and amount of information the client agreed to have released when he signed the consent form. Moreover, the agency should consult with the client's attorney to ensure the

letter covers the areas of concern and will do no damage.What should a counselor do if the client is continuing to abuse the child, the counselor knows this, and the counselor is asked to submit a report? First, if a counselor believes that her client is continuing to abuse a child and that the child's life or health is in danger, the counselor can make another "initial" report to the CPS agency (even when no report has been requested).Second, if the client's lawyer has asked the counselor to write a report for the court and the counselor believes that the client is continuing to have difficulty meeting his parenting responsibilities (but that active abuse that would require another report is not present), the counselor can explain why she doesn't want to write a report, so long as the client has signed a consent form permitting the counselor to talk to the lawyer.Third, if the court has asked the program for a report, the counselor can state in the beginning of the report that it will be limited to factual matters related to the client's progress and compliance with substance abuse treatment. The only circumstance in which a counselor could voluntarily inform a court of his opinion that there was ongoing abuse would be when the client's signed consent form would permit this kind of communication.Finally, if the court insists on a report (or testimony) on the subject of the client's parenting and the client has not consented to such communications, the program must explain that in order for the counselor to report (or testify) on this issue, the court must issue an order under subpart E of the Federal regulations. Note that if the report or testimony will include "confidential communications" it can only be done if the disclosure Is necessary to protect against a threat to life or of serious bodily injury Is necessary to investigate or prosecute an extremely serious crime (including child abuse) Is in connection with a proceeding at which the client has already presented evidence concerning confidential communications (for example, "I told my counselor...") (§2.63) (see Appendix B) Responding to inquiries by law enforcementIf a client faces criminal child abuse or neglect charges, a police officer, detective, or probation officer may pay the counselor a visit. If any of these officials asks a counselor to disclose information about a client or her treatment records, the counselor should handle the matter in the same way he would handle it with a lawyer. The counselor should tell the officer, as he might a lawyer, "I can't tell you if I have a client with that name. I'll have to check my records." Of course, if the client was mandated into treatment in lieu of prosecution or incarceration and has signed a criminal justice system consent form authorizing communication with the mandating agency, program staff may be obligated to speak with someone from that agency. (See discussion in Appendix B.)If the officer's inquiry has come unexpectedly, the counselor should determine from the client whether she knows the subject of the officer's inquiry; whether she wants the counselor to disclose information and, if so, how much and what kind; and whether there are any particular areas the client would prefer she not discuss with the officer. Again, the counselor must obtain written consent from the client before he speaks with the officer. If the client has a criminal case pending against her, it is best to check with her lawyer, too. Maintaining Working Relationships With CPS Agencies and OthersWhile a treatment program and a CPS agency may have conflicts regarding certain clients' cases, the program needs to maintain a good working relationship with the CPS agency and other agencies involved in the child protection system. It is possible, outside the context of any

individual case, for treatment programs, CPS agencies, and others to work together to develop common approaches to improve family functioning, reduce substance use, and keep children safe. Many States have coordinating committees to exchange information among diverse agencies about goals and strategies to promote understanding of each agency's perspectives, needs, and legal constraints (see box above).Education and outreach by substance abuse treatment agencies is particularly important, because CPS agency workers and other individuals in the child protective system often View treatment agencies as lenient on substance abusers Have difficulty understanding or respecting the treatment process, particularly relapse Do not understand or accept the constraints imposed on treatment agencies by Federal confidentiality requirements Providing a forum for these misunderstandings to be resolved and for acceptance and respect to develop will benefit all concerned.The following are examples of the ways that treatment providers in some States and communities have engaged in education and outreach: Florida drug treatment providers educate State legislators, judges, and sheriffs through conferences and seminars. Events are locally organized and help create understanding and acceptance of the treatment process and the confidentiality requirements that affect the provider. In Vermont, the State funds seminars on family violence and substance abuse treatment options for judges and other members of the legal system. These seminars are also open to the public. Some communities hold regular brown bag lunches for probation officers and others in the legal system. These meetings are an opportunity for education on such issues as confidentiality or how to work through problems, such as discrepancies between what the court is mandating (e.g., enrollment in a residential treatment program) and what is available (e.g., only nonresidential programs). Every summer Texas holds an annual Institute on Alcohol and Drug Abuse 2-week event that usually has 1,500 attendees per week. Numerous private and nonprofit providers have booths to exhibit their services. Bookstores exhibit and sell literature on such subjects as substance abuse, health, mental health issues, marriages, relationships, cultures, and motivational stories. A "Best Practices Conference" is held in the winter with about 1,200 people in attendance. Trainings are provided throughout the year in various regions of the State to make attendance convenient and more cost-effective for the providers. The Community Youth Network in Grayslake, Illinois, provides training sessions to area law enforcement personnel and school personnel. They address both victim and perpetrator issues, which is unusual because many programs do not address perpetrator treatment. Community Advisory Boards are an effective method of interagency collaboration and networking. The integrated family treatment program in San Antonio, Texas, has an active Community Advisory Board with representatives from the CPS system, Criminal Justice System, District Attorney's office, Family Violence Unit, Health Department, battered women's shelters, and other support agencies. Monthly meetings are held to exchange ideas and programmatic information, develop advocacy for substance-using women within their respective agencies, and gain an understanding of how each local system works. In Connecticut, the Alcohol and Drug Policy Council created a Women and Children's Client-Based Model. The various State agencies have been meeting to discuss implementing the model. There are monthly meetings of Child Protective Services Substance Abuse Regional Resource Consultants (psychiatric social workers with substance abuse certification who are

internal consultants to the CPS agency) with the substance abuse case managers for women and children to go over cases and resources. Both systems fund services for the population. The CPS system funds Project SAFE (Substance Abuse Family Evaluation), which is a statewide system to screen and provide priority access for evaluation and outpatient substance abuse treatment for clients in the CPS system. Another project, Supportive Housing for Recovering Families, provides housing assistance for clients who have successfully completed residential treatment and are planning to reunify with their families. The Alcohol and Drug Policy Council also recommends cross-training between substance abuse treatment programs and CPS agencies. Some of the major issues are how to make treatment systems more family focused and how to break down the traditional barriers in funding and measures. In Louisiana, recovered survivors have become effective lobbyists within the State legislature. Their personal experiences are brought into legislative subcommittees to gain more stringent, effective laws on behalf of abused children. The Louisiana State legislature has an appointed official in the victim representative capacity whose primary qualification is being a recovered survivor of childhood victimization. Montgomery County, Maryland, has a task force to integrate adult treatment services within the social services of CPS agencies, welfare and housing, and the juvenile justice system, recognizing the shared interests and client base. The Child Welfare League of America has published a book called Responding to Alcohol and Other Drug Problems in Child Welfare that includes many references and resources (Young et al., 1998). More needs to be done, however. Many State legislatures still view substance abusers as criminals, not people who have a disease. With busy schedules and limited financial resources, law enforcement officials often prefer incarcerating individuals, where treatment is limited. (For more information on substance abuse treatment and criminal offenders, refer to TIP 30, Continuity of Offender Treatment for Substance Use Disorders From Institution to Community [CSAT, 1998b].)Education is a two-way street. Treatment programs may benefit from training provided by other agencies, including CPS agencies and law enforcement organizations. Civic organizations, such as the Rotary Club, often have a speaker's bureau that may recommend a local expert in a particular field who would speak pro bono. https://whateveryparentshouldknowaboutcps.blogspot.com/2020/07/chapter-6legal-responsibilities-and.html

#Chapter 6—Legal Responsibilities and Recourse

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Chapter 5—Breaking the Cycle: The Substance-Dependent Client as Parent/Caregiver

Many adults with substance abuse disorders were abused or neglected during childhood. Although most do not abuse their own children, they are at increased risk of doing so (Kaufman and Zigler, 1987). When children who are victims of maltreatment become adults, they tend to repeat a dysfunctional cycle and often lack mature characteristics: the ability to trust, to make healthy partner choices, to manage stress constructively, and to nurture themselves and others (Magura and Laudet, 1996). In addition, substance-abusing women report higher rates of childhood sexual abuse than non-substance-abusing women, and these women report increased episodes of abuse from their adult partners as well. Domestic violence is a reality in many of these families (Browne and Finkelhor, 1986; CSAT, 1997b; Ryan and Popour, 1983). Research shows that childhood maltreatment has developmental, behavioral, and emotional consequences that continue into adolescence and adulthood. Researchers are now examining childhood abuse and neglect as an indicator of the potential for substance abuse (Feig, 1998; Felitti et al., 1998; Whitfield, 1998). For example, one study (Felitti et al., 1998) found that medical patients with adverse childhood experiences (i.e., traumas) had a higher incidence of health disorders, including problems with alcohol (7.4 times that of control patients) and problems with illicit substance use (from 4.7 to 10.3 times that of the controls).

Sheridan proposes a model of intergenerational substance abuse, family functioning, and abuse and neglect that reflects both the direct and indirect relationship between parental substance abuse and family dynamics, child and adult maltreatment, and second-generation substance abuse. She indicates that unless effective intervention occurs, there is an increased likelihood that these patterns will be repeated in the next generation ( Sheridan, 1995). Parental substance abuse presents not only a risk for intergenerational transmission of substance abuse disorders but also substantial risk for repetition of problematic parent-child interactions, including abuse and neglect (McMahon and Luthar, 1998). These studies indicate increased risk factors, and counselors should not assume that their clients with histories of child abuse are mistreating their own children. The family system may function well enough when stress is low. Substance-abusing parents are already severely hindered in their ability to provide a safe and nurturing home to their children (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS], 1999); increased stressors such as loss of jobs, poverty, and illness will only exacerbate the situation.

Go to: Who Abuses and Why Nearly one fourth of physical abuse and more than half of sexual abuse of children occur at the hands of adults who are not the victims' birth parents. They may be other relatives, caregivers, or partners. The likelihood of this kind of abuse is far greater when parents are using substances and, consequently, cannot provide adequate care for and supervision of their children (Reid et al., 1999). However, because most child abuse occurs within families, the discussion here will focus on parents. Providers should also note that most child sexual abuse is committed by males (Finkelhor, 1994).Research on parenting styles and attitudes of abusing parents indicates several distinct characteristics shared by parents who abuse their children. These include seeing child rearing as difficult and not enjoyable, using more controlling disciplinary techniques, not encouraging the development of autonomy in children while maintaining high standards of achievement, and promoting an isolated lifestyle for themselves and their children (Briere and Elliott, 1994). Observational studies indicate that abusing parents are less supportive, affectionate, playful, and responsive to their children and are more controlling, interfering, and hostile; they have fewer pleasant interactions with their children (Magura and Laudet, 1996). Abusive parents tend to "parentify" their children, expecting them to take on the role of caretaker. Because they do not have sufficient knowledge of child development, their expectations of their children's behavior are often too high, leading them to adopt inappropriate disciplinary practices (Wegsheider, 1981). In fact, most abusing parents do not help their children adapt to the major developmental tasks, such as regulating their sleep habits, preparing them to separate from their parents, enabling them to explore their environment safely and with appropriate limits, and making choices and becoming more independent (Levy and Rutter, 1992; Mayes et al., 1997; Rodning et al., 1989). Nor do these families successfully resolve issues of attachment, emotional regulation, autonomy, peer competence, or school and work competence (Cicchetti and Lynch, 1993).Damaged Parents: An Anatomy of Child Neglect (Polansky et al., 1981) summarizes the characteristics of abusing parents identified by researchers in several different studies: The prevalence of poverty, substance dependence, mental illness, and large numbers of children per family Feelings of inadequacy and self-reproach, often related to early negative experiences Depression, difficulty putting sadness and needs into words, and anxiety discharged into activity Serious arrest in development, a sense of incompleteness resulting from a failure to internalize a separate identity (manifested by clinging to children), the presence of other abusive and unfulfilling relationships, and an inability to tolerate being alone A fear of taking responsibility and making decisions Severe difficulties in verbal communication Difficulty in seeking or obtaining pleasure Extreme narcissism, gross immaturity, dependency, and an impaired ability to empathize with a child's needs The Polansky study cautions against overgeneralizing neglectful or abusive parents. Also, it is important to remember that poverty may be a common characteristic because poorer parents are more likely than affluent parents to be involved in public systems, which are mandated to report abuse cases. (Affluent parents tend to access private systems in which reporting is not required.) Nonetheless, the development failures above can signal to a counselor both a potential risk for child abuse and the possible effects of maltreatment in a parent's past.At the same time, certain resiliency factors have helped many children avoid the cycle of abuse. These include being able to fantasize about another

time or place, being able to read and learn about a better time and place, realizing that they are not responsible for the abuse directed at them, and having an adult in their life for a considerable period of time who sees them in a positive way. Resiliencies can be grouped in the following seven categories (Wolin and Wolin, 1995): Insight begins with a sense that life in the troubled family is strange. Such insight can eventually protect the child from a tendency to internalize family troubles and feel guilty. Independence is the child separating herself from the troubled family. Relationships fulfill needs that troubled families cannot meet. Initiative is the desire to overcome feelings of helplessness that a child can succumb to in the troubled family. Creativity is the ability to take pain and transform it into something artistic and worthwhile. Humor allows the child to make the tragic into something comic and laugh at his emotional suffering. Morality is developing a set of principles that differentiates bad from good both inside and outside the family. Traditional models of parenting may serve as a useful context for understanding how a client views his own parents and the implications for repeating their behavior. The three major types of parenting styles have been described as authoritative, permissive, and authoritarian (Baumrind, 1971). The authoritative parent maintains reasonably close supervision, sets consistent standards, and keeps track of children without being overly directive. A permissive parent allows children to do as they please and sets few limits or guidelines, which may result in safety problems; this is often a neglectful parent. The authoritarian parent is directive and rigid and relies on punishment as a major disciplinary method; within this model, this is often an abusive parent. However, parents typically combine these styles when interacting with their children, and the effectiveness of the approach used depends largely on the family's culture, community, and environment.Paradigms from developmental literature can also be useful in understanding the effects of environmental disturbances on the maltreated child. Belsky's ecological model, for example, contains four levels of analysis: (1) individual development, (2) family systems, (3) community, and (4) culture, all of which interact with each other and influence whether or not maltreatment will take place (Belsky, 1993). As this model shows, alcohol and drug counselors must understand the broader context of the forces that influence clients and their families. In turn, the counselor can help clients sort through those forces--family, neighborhood, community, or culture--to gain a better understanding about what is and is not good within their environment. Causes and Context of Parental AbuseWhile most research has focused on repeat offenders, there is some knowledge and speculation about how certain dynamics and behaviors are integrated to shape an abusive personality. A common pattern of parent-child relationships is characterized by a high demand for the child to perform in order to gratify the parents and by the use of severe physical punishment to ensure the child's proper behavior (Pollock and Steele, 1972). Abusive parents also may be highly vulnerable to criticism, disinterest, or abandonment by their spouses or significant others, or to anything else that might reduce their already low self-esteem. These types of events produce a crisis of unmet needs in the parents who then expect the child to provide gratification. Unable to meet these parental expectations, the child is punished excessively (Pollock and Steele, 1972).This pattern of overly aggressive and demanding behavior is often rooted in the parent's own childhood. Many abusive parents report that they were raised in a similar way, and these

types of childhood experiences provide "lasting imprints" that are reflected in the way the adults feel about themselves and their children. More recently Dutton, in The Psychological Profile of the Batterer, has identified characteristics such as the presence of a "shaming father" and the need for children to be excessively mature as factors that contribute to the personality of the batterer (Dutton, 1995).

Go to: Role of the Counselor Alcohol and drug counselors can play an important role in helping to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect that often plagues their clients. Many times, parents who were victims of abuse or neglect as children express strong concern and anxiety about the possibility that their children may be abused. By working closely and empathically with a substance abuser, the counselor has the opportunity to break the cycle.To help determine whether a substance-dependent client is at risk for child abuse, the treatment providers should become familiar with the client's childhood--her parents' style of child rearing, family dynamics, possible traumas, and other events that may serve as a predictor for child abuse or neglect. At the same time, the counselor also needs to learn about the client's current family life, particularly parenting behaviors that provide some clues as to whether the client's children are at risk.This information--along with the counselor's awareness of a broad range of parenting situations, cultural backgrounds, systems, social supports, and treatment options--will enable the counselor to better assist clients and their children. Although counselors can play an important role in breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect, they cannot do this alone. They are only one part of the continuum of care that is needed to break this cycle. For this reason, treatment providers will need to reach out and work with child welfare systems, school systems, child guidance clinics, health care providers, and others so that parents who abuse substances get the help they need and do not abuse or neglect their own children.While women with substance abuse disorders have often been the focus of interventions, breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect also means including fathers who are at risk for neglecting or abusing their children, as well as significant others and family members who may share caretaking responsibilities. The recommendations offered in this section apply to all clients responsible for the welfare of children. Learning About the Client's ChildhoodA client's childhood can offer information that can be useful in understanding the nature of current family relationships. There are important issues that can be explored tactfully, without necessarily using specific psychology or health care vocabulary. Asking questions about these concerns in a respectful manner helps develop a good relationship between the client and counselor. Although a counselor cannot change the past, she can help the client find the strategies to improve her current situation and the strength to recover. Many of the questions that follow may be asked during assessment, but they can also be rephrased and asked again in treatment. These questions are merely guidelines that should be modified to fit the needs of each particular client. What do you know about the circumstances around your birth? What was your infancy or early childhood like? How did your parents describe you and those times? What was your relationship with your mother or father like? Tell me about any special times with them. Did anyone in your family (including aunts, uncles, cousins) use alcohol or drugs? Do you personally feel that they had an alcohol or drug problem? Did any family member ever undergo treatment for alcohol or drug use? Who raised you as a young child? Who was important to you when you were growing up? Did you have any serious medical problems when you were growing up? Were you ever in the hospital? How were you disciplined when you did something wrong? How did your mother, father, grandparent, or other caregivers reward you? Were your parents involved and interested in your life and activities? Did it feel like they knew what you needed and what was important to you? How did your parents show you their

attention, affection, and appreciation? (These questions will help to identify patterns of neglect.) As a child, did you like school? Were there any specific school issues regarding attendance, grades, or behavior? Did you graduate from high school? Did your family move a lot as a child? Did you go to several schools because of frequent moving? How well did you get along with your peers and teachers? What was the relationship between your parents like? Were they divorced or separated while you were growing up? Was there ever violence involved when they were upset with each other? How old were you when you started having sex? How many times have you become pregnant or impregnated someone else? How did you handle each pregnancy? Did you keep the child? Was a child protective services (CPS) agency ever involved in your life? Were you ever taken out of the home? Did you ever have a caseworker? Did anyone in your family ever have trouble with the police? Do you remember any particularly frightening experiences as a child? Did anyone in your family ever have an emotional problem, like depression? As a child, what did you do for fun? What do you do for fun now? Did you attend church regularly as a child? Did spirituality or faith play a significant role in some other way as you were growing up? How do you get along with your own children now? Could you describe any special times with them? These interviews should not be hurried. The counselor should make sure that the client is comfortable and that the meeting area is quiet and peaceful. Some questions or topics may need to be reserved for a later time when the counselor has developed a more trusting relationship with the client. (Besharov, in Recognizing Child Abuse: A Guide for the Concerned, provides guidelines for interviewing parents who are at risk or are suspected of maltreating their children that can be adapted by treatment providers [Besharov, 1990].) (See also DePanfilis and Salus, 1992.) Learning About the Client's Current Home LifeIn treating a client with children, the counselor will naturally learn how much of an impact parenting is having on the client's substance abuse. In the best of situations, parenting is stressful. For those whose own parents were not good models, it can be particularly difficult.Parents who abuse substances are not a homogeneous group. They have a range of experiences and a range of parenting skills (Howard, 1995; Tyler et al., 1997). Some of these parents have been abused and neglected during childhood. Others may not have been abused or neglected but have been raised by parents who did not have adequate parenting skills. Both groups have been exposed to poor models of parenting.Counselors are treating individuals with serious addictions that interfere with their normal daily activities and mental states. Taking illicit drugs requires parents to focus their energies on procurement. Parental priorities are not their focus; rather, the parents are focused on a need to care for themselves. Although the majority of these parents express feelings of caring and concern for their children, the addiction supersedes all other concerns. When under the influence of mind-altering drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, parents are unable to foster whatever nurturing and sensitive parenting behaviors they may have.By having clients describe their current home life, the counselor can gain additional insights into their degree of risk for child abuse or neglect. Treatment providers should learn about clients' current supports (i.e., family, teachers, counselors), as well as whether they are having financial problems, living in substandard housing, or unable to pay rent or provide medical care for their children. Some specific questions that can be asked include the following: Who are the people or groups that give you

support? Do you have any special friends? Do you belong to a church, temple, or other religious or community organization? What type of social activities do you enjoy? How often? Have you been involved in the legal system? When? Have you ever been on probation? Who else lives with you at your home? Who else spends time there? Describe a typical week. What is your routine each day? On weekends? Describe your children's schedules. What do you do with them each day? On holidays? Are your children receiving ongoing medical care? Are their immunizations current? Through these and other questions, the counselor should get a sense of whether clients are at risk of neglecting or abusing their children. Socioeconomic and Cultural DifferencesIt is important that counselors not mistake class and cultural differences for child abuse or neglect. Many practitioners may not appreciate the limitations imposed by poverty and cannot distinguish between neglectful practices and those that are caused by lack of money and education. (Family problems of poverty may require referrals for cash assistance or concrete services for heat, clothing, or food.) For example, in some communities it is not uncommon for preteens to babysit infants. A seemingly disorganized house does not necessarily reflect uncaring parents. It is also important for counselors not to overreact to cases of social deprivation in poor families. While poverty may expose the parents to more risks for child abuse, most poor families do not abuse or neglect their children (

Go to: Clues That the Client May Be Endangering Children In certain treatment settings, such as day treatment centers with child-care services, the counselor may have the opportunity to meet the client's children. Such direct observation can be beneficial in several ways. First, the counselor can see firsthand how the client relates to his children: How does the client react to his children's behavior? How does he respond to his children's emotional needs? Do his children make eye contact with him? How does he respond to the children's crying? How does he praise and discipline his children? Are his expectations age-appropriate? With this information, the counselor can assess the client's parenting style. Some warning signs that these children are in danger of abuse may be obvious, such as a parent hitting a child. Other behavioral signs may include a child's yelling, screaming, not being able to sit still, flinching easily, or attaching indiscriminately to others. Regression to an earlier developmental stage is not uncommon. For example, a child who had been toilet trained or able to separate well from the parent may suddenly be wetting her pants or clinging to her parent. The counselor should be mindful, however, that these behaviors might indicate developmental problems, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Whatever the case, the child should be referred to a health professional.The counselor will also have an opportunity to check for any signs that could result from physical abuse or neglect. The counselor can see if the children are underweight for their age or if they are unkempt. The counselor can observe whether the child has any exposed bruises, cuts, or obvious fractures. The counselor can then ask the client to explain why the child is underweight or injured. If the client's explanation is suspicious and the story does not fit the child's physical status or injury, then the counselor would have cause to report this to a CPS agency (see Chapter 6).In most treatment settings the counselor does not have the opportunity to meet the client's children. Over time, however, the counselor will learn more and more about the client. In an unguarded moment, the client may begin describing parenting behavior that is not appropriate. The client may also share something in group or via writing exercises. Figure 5-1 lists some examples of poor parenting behavior that could lead to child abuse or neglect. 📷 BoxFigure 5-1: Behavioral Clues That Suggest Possible Child Abuse or Neglect. Name calling, verbal abuse, negative or belittling labeling of the child Stories that suggest children are living in unsafe conditions (e.g., spoiled food, (more...)In situations where poor parenting is indicated but the client does not appear to be abusing or consciously neglecting the child, the treatment provider will need to direct the client toward those agencies and services that can help her become a better parent. At the same time, the counselor can talk about and reinforce good parenting practices.

Go to: Incorporating Treatment Strategies for Child Abusers Breaking the cycle of abusive parenting means understanding the background of the parent within the context of the family, neighborhood, and culture. When parents who abuse substances recall their own childhood, they often report deprivation in many areas--emotional, social, physical, and economic. If these parents recall histories of severe neglect or abuse during childhood and adolescence, the counselor can assume that most have missed out on opportunities to form healthy, trusting relationships with their caregivers and have not experienced a model of parenting that included a consistent, nurturing environment with appropriate roles and boundaries. The first thing substance-abusing parents typically need to focus on is how to build positive relationships with their children. Because many clients' parenting skills and styles reflect what they have experienced, they will be at an increased risk of parenting inappropriately, and some within this group will abuse or neglect their children. Most of these parents want to do the best for their kids--they just don't know how. Therapists should support their clients' desire to become better parents and assist them in identifying parenting support programs.Just as counselors can expect that substance-abusing parents often will deny their substance abuse, they can also expect parents to deny neglecting or abusing their children. The challenge for the counselor is to help parents understand that their parenting behaviors may not be appropriate and that these behaviors can negatively influence their children's future development, especially their ability to trust others and to develop self-esteem and pride about their lives. When parents lack a reference point--that is, good parenting models--they will need help in Recognizing the importance of appropriate parenting behaviors Seeking help to become better parents Identifying others who can support them over time as they parent their growing children Understanding how current abuse of substances affects responsible parenting At the same time, the counselor must not forget to articulate the positive aspects of the clients' experiences. Focusing on the negative or risk factors only results in shame and futility and is counterproductive. Increasing clients' self-esteem and self-efficacy (their effectiveness and ability to take responsibility) is a primary step to their understanding of the child-rearing role. Thus, it is important for the counselor to praise clients when they act according to appropriate parenting behavior--and point out that this shows they do have the qualities of a good parent within them. This will develop a trusting and helpful relationship with these clients. It will also help them break the cycle of shame by offering some strategies of hope.Indeed, there is evidence suggesting that substance-abusing parents are aware that their parenting strategies may be counterproductive and worthy of change (Hawley and Disney, 1992; Levy and Rutter, 1992) and that they are highly concerned about the well-being of their children ( Grossman and Schottenfeld, 1992; Tunving and Nilsson, 1985). The counselor's relationship with clients also provides a positive model for the client of what constitutes a helping relationship. Consciously or unconsciously, clients may adopt techniques they experienced as significant in their own therapy when interacting with their own children--reflective listening, setting appropriate boundaries, treating others with respect, and providing encouragement and positive reinforcements, among others. What Abusing Parents Should LearnTo raise a child in a nonabusive and nonneglectful manner, it is important that parents have the basic knowledge and skills needed, including the following: Realistic knowledge about child development Parenting

skills An understanding of the impact of child abuse on a person Good relationships with spouse and other adults Other personal development and social skills development Treatment programs should establish guidelines on how to deal with these issues if they arise during counseling and know when to refer clients for appropriate types of intervention and support, such as child development and parenting specialists. Additionally, there are many types of support groups available for parents and children involved in abusive relationships. Parents Anonymous, for example, is intended to help adults who abuse children. Parents Anonymous also targets families who have been involved in incest and attempts to keep these families intact or reintegrate families that have been divided because of incest. Alateen, another 12-Step group, is designed for older children whose parents are alcohol dependent and who may be at risk for abuse. Realistic knowledge about child developmentParents should understand the stages of child development and the expectations reasonable for children at specific ages. (An organization in Washington, D.C., called "Zero to Three" [see Appendix E] develops materials, including posters and wall charts, for parents and child care practitioners that define and explain key stages in the development of children from birth to age 3.) Abusive parents often believe that very young children (i.e., 2- or 3-year-olds), can stop crying on command, take care of themselves, and respond maturely to the caregiver's needs (Peterson et al., 1996). Parenting skillsAt-risk or abusive parents probably need help in basic child-rearing skills, such as how to use effective disciplinary behavior, how to reward, and how to effect desired responses. An understanding of the impact of child abuse on a personA number of resources are available that can help clients learn about the consequences of child abuse. "Choices" is avideotape produced by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention that features interviews with parents who were victims of child abuse. The Public Broadcasting Service has produced several special programs on child development that are available on video. A book of therapeutic stories, such as Once Upon a Time: Therapeutic Stories To Heal Abused Children (Davis et al., 1990), which can help heal the damage of abuse, can be read to children or given to parents to read. If adults at risk for abusing children were also victims, they should understand why they were abused (e.g., their own parents did not know about child development stages) if they are not to become abusers themselves. Good relationships with spouse and other adultsA mother's satisfaction with her spouse and her sense of support from friends and from the community contribute greatly toward a positive attitude about parenting. Strengthening these relationships helps to increase the possibility of improved maternal caregiver behavior (Belsky, 1984) and may prove helpful for fathers as well. Developing interpersonal skills is an issue that can be addressed in therapy and also in marriage counseling. Other personal development and social skills developmentThese include stress management, assertiveness training, and the development of self-confidence. Learning such skills as managing stress and knowing how to deal with anger may lower the risks of abusing a child. Selecting the Most Effective Treatment ProgramData suggest that interventions aimed at breaking the cycle of substance abuse, child neglect, and maltreatment are more successful when they are family centered (Magura and Laudet, 1996). Critical services that may need to be provided for parents who abuse substances include Access to physical necessities, such as food, housing, and transportation Medical care Counseling on substance abuse prevention Training on parenting and

child development Training in child care techniques (bathing, holding, packing a diaper bag, giving medication, etc.) Social services, social support, psychological assessment, and mental health care Family planning services Child care Family therapy and health education Life skills training in such areas as financial management, assertiveness training, stress management, coping skills, home management, anger management, conflict resolution, and communication skills Educational and vocational assessment and counseling Training in language and literacy Planned, continuing care after program completion If clients are to receive appropriate help, it is essential that the treatment match their current abilities to function rationally and to be good parents. Other factors, such as clients' social class, culture, and resources, must also be considered. By addressing these issues, counselors can place clients in community-based treatment programs that address their clients' particular needs. For example, it is important in family therapy to plan what will be discussed when children are involved. The family therapist will understand the developmental needs of the children and, when appropriate, will provide information to the children about the nature of substance abuse, dependency, and treatment. The recovery process of clients can also be addressed.Parenting classes and support around parenting, recovery, and parent-child relationships can be explored. This can be based on the licensing and credentials of the counselor. Usually in early recovery, family education and counseling around recovery is helpful. Later in recovery, more in-depth family therapy may be called for, and a systems approach can be taken. However, when domestic violence is occurring, a systems approach is counterindicated. When a CPS agency is involved, a team approach that coordinates treatment plans is essential. See TIP 25, Substance Abuse Treatment and Domestic Violence (CSAT, 1997b) for more on this issue.Clients with children will fall into two general categories: those with custody and those without. At intake, the treatment provider should find out which situation pertains to a client. To give appropriate guidance for both groups, the counselor should learn the following about the client: Current substance abuse (and means of procurement) Substance abuse by a significant other who may be involved in child abuse or neglect allegations Treatment plan to reduce substance abuse History of deprived childhood History of child abuse and neglect History of involvement with CPS agencies or court system History of out-of-home placement Attitudes about parenting, knowledge about child development, and awareness that parenting tasks change depending on the age of the child Standardized screening measures are available to provide a second source of information on clients' attitudes toward parenting and potentially problematic areas: The Parental Acceptance and Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ) discussed in Chapter 2 has an adult version completed by the parent about her relationship with her child as well as a child version completed by the child about his parent. The Parent-Child Relationship Inventory (PCRI), also discussed in Chapter 2, is another instrument that can help clinicians explore their clients' potential problem areas in parenting. Treating parents with custodyStudies show that the overwhelming majority of minor children affected by parental substance abuse remain in the custody of their parents (Feig, 1998). When dealing with parents who have custody of their children and who have reported a past history of deprivation, neglect, or abuse, the counselor will need to determine the safety of the children and the support available to the client. Some clients may not have custody of their biological children but are living

with or dating someone who does and therefore has a caregiver role. At intake, the counselor should make clear to a client that she is concerned about the client both as a person with a substance abuse disorder and as a parent with certain responsibilities. The counselor needs to state from the beginning that both the client's and the children's safety are of utmost importance. To understand the situation better, the counselor will need the following information: The children's daily schedule and the adults involved in their care or supervision The children's current health status The client's involvement with other agencies, such as family preservation, back-to-work, and job training programs The role of a significant other in the care of the children, his attitude toward the children, and any previous history of abusive or neglectful behavior toward children Previous or ongoing involvement with CPS agencies, the reasons for involvement, current child protective system plan, and outcomes from previous involvement with CPS agencies Once this information is obtained, the counselor should determine the client's daily and weekly activities. This is important in understanding the stresses and tasks required of the parent. For example, a client is likely to relapse or escalate drug use if she senses failure or experiences frustration. Therefore, the counselor must help the client to prioritize her responsibilities and tasks, and recognize the need to identify supportive help when possible.One approach that the counselor may want to consider is to place emphasis on safety. The two words "safety first" can be used to guide all discussions about a client's approach to her daily tasks. By prioritizing tasks based on the parent's and children's safety, the counselor can focus clients on immediate action in a way that is positive and nonaccusatory. By framing the discussion this way, the counselor can help parents understand that it is a safe strategy to stay away from drugs; it is a safe strategy to make sure their children are in the care of a clean and sober adult; it is a safe strategy to make sure that their children attend Head Start or school; it is a safe strategy to keep children's immunizations up to date (Rubin, 1998).Over time, the counselor will become familiar with a parent's treatment attendance record, the results of random urine toxicology drug screens, and the children's activities and can thus get a sense of the stress and risk factors in the client's life that might lead to abusive or neglectful behavior. The counselor also will learn about the parent's ability to organize a daily schedule for his family and himself, follow through on responsibilities, and acknowledge when these responsibilities may be too daunting. When a crisis in a client's life seems imminent, the counselor will be better prepared to help the client reexamine his priorities and consider, once again, a plan that will provide safety for the children and for him. Treating parents without custodyCounselors will often treat clients who do not have custody of their children. This group of parents presents some issues that are different from those parents who do have custody. The counselor's initial major concern is not about the safety of the children. Instead, it is about the safety of her clients, addicted parents who need to focus on being sober and on reuniting with their children in a timely manner. The counselor should learn about The CPS agency's plan for family reunification and the schedule to complete this effort The specific requirements for family reunification, such as the time allowed clients to begin abstinence from or reduction of substance abuse, the visitation schedule with court-appointed caregivers, and completion of parenting classes Age, health, and general

developmental needs of each child Client's history of loss of custody of children and outcomes Client's history of drug or alcohol treatment and outcomes Client's current drug use, health status, income, and housing situation Client's history of childhood deprivation, neglect, or abuse With the recently legislated fast-track adoption laws and the requirement that courts establish more rigid time lines for family reunification, treatment providers must help the parent to prioritize the tasks that should be done for a successful outcome. For example, the client who acknowledges he must change his substance-abusing behavior to become reunited with his children is setting a priority toward successful family reunification. The counselor must then help the client proceed with this goal, recognizing that as time goes by other issues will need to be addressed and be included in the tasks that are required for family reunification, such as improving his parenting skills, finding appropriate housing, learning about financial planning assistance, and searching for work.For family reunification to occur, it is critical that the alcohol and drug counselor collaborate with the CPS agency professional to develop a realistic plan for family reunification. Together, they must ensure that the parent is not overwhelmed with too many tasks at one time. Moreover, the counselor must carefully consider the timing of referrals to the appropriate professionals or community-based programs so that the court timeline for family reunification is taken into account. Treatment SettingsMost substance abuse treatment settings do not have the resources to handle both substance abuse and ongoing child abuse concerns. Interagency networks and agreements can be most effective in these cases. Such cooperative arrangements should include a unified system of case management and clinical review. Following are a few selected programs in the United States that have incorporated both issues under one roof, which can serve as models for creative program development in other communities. The recent study, No Safe Haven: Children of Substance-Abusing Parents, (Reid et al., 1999) also reviews some examples of innovative combined services. Residential programs for womenResidential treatment programs can be exceptionally productive because of the way many women deal with the world. Research suggests that a woman develops in the context of relationships, rather than as an isolated individual (Surrey, 1985). In this model, where relationship and identity develop in synchrony, a woman's role as mother is intrinsic to her personal growth and serves as a motivation to facilitate treatment. Depriving her of children and other personal relationships can be detrimental to recovery. Parental Awareness and Responsibility (PAR) VillageLocated in Largo, Florida, this program admits cocaine-dependent women into a therapeutic community with children younger than 10 years of age. As many as 14 women live in separate residences with their children.Begun in 1990, PAR Village was originally a research project funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to answer the basic question, "Will women stay in treatment longer as a result of keeping their children with them while in treatment for their substance abuse problem?" Women were randomly assigned to one of two treatment programs: one with their children and one without. Results showed that women who entered treatment with their children stayed longer, completed treatment more often, and had more positive outcomes (especially in retaining or regaining custody of their children) than their control group counterparts. As a result, PAR applied for continued funding through CSAT to allow the program to continue its successful treatment models (Coletti et al., 1997).While

in treatment, both control and experimental groups were provided with group and individual counseling, educational and vocational training, parenting and life skills training, medical services, substance abuse education, and relapse prevention. In the original NIDA study, results indicated that positive outcomes increased when women came to treatment with their children. The experimental group had significantly longer lengths of stay. In fact, at 6 months, 65 percent of women with their children were still in treatment, compared to 18 percent of the control group. Posttreatment custody also improved. Half of the women who came to treatment with their children retained or regained custody of their children at the 6-month posttreatment followup, compared to none of the control group. The SpringThis long-term residential program in Carlsbad, New Mexico, is designed for female substance abusers who have children. This intensive and structured treatment program incorporates psychological, social, educational, vocational, and spiritual aspects of treatment and provides support services for the residents' children and adjunctive family treatment. Each resident shares a private room with her children. The children attend school or day care, and mothers go to classes. Children receive testing and counseling, and mothers care for their children. The comprehensive residential program consists of a broad range of activities, including 12-Step meetings, classes, and therapy groups. Village South Families in Transition (FIT)This residential program for women in Miami, Florida, is funded by CSAT and the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida. The program allows residents to bring up to five children, from newborns to age 12, to live onsite for 18 months. The FIT program also provides services to adult significant others and nonresidential children. The program includes an onsite child care center, primary health care and support services, drug intervention and prevention services for mothers and children, and counseling on job and life skills, parenting, and mother-child relations. There are family visits and weekend visits, and partners and other family members are involved. If a mother relapses and has to leave, the village can maintain joint custody of the children, and the mother can regain custody later. Day treatmentAlthough residential treatment centers have many advantages, parents may find this type of facility disruptive for family members, especially for older children who would have to change schools, lose contact with friends, and have less access to extended family. For many parents, intensive, family-oriented outpatient and day treatment programs are a more feasible alternative. Family Rehabilitation Program (FRP)Launched in 1990 by the New York City Human Resources Administration-Child Welfare Administration, this program targets mothers with newborns exposed to drugs (often cocaine) identified by the child protective system. It attempts to prevent the need for foster care of newborns and enable the families to provide for the long-term development of infants and other children. The primary client is the substance-abusing mother, who is offered both substance abuse treatment and intensive social services aimed at preserving the family unit. Services are provided through contracts with community-based volunteer groups selected to provide culturally sensitive services, including home-based visits. Unlike many family preservation programs, which are limited to 60-day interventions, FRP clients participate in services for about 1 year (Magura and Laudet, 1996). Project ConnectThis project is an effort to respond to the needs of both parents and children. It is a collaborative effort between a State department of child welfare, a

private nonprofit agency, a school of social work, and a number of substance abuse treatment and health care agencies. Its goals are threefold: to reduce the risk of child maltreatment, to keep families affected by substance abuse together, and to increase the capacity of the local service system to respond effectively to the needs of these families. Funded by a grant from the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, Project Connect is administered by the Rhode Island Center for Children-at-Risk in Providence and operates under contract from the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families (Olsen, 1995). Families receive services for about 10 months in this program. Project SAFE (Substance and Alcohol Free Environment)Begun in the mid-1980s by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, this program focuses on poor urban minority women with children. In this program, caseworkers identify women who have been accused of child neglect or abuse and have screened as high risk for substance abuse. Project SAFE takes a proactive approach by intensively recruiting women into the program. Once clients are in the program, the outreach caseworker calls clients daily, offers transportation, and helps to arrange child care throughout intensive outpatient treatment (Boundy, 1998). (For additional information on Project SAFE, see Chapter 7.) Relational Psychotherapy Mother's Group (RPMG)RPMG is a weekly parenting group offered along with substance abuse treatment. RPMG concurrently addresses mothers' unmet psychosocial needs and parenting deficits using a nonjudgmental and supportive therapeutic stance, emphasizing interpersonal relationships with adults and children, and employing a guided-discovery approach to exploring parenting and interpersonal deficits. During a 3-year pilot study, RPMG was tested as an adjunct to standard treatment offered in methadone clinics in New Haven, Connecticut. Compared to mothers receiving standard treatment alone, mothers receiving the supplemental RPMG were at lower risk for maltreating their children, reported higher levels of involvement with their children, and greater parental satisfaction overall. At 6-month followup, in addition to sustaining their gains, the RPMG mothers were less likely to use opiates than comparison mothers. Children of RPMG mothers also showed healthier levels of psychosocial adjustment than children of comparison mothers (see Luthar and Suchman, 1999 and in press). Incarcerated parents and parents in transition from incarcerationTypically, substance abuse treatment programs in jail or prison settings will limit the presence of children. However, some criminal justice and social service professionals believe that children should have the opportunity to visit their parents in jail. Children typically want to see and talk to their fathers and mothers. Two programs in New Mexico provide such family services. Project IMPACT, at both the Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Los Lunas and the New Mexico Women's Correctional Facility in Grants, reviews parenting skills of inmate fathers and mothers and provides education programs, counseling, and family visits. The program eases transition back into daily family life and provides community services to inmates' children and spouses during their incarceration. A second program in New Mexico, Comienzos, which means "beginnings," is an education program at the Bernalillo County Detention Center that provides education on parenting, family violence, and related topics. In these cases, professionals found they could motivate parents to become involved in the substance abuse treatment programs while in jail if they had contact with their children. The

California Department of Corrections and the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs support a prison-based program called Forever Free from Drugs and Crime. Forever Free participants live in a separate 240-bed facility and receive treatment 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. Counseling, relapse prevention, and problemsolving and parenting classes are part of the curriculum. For more information, call the California Department of Corrections Office of Substance Abuse Programs at 916-327-3707. For more information on substance abuse disorders and criminal offenders, see TIP 30, Continuity of Offender Treatment for Substance Use Disorders From Institution to Community (CSAT, 1998b).

Go to: Organizational Roles and The Need for Collaboration In treating adults with substance abuse disorders who are suspected of abusing or neglecting their children or who are already involved in the CPS system, counselors must communicate and collaborate with representatives from CPS agencies, all while keeping the best interests and confidentiality of clients and their families in mind. Counselors also must understand the role of juvenile, family, and criminal courts in prosecuting cases of child abuse and neglect. Every system attempts to accomplish a specific set of goals to help further the well-being of clients and family members. However, the philosophies and processes used may be very different, and the potential for conflict (expressed or unexpressed) among agency representatives is great. It is important to find ways to collaborate with other agencies in a manner that builds and maintains trust--while continuing to adhere to Federal confidentiality laws. Figure 5-2 presents some suggestions for ways in which professionals from the child welfare and treatment fields can collaborate more closely. 📷 BoxFigure 5-2: Strategies for Collaboration. Program planning and administration Provide joint training for substance abuse treatment staff and CPS agency workers Develop team staffing approaches Provide joint funding (more...) Core Functions of a Child Protection System: The Center for the Future of Children (Schene, 1998, p. 36). Respond to reports of child abuse and neglect, identify children who are experiencing or at risk of maltreatment. Assess what is happening with those children and their families--the safety of the children, the risk of continued maltreatment, the resources and needs of the parents and extended families, and their willingness and motivation to receive help. Assemble the resources and services needed to support the family and protect the children. Provide settings for alternative or substitute care for children who cannot safely remain at home. Evaluate progress of the case during service provision and assess the need for continuing child protective services. Role of Treatment ProvidersThe main focus of the treatment provider is to provide interventions and support to help clients with their substance abuse and dependence issues and recover from the physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual harm that their substance abuse has caused themselves and others. However, once child abuse or neglect is known or suspected, legal constraints take precedence because counselors are mandated to report cases to CPS agencies. It is not the role of the treatment provider to investigate child abuse; once the report is made, the provider's clinical attention should shift back to and remain with the client.It is important for counselors to let clients know from the beginning that counselors must report suspected abuse and neglect because the law requires them to do so. However, the accompanying message to the client should be that even if a report is made, the counselor will continue to work with the client, providing treatment and support. (Counselors should emphasize that it is in a client's best interest to address abuse issues before a child is harmed and before a client has jeopardized her parental rights.) For clients who have been reported, an extra measure of support may be necessary. For example, although counselors' large caseloads would preclude them from routinely accompanying clients to court, exceptions could be made for some clients.Even when accompanying clients to court is not possible, the counselor can create strategies to address the upcoming court date and related issues in treatment. For example, clients who abuse their children often have their own abuse histories and may have painful memories

of having to appear in court as children to be placed in foster care. Discussing such memories with clients may prove valuable to the treatment process. Helping clients understand the court system and procedures may also strengthen the therapeutic bond. The role of the alcohol and drug counselor often involves teaching clients self-advocacy and communications skills--that is, helping them learn to approach various systems in ways that will produce fruitful results that meet their individual needs. Role of CPS AgenciesEvery State has a CPS system to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect to determine whether the child in question is in danger and to intervene if necessary. The CPS agency initiates a comprehensive assessment of a child's safety and well-being in the family. The assessment can involve interviews with the child, the parents, and other family members; visits to the home to evaluate the environment and family dynamics; contacts with schools and other service providers who are or have been involved with the family; and testing to assess the child's health and development (see Kropenske and Howard, 1994). CPS investigations, foster care placement, and adoption services are different aspects of child welfare services, but these functions are organized and titled differently in various States and municipalities; in smaller (i.e., local) jurisdictions, roles and responsibilities may often overlap.If the CPS agency determines that a child is (or is at risk of being) neglected or abused, it can initiate family preservation services to remedy the problems (see Figure 5-3). The CPS worker is responsible for developing a service plan to help the family improve in those areas the assessment found lacking. The service plan can cover housing, day care, transportation, clothing, food stamps, parenting training, individual or group counseling (including substance abuse treatment), and teaching the parent basic household skills. These services may be provided while the child remains in the home if the child's safety can be assured, or the child may be removed to foster care while services are provided. 📷 FigureFigure 5-3: Overview of Steps Through the Child Protective Services and Child Welfare Systems.When it is determined that a child is not safe in the home, the CPS agency has the authority to remove a child temporarily and place the child in another living situation, such as foster care or with relatives (i.e., kinship care). Relatively few children are actually removed from their homes (in 1996, children placed in foster care represented 16 percent of CPS cases), and most of those removed are returned to the parents' custody fairly quickly once their safety has been assured (DHHS, 1999; Goerge et al., 1996).Children who are placed in out-of-home arrangements must wait for the legal system's procedures to take place before a final plan of family reunification or other permanent placement is completed. This plan generally focuses on reuniting the family while ensuring the child's safety and may include substance abuse treatment for parents, as well as other services. The plan and progress toward it are reviewed periodically by the court, and it must be demonstrated to the judge that efforts are being made toward the achievement of the planned goals. Recent Federal legislation mandates that permanency plans be determined quickly and that a permanency hearing be held within 12 months of adjudication of the abuse or neglect. If the child remains in foster care for 15 of the most recent 22 months, the jurisdiction must start the process of terminating parental rights and developing a plan for adoption or kinship care for the child.CPS agencies are required to investigate all reports of child abuse or neglect within a short time--generally a week. Unlike other public

service agencies, they cannot generate a waiting list when service needs outstrip resources. With increasing reports of maltreatment in recent years, backlogs of uninvestigated cases have grown, and CPS agency caseloads have soared. Many workers are assigned more than 50 families even though standards developed by the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) call for caseloads of no more than 12 to 17 families (CWLA, 1989; Daro and McCurdy, 1991; Reid et al., 1999). Role of the CourtsThe juvenile or family court judge has several placement options, which vary slightly by State. These are reunification with parents, adoption, or guardianship (often with a relative). Children aged 16 and above might enter an independent living program. After reasonable efforts are made at reunifying the child with the family within the timeframe stipulated by law, the court can terminate parental rights and free the child for adoption. Juvenile and family courts have heavy caseloads, and judges sometimes hear a new case every 15 minutes (General Accounting Office, 1999).Some child abuse perpetrators are charged in the criminal court, which is generally more crowded and slower than the family court system. In some cases, families may be involved with both courts. In those cases, the juvenile or family court judge may decide to delay a decision about a child placement case until the criminal court acts.To make the courts more responsive to families' needs, the Center for Innovative Courtrooms has begun to establish juvenile and family courts that offer a whole range of services. The Center's court in Brooklyn, for example, offers drug treatment as an alternative to incarceration, as well as welfare, domestic violence services, general equivalency diploma programs, and other services to prepare offenders to become productive citizens.In Hawaii, the West Hawaii Counseling and Supportive Living Project has been designed to assist individuals and families in providing safe and nurturing homes for children. A core team of professionals consists of a clinical social worker, a substance abuse treatment professional, a clinical nurse specialist, a service coordinator, and an agency director. They are the primary service providers who conduct a service needs assessment, provide service coordination, and make referrals to other programs and providers in the community. The goal is to provide families and children with individualized treatment planning and services that are flexible and are delivered in a manner that respects the family and their cultural heritage. The target clientele includes Families threatened by their own inability to cope with the current stress in their lives Pregnant women and mothers with children at risk of child abuse or neglect due to mental health or substance abuse factors Families who require service assessment or counseling to provide a safe, drug-free environment for their children Pregnant women and mothers with children seeking a recovery program that may include a supportive living environment Pregnant women, mothers, parents, or adults with caretaking responsibilities for children Parents whose children may be temporarily living outside the home Parents whose parental rights have been terminated and who no longer have custody of their children Role of the CommunityThe effects of substance abuse and child abuse are felt by the entire community. Thus planners, policymakers, and administrators are developing collaborative community responses that involve community education and prevention efforts, as well as pooling community resources that support clients' treatment. For example, over the past decade, community leaders in Albuquerque, New Mexico, focused on the growing problem of homeless and "throwaway" youths. Local schools, churches, and neighborhood associations joined

together to provide physical space and staff for emerging service programs. Outreach teams were created to work on the streets with youths, and clean and sober drop-in centers and shelters were established. In Connecticut, the Department of Children and Families is facilitating connection among social workers, schools, and hospitals. San Antonio, Texas, has created the Alamo Area Prevention and Treatment Providers (AAPTP) Association. This is a consortium of prevention and treatment providers whose mission is to (1) promote accessible and comprehensive prevention, intervention, and treatment services to individuals and families in the surrounding counties; (2) implement a seamless continuum of care that includes prevention, intervention, and treatment services; and (3) facilitate access to care through advocacy, positive community relations, and ongoing systems development. Importance of CollaborationBecause of the chronic and relapsing nature of substance abuse disorders, ensuring a child's ongoing safety in a home with a substance abuser, or working toward reunification of a family in that home, can be extremely difficult. Even when the parent seeks help or is ordered by the court to seek help, the parent's treatment needs and the family functioning issues related to child safety are rarely addressed simultaneously (CWLA, 1992; Young et al., 1998). The intertwined problems of substance abuse disorder and child abuse require that systems collaborate if they are to break the intergenerational cycle that has resulted in so much damage to society. However, historically, there have been barriers to such collaboration. Different perspectives on dependencyAlcohol and drug counselors and CPS workers are both involved with clients with substance abuse disorders, but generally their perspectives on addiction are quite different (see DHHS, 1999). This difference is at the heart of the conflicts that historically have characterized relationships between these two groups of professionals and prevented closer cooperation. Much of the substance abuse treatment community views the alcohol- or drug-using parent who neglects or abuses a child as having a chronic and often progressive disease that cannot be cured but can be treated. However, much of the rest of society, including some CPS workers and judges, view this parent as having made an irresponsible choice that has endangered a child. In addition, the CPS worker may perceive the counselor as willing to overlook unsafe situations for children to avoid alienating the parent and disrupting treatment. The treatment provider, however, may see the CPS agency worker as unwilling to give the parent's treatment a chance to work. Different clients, different goalsAnother barrier to collaboration between the two fields is that the organizations have different clients and different goals. Although the CPS agency worker will seek to ensure the child's safety, the alcohol and drug counselor is focused on treating the parent. Different timeframesFor the treatment provider, relapse is an expected part of recovery from a condition that has taken years to develop and will take years to resolve. CPS agency workers and the courts are accustomed to working within shorter and more well-defined time frames (usually 18 months) because of their desire to prevent children from remaining for long periods in out-of-home placements and to ensure that permanency plans are made for the child.A related factor is the overburdened public system and the frustration that professionals in both fields often experience, not only within their own agencies but also in dealing with other systems. For example, CPS agency workers who refer parents to a substance abuse treatment program often find that the program has a long waiting list and that no help is immediately

available. Similarly, alcohol and drug counselors who report suspected child maltreatment often complain that their reports go unheeded or are dismissed for lack of evidence in a system where workers have time to focus attention on only the most egregious cases (Reid et al., 1999). https://whateveryparentshouldknowaboutcps.blogspot.com/2020/07/chapter-5breaking-cycle-substance.html

#Chapter 5—Breaking the Cycle: The Substance-Dependent Client as Parent/Caregiver

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jessicalynnhepner · 3 years ago

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Chapter 4—Therapeutic Issues for Counselors

Alcohol and drug counselors, along with other mental health professionals, face a number of challenges and special issues when working with people who have suffered abuse or neglect as children. Like most people, counselors become upset or angry when they hear about children getting hurt or being abused. Some counselors are recovering from substance abuse disorders and were themselves abused or neglected as children, and they may find themselves in a professional situation where they have to confront their own abuse experience and its impact on their lives. As a consequence, counselors who were abused or who had substance-abusing parents may experience feelings that interfere with their efforts to work effectively with adult survivors. For example, counselors may find it difficult to relate to clients effectively and to reach a balance of providing enough--but not too much--support and distance.Survivors of abuse may pose many relational challenges to the counselor. These clients are often mistrustful at the same time that they need a trustworthy relationship, and a "push-pull" dynamic may result. Counselors may find themselves overly fascinated by and invested in a client's abuse history (sometimes to the exclusion of other life and therapy issues), or they may want to avoid discussion of the abuse for personal reasons. Counselors must be mindful of these possible reactions and develop appropriate strategies to ensure effective care of the client. Because child abuse and neglect reflect the ultimate violation of trust, it is critical that counselors maintain a professional relationship with appropriate boundaries and limitations in place. The counselor must be trustworthy and provide a safe relational context that--in contrast to the client's past experience--presents a unique opportunity for healing.This chapter reviews some of the challenges posed by transference and countertransference issues with this treatment population and discusses possible secondary traumatization in counselors. The Consensus Panel recommends that counselors establish and maintain clear boundaries from the outset, as well as establishing a "treatment frame." Some of the topics discussed below are basic to good counseling and clinical practice, but it is helpful to review them in the context of treating clients with histories of child abuse or neglect. Go to: Transference, Countertransference, and Secondary Traumatization The counselor-client relationship is a crucial component of all therapy. Its importance is highlighted in work with abuse survivors because of the nature of the injury caused by the abuse--it was often caused by someone in close relationship to the client, on whom she was dependent, and from whom she should have received care and protection. The counseling relationship is therefore instrumental in providing the client with the necessary support to address and work through issues related to abuse (including substance abuse) while modeling a healthy, nonexploitive relationship. TransferenceTransference generally refers to feelings and issues from the past that clients transfer or project onto the counselor in the current relationship. When clients interact with other persons, they are likely to respond in ways that repeat old patterns from their past. Clients bring the everyday responses and distortions of life into the relationship with the counselor, who, as a professional, can recognize these problems that are interfering with clients' daily functioning (Kahn, 1991). These transference reactions have specific implications for survivors of childhood abuse, who may perceive the counselor as threatening or abandoning in the same way as the perpetrator of the abuse. Conversely, clients may idealize the counselor, seeing him as the warm and loving parent they always wanted.Clients' feelings about themselves might also affect the relationship. Many

survivors have enormous shame and low self-esteem and feel responsible and guilt-ridden about the abuse. This may lead to attempts to distract the counselor from abuse-related issues so that they are not discussed or examined, or to respond to the counselor in ways that replicate the past (e.g., as caretaker, as self-sufficient and not expecting or deserving supportive attention). The counselor must be aware of and prepared for possible responses of this sort and must work to bring them to clients, attention for discussion. The counselor must also avoid replicating relational patterns from the past even if clients expect them and act in ways to encourage them. For example, the counselor should not allow clients to be overly caretaking toward him, nor should he be so overinvolved with clients that objectivity is lost. These issues are discussed in more detail below in the section "Establishing the Treatment Frame and Special Issues." CountertransferenceCountertransference refers to the range of reactions and responses that the counselor has toward clients (including the clients' transference reactions) based on the counselor's own background and personal issues. Although countertransference occurs in all therapy and can be a useful tool, an unhealthy countertransference occurs when the counselor projects onto clients her own unresolved feelings or issues that may be stirred up in the course of working with the client. If the counselor's own boundaries are not firm, she is more likely to have difficulty remaining objective and may respond to a client's transference reaction with countertransference. This is not the same thing as the counselor's subjective feelings toward the client, which may be positive (if the client is a friendly and attractive person) or negative (if the client has an unpleasant appearance and temperament). For example, if clients act seductively, the counselor may feel uncomfortable or threatened. Counselors must pay close attention to their own feelings to protect their clients and to learn more about them. At the same time, the counselor should keep in mind that the feelings clients evoke in a counselor are likely to be feelings that clients are evoking in their daily interactions with others.Countertransference occurs when the counselor loses her objectivity and becomes overwhelmed, angry, or bereft when hearing a client's story. In such a situation, the counselor may push a client to deal with childhood abuse or neglect issues before the client is ready--out of the counselor's own emotional needs. For the same reason, a counselor might discourage the client from talking about abuse issues, saying it is not the right time. However, it is very important to let the client determine when and at what pace to work on the issues, especially when dealing with child abuse and neglect. Effective treatment will be severely diminished if the counselor is unaware of her countertransference feelings toward a client. In these cases, the counselor should be closely supervised, or the client may need to be referred to another counselor.Counselors must also be cautious not to see signs of childhood abuse in every symptom. Because of the high incidence of childhood abuse and neglect among clients in substance abuse treatment and many counselors' earnest desire to help, there is a danger of overinterpreting nonspecific sequelae. Not everyone in treatment has been abused, and counselors should be aware of the possibility of clients recovering nonexistent repressed memories, especially from clients who are eager to please their counselor. (See also the section below, "Avoiding the 'Rescuer' Role.")It is important for counselors to have a general awareness of these transference and countertransference issues and to be as knowledgeable as possible about their own areas of

emotional vulnerability and unresolved emotional issues. This is especially important for counselors who are themselves survivors of childhood abuse or neglect. Secondary TraumatizationMany counselors find the level of violence and cruelty they are exposed to in working with adult survivors of abuse upsetting and incomprehensible. The counselor who is repeatedly confronted by disclosures of victimization and exploitation, especially between parent and child, may experience symptoms of trauma, such as disturbing dreams, free-floating anxiety, or increased difficulties in personal relationships. He may also experience anger or helplessness, which are detrimental to both the counselor and the client. Or, after a day of dealing with intense material in client sessions, a counselor may seem unaffected until strong emotions emerge--seemingly out of nowhere. The stress and "burnout" that may result from working with such clients can even produce symptoms similar to those of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (e.g. anhedonia, restricted range of affect, diminished interest, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia). Counselors can have these reactions even if they have no personal history of childhood abuse.Counselors experiencing these symptoms may lose perspective and become either over- or underinvested in a client (Briere, 1989; Pearlman and Saakvitne, 1995). Counselors who are underinvested may become numb to feelings that would otherwise cause anxiety, anger, or depression. A counselor may unintentionally, even unconsciously, dismiss, negate, or minimize a client's history of abuse. This reaction represents an attempt to avoid and distance oneself from the uncomfortable issues raised by the abuse. He may respond to the client coldly and clinically. Those counselors who overinvest, on the other hand, become extremely involved with their clients, going beyond the appropriate boundaries of the relationship. They may respond by becoming parental and doing problematic things such as lending their clients money, trying to solve their problems for them, or seeing them too frequently. They may also fail to confront clients when they behave inappropriately or destructively. When working with a client who was abused as a child, an overinvested counselor may have rescue fantasies or feel inappropriate anger directed at former therapists, child protective services (CPS) workers, and parents or caretakers. In extreme cases, the relationship can cease to be beneficial as it becomes overly personal, with the attendant loss of objectivity that is necessary in a professional relationship (Briere, 1989). BurnoutAs mentioned above, working with clients who have chronic mental health disorders, severe substance abuse disorders, or a history of childhood abuse and neglect can often lead to "burnout." Working with substance-abusing clients who have experienced childhood maltreatment can further challenge a counselor's capacity to remain focused in treatment. Burnout occurs when the pressures of work erode a counselor's spirit and outlook and begin to interfere with her personal life (De Bellis, 1997). These secondary trauma responses have been called "compassion fatigue" (Figley, 1995), referring to the toll that helping sometimes has on the helper.Burnout affects many counselors and can shorten their effective professional life (Grosch and Olsen, 1994). If the counselor sees a large number of clients (many with trauma histories), does not get adequate support or supervision, does not closely monitor her reactions to clients, and does not maintain a healthy personal lifestyle, counseling work of this sort may put her at personal risk (Courtois, 1988). This situation is even more serious in the current financially focused managed care atmosphere that requires health care workers to assume

larger and more complex caseloads. These complex cases often involve previously traumatized clients who present the counselor with many personal and treatment challenges (Grosch and Olsen, 1994).Counselors can minimize the likelihood of burnout. As much as possible, they should not work in isolation and should seek to treat a caseload of individuals with a variety of problems, not only those who have experienced childhood trauma. Discussing feelings and issues with others who are working with similar clients can decrease isolation through a process of shared responsibility (Briere, 1989).Counselors also should try to keep a manageable caseload. They should deliberately set aside time to rest and relax, keep personal and professional time as separate as possible, take regular vacations, develop and use a support network, and work with a supervisor who can offer support and guidance. Some treatment settings have established in-house support groups for counselors who work with abuse and trauma survivors. By sharing graphic descriptions of clients' experiences with a colleague, the counselor can gain the crucial support and perspective to be able to continue effective treatment. Working as part of a treatment team can be a natural way to facilitate support and reduce stress.In some cases, counselors may want to seek personal help through therapy that will allow them to work more successfully with this population. Among its other potential benefits, psychotherapy can help counselors come to terms with their own limitations. Counselors who are satisfied with their personal and professional lives are less likely to experience secondary trauma symptoms. Go to: Establishing the Treatment Frame and Special Issues Counselors should develop and maintain a treatment frame--those conditions necessary to support a professional relationship. Setting and maintaining boundaries is especially critical in treating survivors of childhood abuse and neglect. Several parameters of the treatment frame are discussed below, as well as special issues that may arise. Because childhood abuse is a profound violation of personal boundaries, adult survivors of abuse or neglect may never have developed healthy and appropriate boundaries, either for themselves or in their expectations of others. They often need a great deal of affection and approval, and counselors must make clear that they are not responsible for directly meeting all of those needs. Boundaries help the counselor as well as the client because counselors tend to be nurturing healers, which may lead them to fall unwittingly into inappropriate roles in response to their clients' stories.For example, a counselor may react to strong countertransference feelings by trying to respond to a client's wishes and expectations. The counselor should guide clients in doing difficult interpersonal tasks themselves, not only to strengthen the clients' ability to take responsibility for their lives but also to maintain important adult boundaries. The counselor must maintain a calm, optimistic interest in his clients, recognizing that getting overly involved will rob clients of the opportunity to identify and build upon their own inner resources.Other parameters of the counseling relationship, or treatment frame, set by many mental health professionals (Briere, 1989) include Making regular appointment times, specified in advance Enforcing set starting and ending times for each session Declining to give out a home phone number or address Canceling sessions if the client arrives under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive drugs Not having contact outside the therapy session Having no sexual contact or interactions that could reasonably be interpreted as sexual Terminating counseling if threats are made or acts of violence are committed against the counselor Establishing and

enforcing a clear policy in regard to payment These are general guidelines, and the specific arrangements between a counselor and client will vary according to a number of circumstances. For example, a client may arrive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Although the counselor will not conduct therapy, he should make sure the client doesn't leave the office and drive a motor vehicle. Also, for some clients, telephone contact outside the therapy session is necessary and fosters a working alliance between client and counselor. Some clients may need ongoing support for dealing with difficulties with their children or suicidal feelings. A rigid rule stating no contact outside of therapy may be harmful for very needy clients. Clients may feel abandoned if a telephone call is not returned, damaging the therapeutic alliance.In smaller communities, a counselor may expect to encounter clients in public places. It is wise to discuss in advance with clients the confidentiality and boundary issues that could arise in these situations. Clients may prefer that the counselor not acknowledge them or may wish to be greeted with a simple hello. Addressing such issues in advance ensures that the client will understand the counselor's behaviors and will not feel ignored or abandoned. Building TrustBuilding trust has been described as the earliest developmental task and the foundation on which all others are built (Erikson, 1980). Establishing trust is broadly accepted as fundamental to the development of a therapeutic relationship. However, because adults who were abused or neglected by their parents have experienced betrayal in their most significant relationships, they often find it difficult to trust others. Clients who were not abused by persons close to them also experience problems with trust, but for those who have been betrayed by people on whom they were dependent, issues of confidentiality and privacy are especially critical. Trust makes an individual vulnerable to criticism, abandonment, and rejection. Clients may therefore be mistrustful and suspicious of the counselor, making the development of a trusting relationship a potentially long and difficult task. Reflecting the transference discussed above, they may fear the counselor or see him as abusive, manipulative, or rejecting. The counselor must not personalize these feelings but be consistent and reassuring, never taking trust for granted (Courtois, 1988).As clients deal with childhood abuse and neglect issues, they may face a series of crises. These crises give the counselor opportunities to build trust. In such situations, the counselor can remain consistent and available, helping to allay clients' fear of abandonment and rejection. Many tenets of a good therapeutic relationship (unconditional positive regard, a nonjudgmental attitude, and sincerity) are also essential for establishing a foundation of trust. When the Client "Falls in Love" With the CounselorBecause of the difficulties many abused clients have with intimacy, the new experience of having someone who listens and whom they can trust can sometimes lead them to believe that they are in love with the counselor. Sadly, many survivors of abuse are so accustomed to negative feelings (shame, fear, guilt, anger) that positive feelings (joy, trust, contentment, playfulness) are unfamiliar to them. Such clients may not understand their own feelings, and they may not have the skills to differentiate them. In some cases, if a client has recently stopped abusing drugs or alcohol, romantic obsession or sexual fantasies can substitute for the substance addiction as a way of reducing tension. Powerful romantic feelings may be directed toward the counselor, threatening the therapeutic relationship.The counselor may first become aware that a client is having strong transference issues by subtle changes

in the client's demeanor or by more obvious signs, such as requests to see the counselor in a nonprofessional setting. The counselor must, above all, avoid transgressing the boundaries of the relationship and continue to emphasize the guidelines discussed when the counselor established the treatment frame. He should not consent to personal requests, even if they seem innocent (e.g., having coffee or going shopping together). Second, even if he only suspects a client of harboring sexual feelings for him, he should immediately bring the matter to the attention of a colleague. This consultation will serve not only to protect himself, should legal complications arise later, but can also help him work through the difficulty in the therapeutic relationship itself.If the counselor senses that a client is developing romantic feelings for her, she can try to discuss the matter openly by asking questions, such as "I sense that you are feeling very strongly about something today. Is there something in particular you want to talk about?" If a client eventually discloses romantic or sexual feelings, the counselor must maintain a therapeutic stance and uphold the boundaries of the client-counselor relationship. Clients should be encouraged to examine the feelings rather than act on them. The tension of this interaction can lead to a "teachable moment" in which the client learns to better differentiate his feelings. The counselor should remind the client repeatedly of the purpose of their sessions, emphasizing what she and the client will and will not do as part of the relationship. Clients often substitute an attraction to the counselor for an attraction to the abused substance as a way to avoid dealing with unresolved feelings or emptiness.Another, less confrontational way to deal with this type of situation is to maintain the boundaries of the client-counselor relationship but to use clients' feelings to help them discover solid but non-sexual relationships with people who listen. The client can be assisted to differentiate feeling good from feeling sexual desire. The counselor can explain that the "attractive" aspects of their relationship, such as trust and feeling safe, are qualities that clients will want to look for in their personal relationships.Similar problems of inappropriate attachments and boundary issues can occur in group therapy, and counselors (whether as group leaders or in separate individual counseling) must be prepared to work with their clients on this dynamic. Here, too, a treatment frame should be established at the outset that addresses interactions between group members and between the group leader and members. Clients should avoid letting any of these relationships become too personal and should be made to understand why, in this setting, developing sexual relationships would be counterproductive. Counselors, in turn, must understand and support the bonding that occurs when clients make disclosures in a safe and sympathetic environment--and the confusion group members may have about their feelings of dependence on or responsibility for other group members (Valentine and Smith, in press). These are therapeutic issues to be addressed in the group that can contribute to the clients' healing from the effects of abuse (Briere, 1989; Courtois, 1988). The counselor's reaction to attempts at seductionBecause of low self-esteem, incest survivors (or other survivors of abuse) may feel that the only way they deserve a relationship with another person is if they offer sexual involvement (Courtois, 1988). If a victim of sexual abuse acts seductively toward the counselor, the counselor should understand that transference issues are in operation and that the victim is trying to sexualize the relationship. Unfortunately, some counselors do become sexually involved with their clients,

thus exploiting the counseling relationship and violating the trust the client has placed in them. Such behavior is unethical, unprofessional, and in some States, illegal. Counselors who become sexually involved with clients may be reenacting the role of victimizing caretaker. Most treatment programs have policies prohibiting such behavior and will fire staff members who violate these policies. In addition, they are likely to register a complaint with the State licensing agency; professional associations will censure or expel members who have sexual contact with clients. In some States, sexual contact with clients is illegal, and counselors will be prosecuted.Some in the treatment field believe that males should not treat female survivors of male sexual abuse. Although some women may feel safe only with a female counselor, many male counselors can provide effective treatment if they give adequate attention to abuse issues and their own reactions to clients. Furthermore, sensitive handling of the case by a male who does not exploit the client can provide a new, positive male role model. Whenever possible, the client's preference regarding the counselor's gender should be respected; unfortunately, many facilities do not have adequate staffing to allow choice. In such situations, it is important to openly acknowledge the client's feelings and validate them as understandable reactions. This can reduce feelings of helplessness and help prevent the client from leaving treatment prematurely. Dealing With Disruptive or Dangerous BehaviorClients in treatment for substance abuse may act rebelliously or violently, a situation that can be exacerbated by an undisclosed history of child abuse. Counselors working with this population have sometimes been victims of physical assault or other violence by clients. It is the program's responsibility to be aware of and inform counselors of any client's history of violence (which may be more common among adolescents in substance abuse treatment). Counselors should have a personal safety plan, and policies should be in place that require them to call law enforcement and press charges if they are threatened.As well as taking steps to ensure their own safety, it is the responsibility of counselors to create and maintain a safe environment in which clients can explore and address issues. It is the client's responsibility to behave in ways that do not threaten others either physically or emotionally. Early in treatment--at the very outset, if it is a group setting--counselors should communicate and enforce ground rules about how clients can safely and appropriately deal with anger and other feelings of discomfort. Knowing what is expected of them and the other group members contributes toward their experiencing the group as a safe place to share and be heard. Ground rules should include maintaining members' confidentiality and not sharing any information outside the group, no threats or acts of violence, no verbal abuse, no interrupting other members, and no disruptive behavior. Counselors can help clients learn how to express their feelings constructively by validating their affect but not their expression (if it is abusive or violent).Abuse survivors commonly are concerned about their safety--or their potential reactions to others--while reliving painful events. Counselors can help clients face these feelings by reinforcing the present safety of the counseling environment. In a calm voice, the counselor should ask clients to explore rather than act out anger or disruptive behavior. The goal is to emphasize to disruptive clients that their feelings are acceptable as long as their behavior remains appropriate. Clients are allowed to have angry feelings--and verbally express them--but they are not allowed to hit anyone, to throw things, or be

otherwise violent or disruptive. In this way, clients can be helped to separate their feelings from their actions. The counselor may find that some individuals become caught in obsessive loops, unable to let go of the precipitating issue or to stop being angry. In some cases, this can indicate hidden problems that may need to be explored further (i.e., for possible referral to a qualified medical or mental health professional), such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Constant rage can be a symptom of manic depression or bipolar disorder.Counselors can help create a safe atmosphere for clients and reduce acting out by practicing "grounding" techniques such as the following: Anchoring/grounding: Have the client sit in a relaxed posture in a chair with eyes closed (or open, if he is uncomfortable closing them), focusing on his breathing. Ask him to concentrate on feeling the chair supporting his weight and the floor underneath his feet. Have the client recognize how grounded he is in the present. No matter how anxious he may become reliving moments from his past, he is still safe and grounded in the present. (The counselor should be aware of the hypervigilance characteristic of abused clients and not make any sudden moves, or get up out of a chair while the client has his eyes closed; the issue of personal safety is paramount for most of these clients.) Mirroring: Practice breathing techniques with the client, having her synchronize her breathing with yours. These techniques will relax the client. (This exercise may have intimate overtones that could confuse clients with transference issues, and counselors should be selective in its use.) Timeout: To stop the current action or behavior pattern, allow the disruptive client to leave the room for a few minutes. The counselor must take care to avoid joining in the client's disruptive behavior in any way. Disruptive behavior can best be contained if the counselor stays in his role, maintaining calm, comforting, reinforcing behavior that is appropriate for the approach and setting. However, it is appropriate to use authority and security personnel when physical harm is threatened. Avoiding the 'Rescuer' RoleBecause of strong countertransference reactions, coupled with a desire to meet clients' needs, the counselor may want to defend or "rescue" clients. He may offer too much advice or even concrete assistance, viewing clients too narrowly only as victims of mistreatment. A counselor who is not self-aware or does not hold himself accountable for his own personal emotional health may feel that he is the only one who really knows or understands his clients. He attends too many meetings, provides sponsorship, helps clients with child care, lends them money, or dismisses fees.Counselors must deal with their own strong feelings in an environment separate from the client-counselor relationship so that they do not confuse their own issues with the clients'. If the counselor notices that she is being placed in the "rescuer" role, it is recommended that this be directly addressed with the client. A client may in fact be comfortable in the victim's role and try to manipulate the counselor to intervene and rescue her in a variety of situations.If the counselor does take on the rescuer role, clients do not learn about personal responsibility and how to deal with resolving conflict and issues on their own (see Whitfield, 1993). Furthermore, clients may become angry when a misguided counselor crosses the line without the clients' permission by intervening in family relationships in an attempt to rescue or defend them. When this happens, the counselor not only has lost the ability to help his clients but also is likely to cause additional harm. Rescuing may give the counselor a temporary relief from her own

feelings of helplessness and anger, but it does not lead to positive outcomes for the clients. Clients will best be served by facilitating the development of empowerment. This may mean that the counselor allows clients to flounder at times.Clients may sometimes report becoming involved in relationships that are clearly dangerous from the counselor's perspective. This often reflects the tendency for abuse survivors to be assaulted or abused again after the initial incident or period of abuse. Although the counselor may be tempted to directly advise a client against such a relationship, it is far more useful to work with the client to explore any propensity to excessive risks or self-endangerment. The counselor's role is to help clients understand their vulnerability to revictimization and to empower clients by helping them recognize that they have the ability to set boundaries with others and no longer have to remain victims. Rescuing clients will not serve the longer term purpose of helping clients develop personal respect and safe boundaries free from abuse and violence. (See TIP 25, Substance Abuse Treatment and Domestic Violence [CSAT, 1997b].) Recognizing Professional LimitationsThe counselor must recognize when she is unable to work with a specific client. She cannot benefit clients who are abuse survivors if their issues cause her personal difficulties to the point where her own effectiveness is compromised. Any counselor working with adult survivors should seek support and some form of supervision to review her feelings about the issues brought up by her clients. At the same time, it is the agency's responsibility to ensure that clients are receiving adequate, professional care. From an ethical standpoint, it is better for counselors not to work with abuse survivors at all than for them to take on such challenges if they are not yet equipped to deal with these issues.If a counselor cannot work with a particular client, he should refer the client to a counselor who is better suited to that individual's needs. Such transfer must be done after discussion with the client, and any issues that arise as a result of the transfer (such as the client's possible feelings of rejection) should be addressed in therapy, both before and after the move. It may be advisable to get an understanding in writing that states that the client knows that treatment with that counselor has ended, at least for the time being. This closes the contract, may lessen abandonment issues, and can help protect the counselor if the client later claims abandonment. Go to: Responsibility of the Agency To Support the Counselor Alcohol and drug counselors are often subject to great stress. They can be expected to function well and provide effective treatment only if their agency's leadership gives them the appropriate support. Such support includes recognition for and appreciation of the role of the counselor and the stresses it entails. As noted throughout this chapter, this is especially important when counselors are treating clients or families who have a history of child abuse or neglect, because the complexity and number of issues increase, as does the number of systems that must be dealt with. The agency's leadership should strive to impart a sense of vision to staff members that communicates how important their work is as part of the larger effort to break the cycle of abuse and neglect and their impact on society.The Consensus Panel makes the following recommendations about how the agency can support the counselor: Provide a sense of mission. Provide (or facilitate) ongoing clinical supervision--if possible, by someone with a specialty in the area of child abuse and neglect. Provide trauma training to the counselors that standardizes the procedures for handling trauma cases. Empower staff members by encouraging them

to share their ideas on improving the program and incorporating, as appropriate, those ideas that enhance the stated mission of the agency. Support staff members in their efforts to stay within the limitations of their roles so that they do not take on responsibilities likely to lead to burnout. Support staff members in their efforts to keep caseloads at manageable levels and, at the same time, work to educate managed care about the drawback of limiting the length or intensity of services. Model the supportive role that the agency wants the counselors to have with their clients. Allow counselors unstructured time to talk to each other to give and receive support. Train staff on such topics as new assessment tools, research findings, suicide intervention, crisis and nonviolent management of assaultive behavior, and liability issues related to abuse and false memory accusations. Bring in an outside professional occasionally to hold a group session with the staff (this can encourage staff members who have been holding in or minimizing the impact of their work on themselves to open up). Recognize and reward the work of the staff on a regular basis (e.g., award ceremonies to recognize ongoing and special contributions). Hold regular social events (e.g., picnics, softball games). If staff members are given opportunities to grow, they will stay motivated and will be less likely to burn out. The agency can provide ongoing training to increase counselors' expertise in specific areas, such as preventing relapse and dealing with stress. It is important to solicit input from staff members on what issues are compelling to them--asking, for example, what they perceive to be the sources of their burnout, then get their recommendations regarding how to address it most effectively; they are often the best resources in this situation. Administrators also need to be familiar with managed care guidelines and other funding streams to ensure adequate income for the agency to support the treatment staff and the services it provides. The process of involving staff members in resolving the problem may help to empower them--which, in and of itself, can be a corrective measure. A flexible organizational structure that encourages an atmosphere of mutual purpose can help reduce turnover rates, increase staff morale, and contribute to a program's total effectiveness. https://whateveryparentshouldknowaboutcps.blogspot.com/2020/07/chapter-4therapeutic-issues-for.html

#Chapter 4—Therapeutic Issues for Counselors

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jessicalynnhepner · 3 years ago

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Chapter 3—Comprehensive Treatment for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse and Neglect

The high prevalence of histories of childhood abuse among individuals with substance abuse disorders, as well as their frequent need for mental health services, has important implications for treatment planning and implementation. Moreover, as mentioned in Chapter 1, clients with substance abuse disorders who were abused or neglected as children may be more prone to relapse than those without such histories. The Drug Abuse Treatment Outcome Study (DATOS) (Craddock et al., 1997) found that an important factor in predicting treatment success was the number of services received, such as case management, parenting education, and counseling for childhood abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clients receiving additional services such as these were statistically more likely to stay in recovery.Some estimates suggest that up to two thirds of all those in substance abuse treatment report that they were physically, sexually, or emotionally abused during childhood (Swan, 1998), whereas as many as 80 percent of people referred to mental health services have histories of childhood abuse (Briere, 1992a; Briere and Woo, 1991; Briere and Zaidi, 1989). Because an abuse history and a diagnosis of PTSD increase the risk of relapse, it is advisable to address these issues at some point during the course of substance abuse treatment. Although many clients need to address substance abuse issues before they are able to receive and benefit from treatment for past trauma, some need attention to the trauma before they can achieve sobriety. For some, it is during sobriety when they begin to experience symptoms of PTSD (such as flashbacks and nightmares) or recall memories of long-forgotten or repressed experiences of past abuse. As these uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms and memories emerge, many individuals return to using substances in an attempt to suppress their problems and manage their emotional pain. For example, Department of Veterans Affairs facilities often require a minimum of 30 days of abstinence before veterans can receive treatment for PTSD. If abstinence can be achieved and maintained without directly dealing with traumatic issues, it should be encouraged because abstinence will likely better prepare clients to face issues related to past trauma. However, if clients mention traumatic issues or suffer from intrusive memories or other reactions related to the trauma, the counselor should be prepared to address them, initially from an educational perspective that offers clients reassurance. Go to: Treatment Issues Counselors would do well to become familiar with the many ways in which childhood abuse and neglect issues can manifest themselves during clients' treatment. At the same time, they must remain open and ready for any possibility, realizing that disclosure does not always happen as one might expect. All clients need to work at their own pace. This is especially true for those with a history of childhood abuse or neglect, for whom disclosure of the abuse may take years. Issues Surrounding DisclosureClients may enter substance abuse treatment for any number of reasons, ranging from self-diagnosis to mandated treatment for those referred by the criminal justice system. Whatever the reason for entering treatment, it is not unusual for a client to first identify or disclose a history of childhood abuse when in treatment. Counselors should understand that identification and disclosure of an abuse history occur in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons. As discussed in Chapter 2, it is recommended that all psychosocial assessments include questions about past abuse and trauma and that questions be asked in behavioral terms to increase clients' understanding (i.e., "Were you struck or beaten as a child? Were you physically hurt as a result of someone hitting or beating you? As a child, did you ever have a sexual experience

with an adult or a relative?"). Such direct questioning often prompts disclosure of past abuse; however, some individuals with positive abuse histories do not disclose because of feelings of shame, mistrust, or fear, or because they downplay their experiences by labeling them as normal and deserved and therefore not abusive. Others disclose only when issues concerning the abuse of their own children are raised.Acknowledging past abuse can be an important step for clients in treatment because it breaks the secrecy and shame that are so often part of the abuse legacy. Many clients may find it easier to "confide" their history to a computer screen or a piece of paper than to another person. For some clients, the act of acknowledging is so relieving that it is healing in and of itself. However, for most, acknowledgement alone is not enough and requires additional therapeutic work for full resolution of abuse-related issues.Once abuse history has been disclosed, it is important that it be acknowledged and not dismissed by the counselor. Counselors should be aware that clients may be hypervigilant regarding counselors' reactions to their experiences. Clients may interpret seemingly insignificant behaviors as signs of blame or rejection and may need considerable reassurance from the counselor that she does not hold them responsible for the abuse or view them differently because she knows about it. Sometimes, clients will project personal discomfort about discussing the abuse onto the counselor and may need to hear that the counselor is willing and able to discuss abuse issues without becoming overwhelmed or rejecting the client.Counselors should understand how to relate to clients sensitively and in a way that does not exacerbate long-standing emotional wounds. For example, as children, clients may have been punished, shut out, or sent away from the family when they attempted to tell someone of sexual abuse. If a counselor is too hasty in making a referral for childhood abuse issues after clients have confided their experiences, old feelings of rejection and abandonment can resurface, with the clients perceiving that they are once again being "sent away" for telling about the abuse. Even if there is no such suggestion, clients may become withdrawn after having been so vulnerable.The counselor should be aware not only of this possibility but also that the clients themselves may not be consciously aware of or show any anxiety over these feelings.Talking to a sympathetic listener can be an important first step for abused clients to begin the healing process. In the initial crisis that often arises from disclosure, the counselor's most important tasks are to reassure clients of the safety of the treatment environment and to actively teach techniques for safety and the safe expression of feelings in everyday life (see "Dealing With Disruptive or Dangerous Behavior" in Chapter 4). Additionally, the counselor may need to respond to any active crises. Some clients require medical supervision in inpatient or intensive outpatient programs (at least during the early stages of abstinence) as they deal with their intense feelings of rage, anxiety, depression, or their debilitating symptoms, including impulses to harm themselves or others. The treatment provider should make clear to clients that they now have the capacity to deal with traumatic memories and related destructive behaviors stemming from childhood abuse which they lacked as children.The counselor can help clients by providing a structured environment in which they can assess their feelings on a daily basis. One way to do this is by helping them reflect each day on what their needs are for that day--for example, rest and exercise--and how well they are meeting and addressing those needs. Encouraging clients to write in journals can be a helpful

technique. For example, writing about an anger episode in a personal journal can be useful for clients with rage issues (Potter-Efron and Potter-Efron, 1991). Describing incidents of anger can help these clients gain a degree of distance from their rage and evaluate the effectiveness of how they typically deal with anger.Although the primary focus of the treatment will be on substance abuse, the counselor should incorporate issues related to abuse and neglect into the treatment as needed. In acknowledging clients' childhood abuse and neglect, the counselor must validate clients' experiences by recognizing the issue. In this process, clients are helped to remember more (if they desire) and express their feelings. They can come to recognize themselves as victims, rather than the cause of the abuse, alleviating the feelings of guilt and shame that abused children typically take upon themselves and carry into adulthood. Through empathic listening, the counselor can help clients develop internal control by acknowledging their histories of abuse in order to move on. For instance, the counselor can point out to clients that the mere act of walking into the counselor's office and the very fact that they function despite their histories of abuse are important signs of strength. The counselor must actively acknowledge these strengths. If nothing else, the counselor is effecting a positive intervention by creating an environment that allows this process to take place.How or when abuse issues are incorporated will vary with the needs of the clients (as determined by the initial and ongoing assessments) and by the treatment model espoused by the treatment facility or individual counselor. As a preliminary step, the counselor can educate clients about the possible impact of abuse and neglect in general and as it pertains specifically to the substance abuse disorder. Such an educational approach can be immediately therapeutic because it can help clients understand and normalize responses and symptoms. Traumatized and substance-abusing individuals often believe that their symptoms mean that they are crazy or are going crazy. Learning that certain effects and symptoms are part of a predictable and normal course of reactions can be very relieving and in some cases can stimulate the recovery process.Counselors can explain the treatment process itself and when it will be necessary to address abuse issues as part of treatment, which constitutes part of the informed consent process. Involving and informing clients of this process make them more invested in their own treatment. They can be invited to work collaboratively with the counselor about whether and when to address issues related to childhood abuse in their treatment for substance abuse. A collaborative stance engages clients in problemsolving and indicates that they have some control in the process. Such a stance has the effect of countering the lack of control that occurs with abuse and neglect and thus can also have a direct therapeutic benefit.Last, the counselor has to be a consistent presence for clients and must respect the clients' confidentiality. Many clients who have been abused direct their feelings of anger and rebelliousness against any adult figure, including the counselor. The counselor must carefully pace the clients' treatment by monitoring anxiety and depression levels and by taking other cues directly from the clients. The Use of Medications During TreatmentThe anxiety and feelings of pain that might surface when a client becomes more aware of past abuse are often related to PTSD, and selected psychiatric medications may be required to help the client through this painful period. Because some clients may have self-medicated with substances does not mean that they have no legitimate need for medication. The use of medications as a

specific treatment technique is a potentially troubling strategy for some alcohol and drug counselors; however, it is routinely assessed for use with abuse and trauma disorders because of the high co-morbidity of debilitating depression and anxiety. Obviously, this approach--as an aid to stabilizing clients for other therapeutic interventions--should be used only after careful assessment and with prescriptions written by a medical professional who is aware of addiction issues. Sequential, Integrated, and Concurrent Treatment ApproachesMany programs use a sequential model of treatment, in which a period of abstinence is required before a client can move on to psychotherapeutic treatment of issues related to childhood abuse or neglect. Many treatment providers associated with programs of this sort believe that psychotherapeutic intervention for issues surrounding clients' abuse history cannot be effective until the client has maintained abstinence for some period. During the time that the client is achieving abstinence, the counselor can gather information about relevant psychological issues, including those related to a history of abuse and neglect, which can then be passed on to a mental health practitioner when formal psychotherapy is undertaken. An important exception, however, is in cases of ongoing violence either directed toward or perpetrated by the client. In recent years, as alcohol and drug counselors have recognized the significant overlap between the addiction and abuse populations and their treatment issues, many have come to believe that people who have suffered severe abuse and neglect as children may not be able to stop abusing substances until they deal with abuse issues early in the treatment process. Two treatment models of this sort are available--the integrated model and the concurrent model.In the integrated model, which addresses dual diagnosis (i.e., substance abuse and mental health treatment), both substance abuse and childhood abuse or neglect are treated in the same program. The provider might also serve as a mental health counselor or address abuse issues from a psychoeducational perspective in conjunction with the substance abuse treatment. A comprehensive dual diagnosis model of this sort (labeled "the dual recovery model") has been proposed (Evans and Sullivan, 1995).In a concurrent treatment model, referrals are made as appropriate for needed mental health services while the substance abuse treatment continues. In this model, staff members who are not substance abuse treatment professionals may deliver mental health treatment. In any situation where clients are receiving services from different providers, all parties involved should work together to act in the best interests of the clients.The Consensus Panel believes that each case must be evaluated separately. There will be cases in which clients need to address an underlying mental disorder before they are capable of maintaining abstinence, as well as times when an extended period of abstinence (from 6 months to a year) will be required before clients are ready to address past trauma. This issue continues to be a subject of debate, especially since third-party payors generally allow a limited number of visits for substance abuse treatment (Marlatt and Gordon, 1985). Regardless of how treatment is structured, a comprehensive assessment is needed first to determine what kind of treatment is most appropriate and to systematically address the needs of the individual client. Timing of Therapeutic InterventionsThe type of treatment that is most suitable to the individual can be determined in a number of ways. Although traditional 12-Step approaches emphasize a linear model of recovery in which abstinence takes priority over all other issues, research data are not yet available to indicate the superiority

of this approach. Yet, even if the linear model is the superior one, a reasonable compromise is needed for issues of childhood abuse and neglect. The overlap between addiction and violence in families should be discussed throughout treatment, in conjunction with more customary discussions about dysfunctional families and family roles. Addressing multiple issues simultaneously rather than in a step-like manner may actually be indicated and potentially more effective for many people.If an individual has active and acute trauma-specific (i.e., PTSD) symptoms, in most cases it is optimal to address them immediately so they do not interfere with the client's ability to establish and maintain abstinence. If an individual does not have acute or debilitating symptoms, he may be able to establish abstinence before addressing trauma-related concerns. If he fails to establish abstinence first, despite indications that a non-trauma-focused treatment seemed most appropriate initially, then that may indicate the need to address trauma issues first.In addition, direct therapeutic intervention for childhood abuse and neglect issues will often have to be included at some point in treatment, although precisely when depends on the needs and status of the clients. The first stage of substance abuse treatment occurs during detoxification and the first 30 days afterward, the period in which clients are becoming engaged in treatment. In-depth attention to issues of childhood abuse and neglect is generally not appropriate during this stage. The second stage of recovery may last anywhere from 30 days to 2 years, during which clients are establishing new and "sober" relationships, securing employment, participating in support groups such as 12-Step programs, and possibly reconnecting with family. During this second stage, clients may feel a need to address childhood abuse and neglect issues but should not be expected to do so. The third stage is, in many ways, the rest of the clients' lives, during which they are recovering from their substance abuse disorders. In this stage, clients generally can better deal with a broader range of issues.Although progress through these stages can differ substantially for each client, the primary focus of treatment can be expected to change eventually from substance abuse to other psychological issues such as those associated with childhood abuse and neglect. For some clients, this transition can occur relatively early in treatment; for many others, these issues will need to wait until sobriety has been achieved and they have spent some time working on issues surrounding their substance abuse.Whatever the sequence and time, it can be very helpful to ask clients to identify the issues to be addressed and in which order, and to develop short- and long-term goals for doing so. Such a treatment plan would also address what steps clients need to take to implement the plan and the identification of potential relapse triggers. For clients who are not yet stable in their recovery or who cannot yet tolerate such exploration, developing such a plan helps maintain their focus on immediate recovery issues and establish some direction regarding when and how to address childhood abuse in the future. It also assists in redirecting clients who are insistent on working with abuse and trauma-related issues at the outset of treatment, before sobriety is achieved. The counselor should understand and empathize with the clients' sense of urgency. Clients may be desperately trying to get rid of profound emotional pain and debilitating symptoms. The counselor must be able to express an understanding of the clients' urgency while simultaneously encouraging them to "stay the course" and to "make haste slowly;" that is, address abuse and trauma issues at a pace that is tolerable and that does not lead

to regression or relapse.Clients may approach treatment with a great deal of mistrust and skepticism. They might start by asking the counselor such questions as, "Can you promise me that my life will be better if I stop using, or if I face my abuse and trauma issues?" In the short term, self-medication with substances may seem overwhelmingly preferable to a distant (and perhaps unimaginable) time when life will be better without them. Clients may think that the counselor wants to take away their primary means of coping, leaving them unable to function because of the severity of their emotional pain and symptoms. Therefore, the counselor must search for and apply any available leverage to help motivate clients for treatment while getting through the short-term pain until some treatment benefits can be realized. Clients must be engaged in a way that will give them hope and increase their beliefs in their own power to overcome and resolve abuse issues to create a new life.Some clients may actually succeed in stopping their substance abuse without relapsing but without apparently ever confronting their childhood abuse issues. It should not be assumed that such clients have not dealt with those issues; in some cases they may simply have not done so openly. In other cases, these clients may not be ready to discuss issues of abuse and trauma. In still others, clients recoil from emerging memories of abuse and may need to recant (often several times over) and struggle with the possible reality of their memories before arriving at a point of acceptance. Such "resistance" functions as protection and often yields as clients become less vulnerable and more able to face and accept the situation. Clients should never be forced to confront these issues if they do not feel ready. Forcing clients to do so may recreate an abusive situation and retraumatize the client. It is also important for the counselor to accept that some clients may not require or desire intense focus on abuse issues in order to facilitate their substance abuse treatment. The determination of whether to address childhood abuse is often dependent upon the clients' symptoms and ability to stay sober and is ultimately the client's and not the counselor's choice.It is noteworthy that this sequenced model of treatment is consistent with the contemporary treatment model for posttraumatic conditions (Courtois, 1999; Herman, 1992; van der Kolk et al., 1996). The model for posttrauma treatment is also sequenced and begins by focusing on the clients' personal safety and the stabilization of personal functioning and outstanding life stresses and difficulties (including dependency); developing the therapeutic relationship is also addressed. In the first phase of treatment, clients are encouraged to defer attention to the traumatic material in favor of personal safety and stabilization. If clients are actively suffering from posttraumatic symptoms (as well as other symptoms such as depression and anxiety), these are treated first with cognitive-behavioral strategies aimed at increasing self-management and with psychotropic medication as needed. Clients are also taught skills for identifying and expressing feelings and for modulating and coping with strong feelings. The traumatic event(s) and reactions are addressed only as they support clients' stabilization and from an educational perspective. Clients are given definitions for various terms (such as trauma and child abuse and neglect) and are taught about the human response to trauma to normalize posttraumatic reactions.The second phase of treatment incorporates much more direct attention to trauma and its effects. Clients are taught to address the trauma without the use of negative coping methods (including substances and processes such as dissociation) but must also learn that exposure

must be carefully monitored so that they are not overwhelmed and retraumatized. Facing traumatic material is usually the most difficult and painful part of the treatment, and clients often relapse to old coping methods. For this reason, they are actively engaged in relapse planning, including the identification of triggers and strategies to use when they feel overwhelmed. As the trauma is processed and resolved, clients gradually move into the work of the third phase, which focuses on life choices and on a life less encumbered by the effects of trauma. This phase may last long after the client completes treatment. Interpersonal IssuesThe counselor must be aware of personal and interpersonal developmental deficits (see "Challenges to Accurate Screening and Assessment" in Chapter 2) and must work to remediate these issues through skill development and through the counseling relationship.Clients with a history of child abuse or neglect typically have feelings of abandonment and betrayal that often become funneled into rage. In addition, substance use that began at an early age--between 8 and 18 years, when children should be learning to develop intimacy and deal with their feelings--can result in arrested emotional development and an inability to deal with strong emotions while abstinent. Assisting these clients to develop life management skills begins with helping them to identify and understand the intensities of their feelings. It is the unfortunate legacy of childhood abuse that victims must learn to repress their emotions to survive. Victims tend to become vigilant to the emotional states of others at the expense of being aware of their own. In cases of repeated abuse, the victims become constantly alert to the abuser's every move and nuance in order to avoid sparking another abusive incident. That ability, which served them well in childhood, has now been carried over into adulthood and interferes with the ability to function with a full range of feelings.For victims of abuse, problems in forming attachments are often paramount. The abuse has led to feelings of distrust, betrayal, and abandonment and has caused a disconnection from other human beings. Substance abuse only compounds this rift by creating a false sense of belonging. The process of reattaching--or attaching for the first time--to other individuals, to a community, or to a spiritual power may take a long time, but it does have great therapeutic value. This may involve an activity--such as taking a class in writing or painting, working with animals, or joining a 12-Step group or a church--that fosters feelings of belonging. Daily affirmations--the reflection on positive statements about oneself--may help foster spiritual growth. For clients, spirituality may be in the form of an organized religion or activity in which participation makes them whole, centered, and connected to some superior or overarching force (Whitfield, 1984).Clients who grew up in an abusive household have learned survival skills that allowed them to function in an often hostile and unpredictable environment, one in which they needed to be hypersensitive to others' moods and behaviors. Fears of intimacy are likely to hinder them, and the counselor must respect these clients' boundaries and limitations. Clients' fears of intimacy will often manifest themselves in concern about losing control or being abandoned or attacked (Sheehan, 1994).Counselors may need to explain to clients how the problems in their past can affect their relationships in the present and how proper skills training can help them to overcome these deficits. Counselors should reassure clients that these deficits are understandable in light of their history and should be prepared to help them develop needed interpersonal skills.Helping clients develop interpersonal skills involves enabling

them to interact empathetically with others, to understand and be understood, to be able to ask for what they need, to draw personal boundaries by saying no, and to cope with interpersonal conflict (Whitfield, 1993). Other skills highly useful for this population include anger management, learning how to recognize unhealthy relationships, assertiveness training, and conflict resolution. The development of such skills allows clients to establish and maintain interpersonal relationships while keeping their self-respect.Because of the central role of interpersonal relationships in women's development, women with substance abuse disorders and histories of child abuse are particularly vulnerable to interpersonal stress--and responsive to interpersonally focused interventions. Because the support networks of these women are typically impoverished, interventions that provide an immediate support network as well as foster improvement in interpersonal skills are essential first steps in shoring up the women's social networks and bonds (Luthar and Suchman, 1999; Luthar and Suchman, in press).One of the most important roles of the counselor is to model behaviors in healthy relationships. Many abuse survivors never learned this in childhood and have to learn the most basic skills. The counselor should make it a point to show up on time and have expectations for clients to do so as well; he should also always behave in a warm and respectful manner. By simply being there, the counselor models key aspects of a healthy relationship: consistency, respect, empathetic listening, trust, and setting clear boundaries.Group therapy can be a good setting for interpersonal skills training, but because of the highly volatile and sensitive nature of childhood abuse and neglect, group therapy may not be appropriate for many clients dealing with these issues (see the "Group Therapy" section later in this chapter). Go to: Treatment Techniques Seminal writings about the therapist's contribution to the therapeutic interaction (Rogers, 1959; Traux and Carkhuff, 1967) suggest that certain characteristics are essential for effective treatment across therapeutic modalities: (1) unconditional positive regard or nonpossessive warmth, (2) a nonjudgmental attitude or accurate empathy, and (3) sincerity. Although many would argue that these are not sufficient for positive outcomes, there is evidence that these characteristics are important to establishing a working alliance with the client. For example, research has shown that an empathic therapist style is associated with more positive long-term outcomes (Miller and Sovereign, 1989; Miller et al., 1980).For effective treatment, clients must be motivated for change. A counselor may need to address motivation before change can occur. For the counselor, the pace of some clients may seem so slow that it appears the clients are avoiding the issue. Nevertheless, the counselor must respect the clients' boundaries regarding how much and when to talk about abuse or neglect. To force the issue or to confront clients about abuse would be to reenact the violating role of the perpetrator. In dealing with clients with histories of child abuse and neglect, the counselor must strike a delicate balance between allowing clients to talk about the abuse when they are ready and not appearing to maintain the conspiracy of silence that so often surrounds issues of child abuse.The counselor also must be prepared for the possibility that clients may disclose their childhood abuse or neglect without being asked about it. Disclosure of past abuse or neglect sometimes happens spontaneously in counseling sessions, without any intentional elicitation from the counselor or preplanning on the part of clients. In some cases, clients believe that the sooner they address the abuse, the sooner they can resolve it. Exposure to the issue in the

media may have led others to believe that this is typical, that is, "what they are supposed to do." Still others feel a sense of urgency because they know they are allowed only a limited period of treatment. They may attempt to pressure treatment providers into addressing abuse issues prematurely--before they have adequate coping skills to manage the potential effects of such exploration. However, counselors must maintain appropriate pacing and teach clients to develop skills in self-soothing techniques so they can manage uncomfortable or volatile feelings.When working with adult survivors of childhood abuse, the counselor can help clients situate the abuse in the past, where it belongs, while keeping the memory of it available to work with in therapy. Emphasizing a distinction between the emotions of the client as child victim and the choices available to the adult client can help this process. Recognizing this separation, clients can learn to tolerate memories of the abuse while accepting that at least some of its sequelae will probably remain.Regardless of how or when clients talk about their abuse histories, the counselor must handle such disclosures with tact and sensitivity. Children who have been abused, especially at a young age by parents or other caretakers, will usually find it difficult to trust adults. When children's first and most fundamental relationship--that between themselves and one or both parents--has been betrayed by physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, they are likely to grow up feeling mistrustful of others and hypervigilant about the possibility of repeated betrayals. This vigilance is, in many ways, a resilient strength for children, who lack many of the protective resources of adults. As adults, however, it often stands in the way of forming intimate and trusting relationships. The counselor must take care not to tear down this defense prematurely, because to do so may result in discrediting or invalidating the experience of the abuse and in some cases may be perceived as abusive in itself. Patience and consistency help to reassure clients of the counselor's trustworthiness. Counselors should not assume that they have the clients' confidence simply because a disclosure has been made; with victims of childhood abuse, trust is often gained in small increments over time.When the treatment does focus on issues of past abuse, the Consensus Panel recommends that the counselor support clients for what they can recall while reassuring them that it is quite normal to have uncertainties or not to remember all of what happened in the past. More important than the accuracy of the memory is the emotional reaction to, and consequences of, the experience; memories over time may be distorted, especially when remembered through the eyes of a child, but the feelings they engender are the most significant aspect of the experience. This last point is especially important because many survivors fear that if they disclose their histories, whomever they tell will deny that it happened. Even if the counselor finds clients' accounts difficult to believe, he can look for and respond to the emotional truth of it.Moreover, the counselor should remember that until some degree of abstinence is achieved, clients' perceptions of reality are likely to be limited and their judgment poor. When clients disclose histories of past abuse before abstinence has been achieved, the counselor should note the information on childhood abuse and neglect, realizing that it will be important to explore this matter more thoroughly when clients have achieved a period of abstinence. When the topic is revisited later, the counselor should explain what parts of the story are the same and what parts differ, because this information may be therapeutically important. It is not unusual for trauma survivors to remember more with the retelling of

their stories; however, the counselor should make note of major inconsistencies in order to discuss them with clients over the course of treatment. For example, the abuse may have been perpetrated by someone other than the person whom the client first remembered. Information such as this can have an extremely important bearing on family counseling, as well as other aspects of treatment. Working From a Position of Supportive NeutralityCounseling techniques for treating substance abuse in clients with a history of child abuse or neglect include interviewing from a stance of supportive neutrality. By asking, for example, what clients believe was both good and bad about the substance abuse, the counselor explores clients' perspectives and elicits rather than conveys information. The counselor's goal should be to motivate clients to explore their own issues and determine for themselves how the history of abuse relates to their substance abuse. Clients' motivations--for dealing with either abuse or substance abuse--will waver, but that is part of the process. (For more information on motivational techniques, see TIP 35, Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Abuse Treatment[CSAT, 1999c].) Group TherapyAlthough group treatment, including 12-Step programs and group therapy, is generally the treatment of choice for individuals who abuse substances (Barker and Whitfield, 1991; Washton, 1997), some individuals with childhood abuse issues may not do well in group settings. They may either find themselves unable to function or else try to undermine the group process to protect themselves from painful issues they would rather not face. This kind of behavior may point to hidden issues that the counselor should explore further. If childhood abuse issues surface during a group session (as they often do), they should not be ignored, nor should clients be discouraged from talking about such issues. However, trauma itself should not be the focus of treatment for a substance abuse disorder.The length, intensity, and type of treatment may need to be altered for clients if childhood abuse or neglect issues surface during treatment. If possible, clients with these issues should be given the chance to participate in groups that focus on the specific issue of adult survivors. Trauma-related groups are not generally recommended during the early stages of treatment for a substance abuse disorder, when clients are still trying to achieve abstinence; however, groups that are designed to teach and educate clients about trauma and substance abuse can, at times, be quite helpful. (Exceptions can be made, however, for clients who continue to relapse during this early stage of treatment.) Survivors of childhood abuse should participate in a trauma-focused group only after clients' "safety and self-care are securely established, their symptoms are under reasonable control, their social supports are reliable, and their life circumstances permit engagement in a demanding endeavor" (Herman, 1992, p. 224).In some cases, the first clue about the possibility of childhood abuse may be that a client is constantly undermining the group process, or the client may simply withdraw, becoming silent or dropping out of the group. Group therapy can be done effectively with this population, but counselors should keep in mind the population and the issues being dealt with and adjust goals accordingly. The group process can be an excellent way to help these individuals begin to address their attachment issues and--in a safe, controlled environment--practice disclosure and providing support to others. Adult survivors who are severely dissociative may have a hard time in any group setting. It is important that these clients are offered a symptom management program in which they can learn to use coping mechanisms other than dissociation.

Clients with dissociative disorders may be very suggestible and easily disturbed by peer discussion of stressful experiences. This is not only a problem for the survivor in question but can also be disruptive and distressing to the group.The appropriateness of group therapy for substance abuse treatment should be assessed for each client. As a general rule, though, groups that provide education, support, and counseling about substance abuse, trauma, and posttraumatic reactions are preferable in the early stages of treatment to groups that try to provide more in-depth therapy. For example, intensive group psychotherapy is generally not beneficial for new clients in the primary stages of treatment, which should focus on more general substance abuse issues (Barker and Whitfield, 1991). Gender-specific groups for survivors of sexual abuseClinical experience indicates that groups structured specifically for women or men are more beneficial, especially during the early stages of substance abuse treatment. After clients have become more stabilized and can better empathize and share with others, mixed-gender groups may be more appropriate and can offer special opportunities for individuals to work through their issues differently. Some clients, however, may never be comfortable in mixed groups, and this should not necessarily be viewed as a measure of progress. Gender-specific groups are equally beneficial for abuse survivors in treatment, particularly if the abuse issues are identified early.Research shows that women especially tend to do better in groups specific to women (Lerner, 1988; Wald et al., 1995; Wedenoja and Reed, 1982), although men may benefit from male-only groups as well (Briere, 1989; Catherall and Shelton, 1996; Corey and Corey, 1996; Harrison and Morris, 1996; Krugman, 1998). It is also helpful for sexual minorities (e.g., gay, lesbian, transgendered) to have their own groups when possible. Women who have been victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by men may find it more difficult to discuss that abuse with men present. However, in gender-specific groups women may be more willing to discuss their abuse than men. All-male groups may need more assistance from the counselor to begin discussing this topic.Women and men have different conflicts and issues when dealing with their abuse experiences, but both might be affected by traditional societal views of gender roles. The difficulty that many men face in acknowledging past abuse is sometimes compounded by the conflict between perceiving themselves as victims and society's traditional expectations of men as powerful and aggressive. Male homophobia can also make discussions of sexual abuse, which often involve same-sex assaults, less likely to occur. Men may need help to form a view of themselves that neither exacerbates their feelings of victimization nor imposes unrealistic expectations of unwavering strength. Similarly, traditional societal views of women reinforce stereotypes of female helplessness. Whatever the gender stereotype, both men and women can often benefit from assertiveness training and learning to form healthy self-images that are not based on notions of fear and powerlessness. Some men may find it more difficult to work on these issues, or may be in denial, because of the social stigma around male weakness.Whether treating individuals with abuse histories in mixed or gender-specific groups, it is important for counselors to avoid having preconceived notions about abusive events. Females may be more often the victims of sexual molestation by males, but sexual abuse is also perpetrated on males by both sexes and on females by other females. Given common expectations, it is especially important not to belittle men's experiences because many men have difficulty expressing

uncomfortable emotions associated with abuse. For example, men who were sexually abused as children by females often have significant issues of shame surrounding the abuse (Krugman, 1998). In other cases, the enormous social taboo surrounding the sexual abuse of a son by his father can lead the survivor to feel that he somehow invited the abuse or to question his sexual orientation. Another common scenario is that of men who had distant and unavailable fathers and were abused at young ages (such as 12 or 13) by older men who sensed their neediness for a male connection during puberty (Catherall and Shelton, 1996; Harrison and Morris, 1996; Krugman, 1998).The unfortunate truth of child abuse is that any scenario is possible. Both men and women are equally susceptible to the emotional damage that results from the profound betrayal of their trust in the adults who were supposed to take care of them. It is incumbent upon all treatment professionals, therefore, to bring to their work with these individuals sufficient knowledge, sensitivity, and understanding of the unique issues surrounding childhood abuse and neglect. Self-help groupsMany alcohol and drug counselors are committed to the 12-Step model; however, that model can be problematic for clients with childhood abuse and neglect. Many survivors believe they do not have any control or power. Therefore, a 12-Step approach that asks them to accept their powerlessness might be more harmful than beneficial. The importance given to "surrender to a higher power" can also terrify or anger abuse survivors. They have had personal and very dangerous experiences with submission to human power and have often lost hope in higher spiritual powers that did not protect them in the past. Counselors must be sensitive to and respectful of survivors' needs to avoid this terminology. Twelve-Step organizations that work with this population (e.g., Survivors of Incest Anonymous) have reworded this step to make it less problematic for this population. In general, self-help groups can be tremendous sources of help for clients with all types of associated problems. Involvement of the Family In TreatmentWhen adult survivors of child abuse enter treatment, clients' families may have a significant effect on the way in which treatment progresses. Every family has a unique style or unspoken set of rules that is used to maintain equilibrium in the family system (Satir and Baldwin, 1983). That equilibrium is thrown off balance by changes occurring with any family member. If one part of the family value or belief system changes, all parts of the system change--which may be threatening to some family members. When an outsider, such as the alcohol and drug counselor, tries to work with the problems presented by the client, the tendency in some families is to close ranks and come together to maintain a sense of equilibrium. The dynamics within abusive families may remain secretive, coercive, and manipulative, even if the actual abuse is no longer happening. Often the resistance of families is a way to protect and avoid disclosure, and abusers may still hold a strongly controlling position, even over their young-adult and adult children.When family members oppose change, it often becomes evident during the course of treatment. The family may minimize the importance of the problem and not support the client's counseling. This is particularly true in families where substance abuse and child abuse are present; the family may be isolated from larger society and be fearful or angry about the counselor's interventions. In some cases, abusive situations may be currently taking place in the family. It is important to note that other family members may not know or want to know about the abuse of another member, whether ongoing or in the past. The counselor should

understand that the resistance being encountered is taking place to preserve the family in the only way available to it. Of course, many families welcome change and want their family member to be abstinent; too often the family may be viewed as a potential problem when in fact it could be a great asset. The counselor should talk frankly with the family about the fact that change will be uncomfortable and stressful.When family therapy is agreed on as a useful component of substance abuse treatment, it should only be conducted by a licensed mental health professional with specific training in the area of child abuse and neglect. Confronting the history of abuseWhen clients' families become involved in treatment, a decision must be made whether and to what degree the subject of abuse will be discussed. This decision is best made between the client and the counselor outside of family sessions (deciding whether to disclose to anyone outside the therapy relationship is strictly up to the survivor; mandated reporting laws, discussed in Chapter 6, would be an exception to this). In dealing with clients' current nuclear families, the counselor should explore with clients the possibility of discussing the past abuse within the context of how it affects the clients' substance abuse and current functioning within the family. In any first-time disclosure of abuse, the counselor must take care not to pressure clients to talk about the abuse with their families before they are ready. For the counselor to do so would be to reenact the role of the perpetrator.Enlisting family members to support a client's treatment may have a positive impact on recovery. In some cases (e.g., when the perpetrator of the abuse is still present in the family), a team review should take place to decide whether to include the family. The team must take into account the client's comfort level and readiness for involving family, as well as her progress thus far in treatment for both substance abuse and mental health issues and any mandatory reporting guidelines that might apply. Counselors should be very cautious about discussing child abuse issues with family members while the client is still in treatment for substance abuse. Such confrontation may not be considered therapeutic or essential for every client.Obviously, it is a delicate matter to discuss past abuse in the presence of family members who participated in or were present during it. When such a decision is made, the counselor must bear in mind that he does not, and should not, have the role of confronting the perpetrator. The counselor must avoid taking on the role of rescuer or defender of clients (see Chapter 4). For the counselor to insert himself into the perpetrator-victim system is to put an end to his therapeutic effectiveness. Nor is the purpose of enlisting family in treatment to allow clients to confront the perpetrator. As in individual sessions with clients alone, the focus must remain on supporting the client's recovery.A number of problems are associated with accusing family members of abuse of their adult children. One risk is that the accusation will be denied, or the client will be blamed for the abuse, provoking intense emotions and possible relapse. Another problem is political and legal; there has been a strong reaction to accusations of childhood abuse by adults molested as children. Counselors have been accused and sometimes sued for implanting false memories as well as subjecting family members to unexpected accusations when they thought they were going into family therapy in support of their recovering son, daughter, or sibling. This is an unfortunate turn of events for counselors who believe clients and see dealing with these issues as important for recovery. In many cases, mediation is an

effective option, but it is not possible with some families. Deciding whether to involve the familyIn most cases, open negotiations with an adult client's family of origin about past abuse should probably not happen until very late in individual therapy, if ever. (For a child or adolescent the situation and issues are quite different, of course.) Substance-dependent clients who have been abused are doubly vulnerable to further hostility and rejection from their families and may respond with either massive anxiety or relapse or both. Involving supportive family members might help with particular issues; for example, a domestic partner can be included in sessions on sexual or emotional intimacy problems.In general, abused substance-abusing clients benefit most by a strong primary alliance with the therapist and not too much dilution with other relationships. This undivided support and allegiance in a relationship is, after all, what was usually lacking for the clients and what is needed to rebuild the self. Intensive individual therapy is usually the best approach for this type of client. The intended benefits of family therapy are often not worth the potential risks to clients in this unpredictable and emotionally charged situation. Furthermore, it must be emphasized that counselors should take a team approach whenever feasible and not take on more than is appropriate for their level of training, experience, and abilities.The determination of whether family therapy is effective and appropriate for clients with histories of abuse or neglect depends on a number of factors. Among the most important is whether the history of abuse is known and acknowledged by the family. Other important considerations are clients' feelings and preferences and their current relationships with various members of their families. In evaluating the need for family therapy, providers must also consider clients' personal definitions of family, which may not fit expected norms. Regardless of biological relationships, the issue at hand is to identify the people who are nonthreatening and important in clients' daily functioning.Before involving clients' families in treatment, the counselor must evaluate clients' tolerance level for the highly charged emotional material that is likely to ensue from taking this step. Ultimately, this decision should be made by the entire treatment team, including a mental health professional. However, family involvement is often therapeutic for the client and may be a predictor of successful recovery. Respect for Cultural NormsThe counselor is in the delicate position of trying to gain the cooperation of families and engage clients in a way that does not threaten the family balance. A lack of understanding of clients' culture and specifically the family norms of that culture may hinder this process. In some cultures, someone outside the family may be viewed with distrust and her assistance is considered as interference. Or, in some cultures, calling the father by his first name may violate his authority and alienate him from the treatment process. Being aware of cultural norms that can influence the situation helps the counselor better understand clients and create a framework in which effective therapy can take place.There is now an influx of immigrant populations to the United States from all over the world, and many come to this country because they have been displaced by war or other traumatic events. It is not possible for a counselor to be aware of all the issues faced by clients. Therefore, it is helpful for the counselor to ask clients and their families to teach him what he needs to know about the values of their culture. Admitting a lack of knowledge and asking specific questions demonstrate respect and are ways in which family members can participate in

the treatment process. Families are often willing to discuss these issues, and the counselor gains the information needed to work with the client while building trust. The Importance of ReferralsCounselors must be careful not to attempt too much when working with clients with a history of severe abuse. Although the best situation is one in which substance abuse and other mental health issues can be treated together in the same program, programs do not always have the resources to do so. When an assessment of symptoms indicates mental health problems that are beyond the scope of the counselor's ability to treat, a referral is clearly warranted. Suicidality, self-mutilation, extreme dissociative reactions, and major depression should be treated by a mental health professional, although that treatment may be concurrent with substance abuse treatment. The need for a referral, however, is not always so clear.The treatment provider's first goal for clients is generally to help them stop using substances and maintain abstinence. Clients may wonder or inquire why they are being asked about their childhood in a program for substance abuse and dependence. For the therapeutic process to be effective, both counselors and clients may need to reach a deeper understanding of how the past contributes to present problems. Although the counselor is primarily concerned with substance abuse, she is often in the crucial position to identify clients' other needs, which if not addressed might lead to relapse or escalation of substance use.The desired outcomes of referral for counseling about childhood abuse issues include the expectation that the referral is actually acted on, but referrals can only be made (and followed up on) with the client's permission. The treatment provider should follow through on the referral process to ensure that it is completed. Once a referral has been made, the mental health provider can help elicit further information about the client's history of child abuse or neglect. For clients with more severe mental health problems, the treatment provider's primary concern should be to ensure clients' safety and help minimize the risk of suicidality and relapse. Mental Health Treatment ServicesTreatment planning for clients with childhood abuse should be a dynamic process that can change as new information is uncovered, taking into account where clients are in the treatment process when the history of abuse is disclosed. What is known by both counselor and clients at the beginning of treatment is often different from what is learned later, as clients' capacity for coherence and clear thinking improves. Clients newly admitted to treatment who have not yet achieved abstinence are not likely to think clearly, to process or synthesize information, or to engage in meaningful self-reflection. Confronting abuse issues at such an early point in treatment may lead to escalation of substance use.The counselor should prepare clients for mental health treatment by helping them realize (1) that their history of child abuse or neglect may have contributed to some of their errors in thinking and decisionmaking, (2) that they may have medicated themselves with substances in order not to deal with their feelings, (3) that they are not alone and resources are available to help them, and (4) they can learn better ways to cope and live a happier life. Regardless of when abuse issues arise in treatment, the counselor should gather information from clients to identify the referral sources that will be most appropriate and helpful. This information helps treatment staff as well, because past abuse may influence a person's chances of recovery and progress through treatment.Decisions of when and where to refer will vary depending on the availability of local services. When those services are limited or nonexistent, treatment

providers may have to be creative. Asking clients about possible sources of support--such as those they may have turned to in the past when this issue arose--may turn up resources such as clergy, teachers, or others in the community. Case Management and Service CoordinationCase management and coordination of services are key to the provision of integrated or concurrent treatment and of appropriate referrals, especially in the case of referrals for childhood abuse and neglect issues. Once made, such referrals do not mark the end of substance abuse treatment. On the contrary, treatment for substance abuse disorders remains integral in the case management process.Linkages between treatment providers and mental health agencies are crucial if the two programs are to understand each other's activities. In the interest of the clients, a case summary should be developed that lists the key issues that need to be addressed in other settings. (See Appendix B for information on getting the client's consent before making referrals or sharing information.) This not only helps clients but also enhances professional relationships between parties. Ideally, a case manager will coordinate all these services, but often the counselor serves as the coordinator. For more information on the importance of case management services in substance abuse treatment, see TIP 27, Comprehensive Case Management for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT, 1998a).The reality of third-party payor systems is that substance abuse treatment is limited to a finite number of visits. Documentation of child abuse or neglect issues and their effect on the treatment process helps to delineate specific treatment intervention needs and allows for more effective treatment planning. Demonstrating the existence of childhood abuse or neglect and its impact on current dysfunctional behaviors early in treatment supports the complexity of the diagnosis and treatment planning process, thus helping to substantiate the need for greater support to third party payors. Counselors will often need to substantiate the complexity of a case so that they can begin to formulate a treatment plan. It helps to describe specific behaviors rather than using labels such as "substance abuse" or "childhood abuse and neglect," which will allow for behaviorally based interventions. A mental health assessment can provide a diagnosis that will be more acceptable for third-party payors.Working with at-risk clients in today's litigious climate requires that counselors adhere closely to accepted standards and ethics of practice as well as the legal requirements of their position. Working within a multidisciplinary team with adequate supervision ensures that the counselor maintains such standards of care. Team members or colleagues in other agencies can be consulted about treatment issues as well as legal matters concerning reporting requirements and confidentiality. RecordkeepingClients' treatment records are important documents. They provide historical overviews of each client's current status, past experiences, treatment goals, and subsequent progress. Counselors need to record this information in an organized, respectful, and sensitive manner, with the knowledge that others may have access to clients' records. It is best to find a balance in the level of detail recorded. Counselors should make it a practice to document only the factual, observable behavior of clients, and to record statements made by clients and not make judgmental statements about them. It is important to build an efficient means of recordkeeping that follows both Federal and State guidelines.Instances of abuse and neglect that have been revealed must be recorded. To protect the provider, the record should state that the client reported abuse, rather than that the client was abused. When counselors do

not record the information they are given, they lose the opportunity of transmitting needed information to future counselors. The message to the client must be that the information is important and needs to be recorded. If not recorded, the counselor is furthering a message of shame and secrecy. Often the information on past trauma or abuse is essential for developing a treatment plan and thus can help strengthen subsequent treatment. The case summary should document such things as clients' status at intake, the diagnosis, course of treatment (including any prescribed medications), status at discharge, the goals met while in treatment, the reason for discharge, and any referrals made. Records should also indicate the extent to which the original goals of the treatment plan were reached. Sufficient notes should be kept for this purpose because the outcome of treatment has important implications for accreditation and funding. Of course, sharing information in the record is bound by the rules of confidentiality (see Chapter 6 and Appendix B.) https://whateveryparentshouldknowaboutcps.blogspot.com/2020/07/chapter-3comprehensive-treatment-for.html

#Chapter 3—Comprehensive Treatment for Adult Survivors of Child Abuse and Neglect

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Chapter 2—Screening and Assessing Adults For Childhood Abuse and Neglect Part 3

Licensing issuesSome funding and administrative agencies (e.g., third-party payors) require that a physician certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) make diagnoses. State laws vary regarding the licensing and training of mental health professionals and who can conduct assessments and make diagnoses. All team members should have a good understanding of the relevant regulations and requirements. Clinical Trauma AssessmentTo identify clients' trauma-related treatment needs, the treatment team should gather information about the traumatic events and how clients responded to them. These two areas of interest correspond to the two primary domains of assessment inquiry: (1) assessment of childhood traumatic events and experiences and (2) assessment of current mental health, especially symptoms and syndromes that may relate to childhood trauma. To increase the usefulness of this information, the evaluation should incorporate a developmental perspective--that is, perception of the trauma at different ages (Gussman et al., 1996). Not all clients with a history of child abuse or neglect will see it as a problem or view themselves as victims or as "damaged" by the experience. Treatment providers should be careful not to use labels that some clients may resist or be uncomfortable with. Significant traumatic eventsThe goal of the assessment process is to identify clients' needs so that treatment can be provided to meet them. To treat the aftermath of childhood trauma, the treatment team should identify, in as much detail as possible, the traumatic events that occurred. The trauma-related assessment is an opportunity to systematically assess the details and context of the victimization experience. Examples of event-specific information that are gathered include Type of abuse Physical abuse Sexual abuse Psychological abuse Exploitation Exposure to domestic violence Neglect Evidence of multiple types of abuse (concurrent or serial) Relationship to the perpetrator (who may be a relative, stranger, teacher, or caregiver) Frequency of abusive events Duration of the abuse The victim's age at onset and cessation of the abuse Context of the trauma, including presence of force or fear Whether the family knew about the abuse Response of the family to the abuse Response of the social system, including CPS agencies, foster care, or placement with relatives Past mental health counseling or other treatment as a child How and when the abuse was disclosed Social consequences of the abuse Legal consequences of the abuse Subjective experience of the eventsIn addition to gathering event-specific details, assessing childhood trauma also involves eliciting information over time about the subjective experience of these events. How clients remember a traumatic event can shape the psychological response more than the actual circumstances. For this reason, childhood trauma assessments in clinical (as opposed to forensic or research) settings focus on obtaining qualitative information about traumatic experiences and responses. Subjective and qualitative details about traumatic events--such as recollections and perceptions--are needed to plan and provide appropriate treatment for a client (Carlson, 1997). However, some clients may strongly resist these questions; others may become very upset and need immediate support from a mental health professional.Useful subjective information can include the following: What was the client thinking about during the abuse? What was the client feeling during the abuse? As a child, how did the client understand what happened to her and what does she think about it now? How does the client think and feel about how the abuse affected her adulthood and substance abuse; how does the client deal with the aftereffects of the abuse now? What feelings are most

associated with the abuse experience? What are the client's memories about the abuse? What are the client's unique perceptions about the abuse? What coping strategies does the client use? How effective are these? Childhood symptoms and family characteristicsBecause the primary purpose of the trauma assessment is to validate or discount a positive screening for childhood trauma, the assessment should inquire about childhood symptoms and family characteristics that are consistent with and suggest a history of childhood abuse or neglect. Childhood symptoms and behaviors to consider include Depression (including thoughts of death, passive suicidal ideation, and feelings of hopelessness) Dissociative responses during childhood Aggressive behavior or other "acting out," including Early sexual activity or sexualized behavior Physically abusing or harming pets or other animals Other destructive behaviors Poor relationships with one or both parents Attachment disorder, difficulty trusting others Excessive passivity Passive/aggressive behavior, including Failing school grades Poor sibling relationships Obesity or anorexia Inappropriate age/sexuality formation Blacked-out timeframes in childhood Excessive nightmares, extreme fear of darkness, or request for locks on doors Family-of-origin characteristics to consider include Parental substance abuse Battering within the family Involvement with CPS agencies or foster care Placement with foster parents or relatives Severe discipline during childhood Traumatic separations and losses General mental health symptomsThe second area that can be evaluated through trauma-related assessments is the current general mental health of clients, paying special attention to symptoms that may be related to child abuse and neglect. These evaluations focus on the cardinal responses to trauma. Posttraumatic stress symptomsAfter a highly distressing or traumatic event, individuals may exhibit posttraumatic stress symptoms. These symptoms include persistent reexperiencing of the traumatic event through intrusive thoughts or nightmares, a numbing of responsiveness to or avoidance of current events, and hyperarousal, such as difficulty sleeping, poor concentration, irritable outbursts, jumpiness, or hypervigilance. Clients with PTSD are frequently so preoccupied with their traumatic experiences that they have trouble focusing on substance abuse problems. They may also have severe difficulties in social, economic, vocational, and marital adjustment (Daley et al., 1993) that are not directly related to their substance abuse. Dissociation symptomsChildren and adults who have been traumatized may experience symptoms of dissociation. Dissociation can be defined as the disruption of the usually integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity, and perception (Putnam, 1997). As described above, dissociation is the disconnection from a full awareness of self or external circumstances. Symptoms of dissociation include excessive daydreaming, a severe numbing of emotions, out-of-body experiences, and amnesia of painful abuse-related memories (Brown et al., 1999; Briere, 1992a, 1995). Individuals may also exhibit severe behavioral regressions, such as curling up into the fetal position, or exhibit different intense mood states, such as anger or fear, when discussing their childhood abuse. These periods of disengagement usually last only a few seconds or minutes, but they can last for hours ( Whitfield, 1997b). As noted earlier, for some clients substance abuse may serve the same function as dissociation (i.e., self-medication to escape the effects of childhood trauma). It is not clear whether dissociative symptoms increase for these clients once sobriety is achieved. Counselors are advised to monitor any such increases in these symptoms.Most common responses to trauma

involve the reexperience or avoidance of trauma-related experiences (Horowitz, 1976; van der Kolk, 1987). Reexperience-related symptoms include intrusive thoughts, anxious and angry feelings, physiological arousal and reactivity to trauma triggers, and hypervigilance (Carlson, 1997). Avoidance-related symptoms include the avoidance of thoughts, feelings, conversations, activities, places, people, or memories associated with the trauma (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994). Figure 2-3 illustrates the common responses to trauma organized by biopsychological domains and divided into symptoms that represent either reexperiencing or avoidance. 📷 TableFigure 2-3: Common Responses to Childhood Trauma Among Adults.Adult clients with a history of childhood abuse and neglect may have a loss of previously sustained beliefs, may feel permanently damaged and hopeless, and may experience shame. They may have personality and relational disturbances and may be hostile, self-destructive, and impulsive. They also can have somatic symptoms, such as headaches, stomach pain, asthma, and chronic pelvic pain (Felitti, 1991; Herman, 1993). Clients with histories of childhood trauma will often have multiple symptoms, which can be acute, recurring, and chronic. The multitude of problems will make diagnosis difficult. The assessor may interpret the manifestations as PTSD or a personality disorder.Irrespective of theoretical orientation, assessors will find it helpful to look at their clients' symptoms through a developmental perspective. This approach involves a careful review of the client's history, beginning with the client's description of her family and early childhood. The assessor can probe for information about abusive or neglectful episodes during the client's childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. From this history, a picture will emerge of the client's evolving feelings and behaviors. This will help to clarify how some of the client's present behaviors and problems have developed over time. Even though the counselor cannot undo the historical facts, this knowledge about the client's past will help explain some of the reasons for her current difficulties. Assessment ToolsAs mentioned earlier, trauma-related assessments involve evaluating childhood traumatic events and gauging the individual's responses to these events. In the treatment setting, the two primary groups of assessment tools are general mental health assessment tools and trauma-oriented tools. Given the tendency of some victims of child abuse to become abusers themselves, treatment providers should also consider using some domestic violence screening tools as well. (See TIP 25, Substance Abuse Treatment and Domestic Violence [CSAT, 1997b], especially pp. 115-126.) The section "Special Considerations and Recommendations" at the end of this chapter provides some guidelines for policy and selection concerning the instruments discussed below.Both groups of tools include self-reports and structured interviews. Self-reports are typically pen-and-paper questionnaires that clients fill out. They are often free or inexpensive and take only a short time to complete. They also may elicit greater levels of disclosure than clinician-led interviews since clients may be less inhibited in written self-reports (Newman et al., 1996). Such qualities make self-reports a good choice for a first step in the assessment of traumatic experiences and responses (Carlson, 1997).Structured interviews consist of an organized and preestablished set of questions the assessor poses to clients in a face-to-face interview. As a result, structured interviews allow assessors to observe clients' affective responses to questions and their method of interpersonal interaction. Structured

interviews are especially useful in eliciting detailed information, both qualitative and quantitative, about the clients' experiences and symptoms. Because they involve a set of predetermined questions and preestablished areas of inquiry, structured interviews can eliminate some clinician biases, such as a clinician's desire to avoid areas of discomfort. Although there is substantial variation among structured interviews, they are typically time limited, efficient, and comprehensive. Furthermore, interviews reach those clients who are marginally literate. This condition may not be obvious to the counselor at the assessment stage. Information on where to obtain most of the tools discussed below is provided in Appendix D. General mental health assessment toolsAn important task of trauma-related assessments is to help the treatment team gain an understanding of clients' general mental health and to determine whether clients have psychiatric symptoms or syndromes commonly associated with childhood abuse or neglect, especially posttraumatic stress symptoms and dissociative symptoms. In addition to the structured interview and self-report formats, general mental health assessment tools can be more traditional psychological tests and inventories. Mental health self-reportsThe purpose of self-reports for general mental health evaluation is to elicit from clients their own understanding of their mental health symptoms. These self-reports are inexpensive and efficient. They can be rapidly completed in a clinical setting, and they can be used to complement clinical assessments, including interview-based assessments.Some mental health self-reports are global and evaluate the general mental health of clients. For example, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and the shorter version called the Brief Symptom Inventory address nine symptom dimensions of mental health. In contrast, some mental health self-reports evaluate specific areas of mental health. For example, the Profile of Mood States focuses on affective and emotional functioning, and the Beck Depression Inventory focuses on depression. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)BDI is a 21-item scale designed to measure the severity of depression by assessing the presence and severity of affective, cognitive, motivational, vegetative, and psychomotor components of depression (Beck, 1967). BDI is one of the most widely used measures of depression in clinical practice. Substantial research has been conducted to evaluate BDI's reliability, validity, and utility. A short, 13-item version of the BDI is also available and has good concurrent validity with the long form (Beck and Beck, 1972; Gould, 1982). Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)BSI is a short form of SCL-90-R and is designed to reflect the psychological symptom patterns of psychiatric and medical clients (Derogatis, 1992; Derogatis and Spencer, 1982; Derogatis et al., 1973). BSI takes approximately 10 minutes to administer and has 53 items. It evaluates the same nine symptom dimensions as SCL-90-R and includes measurements of the severity of the disorder, the intensity of symptoms, and the number of client-reported symptoms. Because of its brevity, it can be used in initial assessments, as part of a test battery, and for monitoring client progress. More than 300 studies have evaluated the reliability, validity, and utility of BSI. Profile of Mood States (POMS)POMS is a 65-point objective rating scale designed to measure six identifiable mood states (McNair et al., 1992). POMS measures tension/anxiety, depression/dejection, anger/hostility, vigor/activity, fatigue/inertia, and confusion/bewilderment. It is primarily used as a measure of mood states in psychiatric outpatients and as a measure for assessing changes in those clients. POMS

elicits information regarding mood states in the week prior to administration of the assessment. Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R)This is a brief, multidimensional inventory designed to screen for a broad range of psychological problems and symptoms of psychopathology (Derogatis, 1994; Derogatis and Spencer, 1982). SCL-90-R takes approximately 15 minutes to administer and contains 90 items. It measures nine primary dimensions of mental health: somatization, obsession-compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism. It includes measurements of the severity of the disorder, the intensity of symptoms, and the number of client-reported symptoms. It is a useful tool to measure treatment progress. Extensive research has been conducted to evaluate the tool's reliability, validity, and utility. Structured mental health interviewsThere are several structured interviews that elicit general mental health information. They are used as the framework for a systematic review of the client's mental health, in particular to explore whether clients have psychiatric symptoms or syndromes associated with childhood abuse or neglect. Thus, while structured mental health interviews may be comprehensive and explore multiple domains of mental health, when used in the context of evaluating a history of childhood trauma these tools are especially valuable for systematically reviewing whether there are symptoms of posttraumatic stress or dissociation. Typically, structured mental health interviews are grounded in the system laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) (APA, 1994). Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS)The most recent version of DIS, version 4, is designed to elicit data relating to most DSM-IV adult diagnoses on both a lifetime and current basis. Current disorder is defined for four time periods: the last 2 weeks, the last month, the last 6 months, and the last year. Each diagnosis is based on clients' meeting a minimum number of criteria. Since clients need not meet all criteria, individuals may be assessed for the severity of each diagnosis by counting how many of the criteria they meet. Across diagnoses, severity may be determined by the number of different diagnoses present, the total number of symptoms, how many years they have had the symptoms, and the degree of functional impairment. DIS also asks for the age at time of the last symptom, the age at which the first symptom appeared, and whether medical care was ever sought for the symptoms. Virtually all response categories are close-ended and precoded, with explicit instructions. After the interviewer follows these instructions, a computer makes the actual diagnosis. The computer also provides information such as the age of onset and termination of syndromes, the total number of symptoms ever manifested, diagnosis with earliest onset, total number of lifetime diagnoses, and the number of types of current diagnoses (Robins et al., 1981). Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)MINI was designed as a brief structured interview to screen for the major psychiatric disorders in DSM-IV (Sheehan et al., 1994). It contains 120 questions covering 17 Axis I disorders from DSM-IV. Unlike longer interviews, MINI focuses on a core set of diagnostic questions for each disorder and considers only those timeframes that are useful in making decisions in clinical settings. MINI has two to four screening questions per disorder with followup questions for positively endorsed screening questions. MINI assesses information regarding major depressive episodes, dysthymia, mania, anxiety disorders,

obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse disorders, psychotic disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, PTSD, suicidality, antisocial disorder, somatization disorder, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. MINI has high validation and reliability scores and can be administered in approximately 15 minutes (Sheehan et al., 1994). A computerized version of MINI is available that can be administered by the client or the paraprofessional.There is also MINI Plus, which is a more elaborate, detailed structured interview than the shorter MINI. It elicits all the symptoms listed in the symptom criteria for DSM-IV for 24 major Axis I diagnostic categories, one Axis II disorder, and suicidality. It elicits information on the impairment criteria and about the major subtypes of each disorder covered. MINI Plus takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to administer. Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental HealthDisorders (PRISM)PRISM is a psychiatric diagnostic interview designed to produce diagnoses of DSM-IV mental health and substance-related disorders (Hasin et al., 1992, 1996). The PRISM includes a systematic set of procedures for differentiating primary disorders, substance-induced disorders, and the expected effects of intoxication and withdrawal. There are two formats for PRISM. The DSM-IV PRISM assesses for substance dependence and abuse, primary affective disorders, primary anxiety disorders, primary psychotic disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and substance-induced disorders. The PRISM-Longitudinal (PRISM-L) is designed for clinical trials that require collected data on the course of mental health and substance abuse disorders over time. PRISM takes between 90 and 150 minutes to administer, depending on the history and response style of the client. Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (SADS)SADS provides detailed descriptions of the current episodes of illness, the severity of manifestations of major dimensions of psychopathology, and past psychopathology and functioning relevant to an evaluation of diagnosis, prognosis, and overall severity of disturbance. By using a progression of questions and criteria, it also provides information for making diagnoses (Spitzer and Endicott, 1978). There are various versions of SADS, some of which have been published and widely used. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I)SCID-I is an extremely detailed interview tool that comprehensively reviews all DSM-IV Axis I disorders (First et al., 1997). This comprehensive interview guides clinicians through an evaluation of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, cognitive disorders, somatoform disorders, substance-related disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, sleep disorders, impulse-control disorders, adjustment disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, and factitious disorders, as well as disorders usually first identified in infancy, childhood, or adolescence. SCID-I materials include a clinician version, a 160-page user's guide, an administration booklet, and score sheets. SCID does not have to be administered in its entirety; individual disorder units--for example, those covering depression, substance abuse, and anxiety--can be administered separately. Potentially irrelevant units--for example, schizophrenia--can be omitted from the assessment battery. Psychological tests and inventoriesThere are numerous other standardized tests of cognitive, personality, and psychosocial functioning that traditionally are administered, scored, and interpreted by psychologists and that may be helpful in the mental health assessment of adults with a history of

child abuse or neglect. For example, neuropsychological testing, intelligence testing, and objective and projective personality assessments can be useful components of a comprehensive psychological assessment. Such psychological assessments should be conducted or supervised by a licensed psychologist who is specifically trained to conduct, evaluate, and interpret these tools. Trauma-oriented toolsTrauma-related assessments are important because they can help the treatment team understand the types of childhood traumatic events experienced by clients, their subjective response and perceptions of these events, and common current symptoms that may result from childhood trauma. A variety of trauma-oriented assessment tools have been developed to accomplish these tasks.Trauma-oriented assessment tools include structured interviews and self-report instruments. The tools differ with regard to the types of information they elicit. For example, some structured interviews and self-report assessments evaluate trauma events, some evaluate trauma events and trauma symptoms, and some evaluate only trauma symptoms, such as dissociation. Some tools focus specifically on childhood trauma, such as child abuse and neglect. However, other tools examine a broad range of traumatic events. These tools may examine childhood trauma along with natural disasters and other types of trauma that might cause posttraumatic reactions. Most trauma-oriented tools described in this section are based on trauma-related clinical research and were developed for research, not for clinical or program-specific purposes. However, these tools can be used clinically.Decisions regarding the types of instruments to use should be influenced by the purpose of the assessment, the setting of the assessment, the population being treated, and the individual client and the severity of his problems. For example, in a program that treats homeless veterans with substance abuse disorders, it would be important to include broad-based tools that evaluate the effects of exposure to combat as well as childhood trauma. In a program that targets suburban substance-abusing women, it would be more important to use tools that focus on childhood trauma. However, in a program that has a substantial group of single inner-city mothers who left abusive husbands, it would be important to use tools that can examine childhood and recent abuse experiences.There is no standard trauma-oriented assessment tool, and no single tool can be considered truly comprehensive. Each has a slightly different purpose, with different strengths and weaknesses. Although extremely valuable, trauma-oriented assessment tools differ with regard to the groups on which they were normed (e.g., undergraduate students, male combat veterans, psychiatric clients). As a result, none of these tools should be considered the definitive answer to conducting trauma-oriented assessments. Rather, wisely selected, each of these tools can be a valuable component of a comprehensive assessment process. Self-reports that evaluate histories of traumatic eventsThe following self-report tools are designed primarily to make assessments of histories of childhood traumatic events, such as physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Assessing Environments III, Form SDThis assessment consists of 170 items clustered into seven scales: physical punishment, sibling physical punishment, perception of discipline, sibling perception of discipline, sibling perception of punishment, deserving punishment, and sibling deserving punishment (Rausch and Knutson, 1991). An unusual feature of this tool is the inclusion of scales that elicit information about clients' perceptions and attributions regarding their maltreatment, an important feature since subjective evaluation of

one's victimization can have an important impact on symptoms and treatment. Also, this assessment tool elicits the respondents' reports of the maltreatment of siblings, permitting a greater assessment of the family environment. Childhood Maltreatment Questionnaire (CMQ)This questionnaire assesses rejection, degradation, isolation, corruption, denial, emotional responsiveness, exploitation, verbal and physical terrorism, exposure to violence, unreliable and inconsistent care, controlling and stifling independence, and physical neglect. Although the focus of CMQ is on psychological abuse and neglect, it also assesses physical and sexual abuse (Demaré, 1993). CMQ elicits information about the frequency of maltreatment on or before the age of 17. Trauma Assessment for Adults (TAA)--Self-ReportLike the structured interview form of TAA (see below), this brief 17-item tool assesses a wide range of potentially traumatic events. It evaluates the same set of issues and elicits the same basic information as the interview version of the instrument. It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the number of traumatic childhood experiences. Traumatic Events Scale (TES)TES evaluates a fairly wide range of both childhood and adult traumas (Elliott and Briere, 1992). Of the 30 specific traumas examined by this tool, one third focus on interpersonal and environmental childhood traumas. The interpersonal traumas assessed include physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, and exposure to spousal abuse. TES elicits details regarding the characteristics of child abuse, including age at first and last event, relationship to the abuser, and both past and current levels of distress about the abuse. TES also elicits significant detail regarding sexual abuse. Self-reports that evaluate trauma symptomsThe following self-report tools are designed primarily to assess symptoms and syndromes related to childhood trauma, especially PTSD and dissociation. Some of these can be used to make a diagnosis of PTSD. Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES)This brief 28-item tool elicits information about the frequency of a wide range of pathological and normative dissociative experiences (Bernstein and Putnam, 1986; Bernstein et al., 1994). DES assesses dissociative amnesia, gaps in awareness, derealization, depersonalization, absorption, and imaginative involvement. It takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete DES, and it has been the subject of substantial research efforts to evaluate reliability, validity, and utility. Modified PTSD Symptom Scale: Self-Report Version (MPSS-SR)Adapted from the PDS, MPSS-SR is a 17-item tool used to measure PTSD symptoms and make a tentative assessment about whether clients' symptoms meet DSM-IV criteria for PTSD (Falsetti et al., 1993). MPSS-SR yields scores for frequency and severity of PTSD symptoms and takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Penn Inventory for Posttraumatic Stress DisorderThis 26-item tool assesses most, but not all, DSM-IV symptoms for PTSD, as well as a few symptoms that are not directly related to DSM-IV criteria (Hammarberg, 1992, 1996). This tool asks clients to select one statement of four that best describes their feelings. The inventory takes approximately 5 to 15 minutes to complete. Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS)PDS is a 49-item tool that assesses all DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. It is designed to measure the severity of PTSD symptoms related to a single, identified traumatic event and to make a preliminary DSM-IV diagnosis for PTSD (Foa, 1996; Foa and Meadows, 1997).PDS includes a total severity score that primarily reflects symptom frequency. The tool provides a preliminary evaluation of DSM-IV PTSD diagnostic status, a symptom number count, a

symptom severity rating, and a rating of the level of impairment of functioning. PDS takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI)TSI is a 100-item test designed to evaluate posttraumatic stress and other psychological consequences of traumatic events, including the effects of rape, spousal abuse, physical assault, combat, major accidents, natural disasters, and childhood abuse. TSI has 10 scales that measure the extent to which a client reports trauma-related symptoms. These scales evaluate anxious arousal, depression, anger/irritability, intrusive experiences, defensive avoidance, dissociation, sexual concerns, dysfunctional sexual behavior, impaired self-reference, and tension-reduction behavior (Briere, 1995, 1996). TSI includes 12 critical items that can help to identify potential problems that may require immediate attention, such as suicidal ideation or behavior, psychosis, and self-mutilation. It has three validity scales that can be useful in identifying response trends that invalidate test results. TSI requires approximately 20 minutes to complete. Structured interviews that evaluate histories of child abuse and neglectSome trauma-oriented assessment tools focus primarily on traumatic events, some focus on traumatic symptoms, and some evaluate both traumatic events and symptoms. The following structured interview tools are designed primarily to assess histories of child abuse and neglect. Some of these tools focus narrowly on maltreatment issues, while others examine childhood abuse and neglect within the context of a broad range of potentially traumatic events. Child Maltreatment Interview Schedule (CMIS)CMIS is a 46-item tool based on behavioral descriptions; it assesses emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. It evaluates five primary domains: (1) level of parental physical availability, (2) level of parental psychological availability, (3) parental disorder (e.g., history of psychiatric or substance abuse disorder treatment), (4) psychological, physical, emotional, sexual, or ritualistic abuse, and (5) perception of physical and sexual abuse status (Briere, 1992b). Within each domain, questions probe the age of onset, the relationship to the abuser, and the severity of the abuse. CMIS limits the assessment to events that occurred before age 17. A short version, CMIS-SF, contains most of the items of the original tool but with less detail (Briere, 1992b). Childhood Trauma Interview (CTI)CTI involves 49 screening items plus multiple followup probes for those items that are scored positive (Fink et al., 1995). CTI evaluates six categories of events: childhood separation and loss, physical neglect, emotional abuse or assault, physical abuse or assault, exposure to violence, and sexual abuse or assault. CTI takes approximately 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the number of childhood trauma experiences. It is useful for collecting detailed information about a wide range of childhood traumatic events and for quantifying the frequency, duration, and severity of these events. CTI involves queries about persons involved, the nature of the events, the age at time of events, the frequency of events, threats during events, the clients' speaking about the events, and the nature of injuries sustained (Carlson, 1997). Evaluation of Lifetime Stressors (ELS)ELS combines a 56-item self-report questionnaire with a semistructured interview to collect detailed information about potentially traumatic events (Krinsley, 1996; Krinsley et al., 1997). Positive responses to the self-report are followed up with more specific questions in the semistructured interview. ELS evaluates a wide range of potentially traumatic events. Nearly 30 different events

are asked about, including accidents, illnesses, disasters, criminal violence, combat, and physical and sexual assault and abuse. This assessment includes questions about symptoms and experiences that suggest childhood trauma. The self-report questionnaire takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes to complete, while the followup interview can take 1 to 3 hours. National Women's Study Event History (NWSEH)NWSEH elicits detailed information about traumatic experiences and evaluates a range of potentially traumatic events, including rape, attempted sexual assault, molestation, physical assault, accidents, disasters, exposure to death or serious injury, and death of a friend or family member (Resnick, 1996a; Resnick et al., 1996). The NWSEH is used to evaluate thoroughly the first, most recent, and worst rape experiences; a single molestation; attempted sexual assault; and physical assault experience. The tool asks about the client's age at the time of the event, familiarity with assailant, relationship to assailant, fear of injury, actual injury, substance abuse by assailant, and whether the incident was reported. The tool contains 17 screening items with probes for positive answers to screening questions. Depending on the number of positive screening items, the test takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to conduct. Trauma Assessment for Adults (TAA)TAA is a 13-item tool that evaluates a range of potentially traumatic events, including accidents, combat, disasters, serious illness, physical and sexual assaults, assaults with weapons, exposure to death or serious injury, and death or murder of a family member (Resnick, 1996b; Resnick et al., 1996). TAA evaluates in detail childhood sexual assault, including threat, injury, and penetration. For each positive response, the tool elicits information regarding age at first or only time, age at last time, and the perception that the client would be killed or injured. A structured interview tool that evaluates both traumatic events and symptomsThe structured tool described below is designed to evaluate both events and symptoms. Clinician-Administered Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale (CAPS)CAPS is a 30-item structured interview that measures symptoms of PTSD and acute stress disorder related to up to three traumatic events; it can be used to make diagnoses for DSM-IV PTSD and acute stress disorder (Blake, 1994; Blake et al., 1995; Weathers and Litz, 1994). CAPS elicits information regarding all DSM-IV PTSD symptoms, improvements in symptoms since a previous CAPS administration, general response validity, and overall PTSD symptom severity. CAPS also obtains information regarding five associated symptoms: guilt over acts, survivor guilt, gaps in awareness, depersonalization, and derealization. Overall, CAPS is extremely detailed and thorough. It takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes to administer. There are two versions of the CAPS: the CAPS-DX elicits information to make a current or lifetime diagnosis of PTSD, and the CAPS-SX assesses symptoms over the past week.

Go to: Special Considerations and Recommendations Screening and Assessment ProtocolsIt is important that treatment programs develop written protocols regarding screening and assessment of histories of childhood abuse and neglect. All staff members should be familiar with these protocols and have a good understanding of the policies and procedures. Assessment protocols should describe such issues as When screenings and assessments should be conducted Who conducts screenings and assessments What type of data gathering is conducted What type of collateral data is gathered and by whom, and what limitations are made by confidentiality regulations How information is synthesized The role of each team member What instruments are used Who interprets the assessment findings How screening and assessment findings are presented and discussed How screening and assessment findings are documented How screening and assessment findings are incorporated into treatment plans Supervision by licensed mental health providers Mandated reporting policy and procedures Cost ConcernsTo conduct trauma-oriented assessments in a treatment program, the treatment team will need the assistance of mental health professionals and consultants with specific expertise in assessing and treating adults with childhood abuse and trauma. This can be expensive, and many programs do not have the funds to hire individuals with this level of expertise. To help address these cost concerns, the Consensus Panel makes the following recommendations: Train staff. It is less expensive to have one or more staff members receive the appropriate training than to rely exclusively on outside consultants. Ongoing training and continuing education are also vital to retain members of a treatment team. Training helps build team morale and confidence in a field that experiences a high rate of turnover. Prioritize assessments. Although all clients should be screened for childhood trauma, staff can prioritize who receives comprehensive assessments. Clients who are not willing or able to participate in treatment related to childhood trauma might not require thorough assessments at that time. Establish university relationships. Program administrators can establish alliances with local universities, university faculty, and researchers to help screen, assess, train, and supervise. Contracts with universities can be less expensive than with consultant groups. Many universities have faculty with skills in this area who can supervise graduate students to assist staff in community-based programs. Use volunteers. Programs can consider developing a pool of volunteer mental health professionals that includes both practicing and retired clinicians. Programs should contact local mental health associations and professional societies, most of which provide pro bono work. Obtain and use inexpensive screening and assessment tools. There is a wide variety of screening and assessment tools. Some are expensive and proprietary, while others are available free or at low cost. Some are available through the Internet. Appendix D provides contact information for many such tools. Establish community partnerships. Programs should identify all relevant regional resources, such as local community mental health centers, mental health associations and societies, and CPS agency representatives, and seek to collaborate with them. Explore alternative funding. Programs can consider using funding streams that are not normally associated with substance abuse treatment to help pay for trauma-oriented assessments. These may include funding from mental health and child assistance agencies, the Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crime, and private community organizations. Screening and Assessment Interpretation ConcernsScreening and assessment tools have

many limitations. Prominent among them is a lack of standardization and adequate psychometric study of many measures (Briere, 1992b). Many instruments focus on only one or two types of trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse (Briere and Runtz, 1990b; Bryer et al., 1987). Similarly, the technical or psychometric characteristics of these tools (such as reliability and validity) can vary considerably. The concerns about reliability and validity are compounded when employing these measures with ethnically and racially diverse populations. Intrinsic characteristics of individuals' response to trauma--such as denial, minimization, and dissociation--can make it difficult to validate these tests, because it is often hard to validate the specific events. Given these limitations, the Consensus Panel recommends that treatment providers not overemphasize standardized tests.Although certain assessment tools are described as comprehensive, it should be understood that no single tool is a truly comprehensive approach to conducting a screening or an assessment. Rather, standardized tests should be used as guidelines and as valuable tools to create a framework for conducting screenings and assessments. These tools should be used only in the context of comprehensive clinical assessments conducted by multidisciplinary treatment teams. Priorities of Managed CareWith the current emphasis by managed care organizations on brief treatments, it may be difficult in that setting to obtain authorization to assess childhood abuse and neglect. Some prefer that clients be sober for a length of time before doing so. Treatment staff should be aware that such difficulties may occur so that they can develop strategies to justify the additional costs of these focused and specialized assessments and subsequent treatment. Usually a mental health professional will need to request the authorization. For a more detailed discussion on managed care, see Chapter 7 of this TIP, and TIP 27, Comprehensive Case Management for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT, 1998a). See also the recommendations under "Cost Concerns" above. Counselor-Client RelationshipsThere are many potential barriers to successful screenings and assessments of childhood trauma. To reduce some of these barriers, the Consensus Panel recommends the following: Be sensitive to cultural concerns. Values about corporal punishment vary considerably among cultures. What is considered abusive in one culture may be acceptable behavior in another. Staff should not be biased against people from ethnic and cultural minorities when reporting incidents of suspected abuse; however, it does appear that such a bias exists. Ethnic and cultural minorities are more likely to be reported for child abuse and neglect than are White Americans, and in most regions of the country White Americans are less likely to be involved with CPS agencies (Buriel et al., 1979). Community surveys have found that child abuse occurs equally at all socioeconomic levels; however, reported cases show a disproportionate representation of children from lower socioeconomic strata. It is likely that treatment professionals are more apt to determine that abuse occurs in disadvantaged families because this is in accord with the stereotypes of where abuse occurs (Finkelhor, 1993). Recognize potential language differences. Language differences can impede clear communication. Both written and spoken language should be simple and easy to understand. Clients with low levels of literacy or for whom English is a second language should be assisted in understanding self-reports. Become aware of gender issues. Treatment staff should understand that clinicians are less likely to ask men about their childhood abuse and neglect histories and that men are

less likely than women to talk about these histories. Much of the trauma-related research has focused on women, particularly regarding battering, spousal abuse, rape, and incest. As a result, most assessment instruments have been normed on women. Overall, there is a lack of gender-specific instruments. Be nonjudgmental and sensitive. Because most individuals who were abused or neglected during childhood were maltreated by authority figures, they may approach the assessment process with fear, distrust, and performance or evaluation concerns ( Briere, 1997). Consequently, those who screen and assess for childhood abuse and trauma should try to provide a safe and nonjudgmental testing environment and to address the issue of childhood trauma in a gradual and sensitive manner (Armstrong, 1996; Courtois, 1995). The resources listed in Appendix E provide information and expertise on issues related to childhood abuse and neglect. https://whateveryparentshouldknowaboutcps.blogspot.com/2020/07/chapter-2screening-and-assessing-adults.html

#Chapter 2—Screening and Assessing Adults For Childhood Abuse and Neglect Part 3

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Chapter 2—Screening and Assessing Adults For Childhood Abuse and Neglect Part 2

When Should Screenings Be Conducted?Clients' treatment needs change over time. For this reason, counselors must conduct ongoing assessments of their clients' problems, including substance abuse, health concerns, psychological problems, family-related stressors, parenting stressors, interpersonal stressors, social support, and vocational problems. Having up-to-date information allows counselors to deliver individualized treatment to each client that meets specific needs and is of the appropriate length and intensity.As with psychosocial evaluations, screenings for child abuse and neglect should be conducted early in a comprehensive assessment process. However, because denial and minimization are prominent defense mechanisms associated with childhood trauma and trauma survivors may feel shame and discomfort answering abuse-related questions, screenings should also be conducted at different times throughout the treatment process. Repeated screenings help elicit information about these traumatic experiences--especially after trust has been established in the therapeutic relationship. Treatment providers should be aware, however, that repeated screenings may give the impression that the therapist does not believe the client. For clients who typically were disbelieved as children, this can be an important therapeutic issue. Furthermore, cognitive and memory impairment caused by substance abuse decreases with length of sobriety; that is, over time, a client may physiologically be more capable of recalling past experiences if she maintains sobriety (Leber et al., 1981; Reed et al., 1992). Who Should Conduct Screenings?The Consensus Panel believes that treatment decisions and activities are best conducted within the context of a multidisciplinary treatment team, with members having special knowledge in such areas as mental health, child abuse and neglect, and family counseling. Team members should possess varied levels of training and experience. At the same time, there are different types of treatment settings, including drop-in centers, residential treatment programs, and intensive and less intensive outpatient and hospital-based programs. These varied treatment settings and the composition of the treatment team will affect screening decisions, including who is available to conduct them.Although there are no rigid rules regarding who should conduct screenings, having certain skills will increase the likelihood that the screening process is conducted appropriately. Irrespective of the level of academic credentials, training, supervision, or specific role within the treatment team, treatment staff members should all have an understanding of the types of psychiatric disorders and symptoms that are commonly associated with a history of childhood abuse and neglect (see Figure 2-1 ). They should understand the role of screening and assessment for a history of trauma, and they should know the types of questions that constitute a screening for child abuse and neglect. Moreover, they should have developed a sensitivity to the issues of child abuse and neglect. Training and supervisionNo one should screen for childhood trauma without specific training and supervision. The Consensus Panel strongly recommends that counselors administering the screening understand the reasons for conducting the screening, be knowledgeable about the best practices for screening, and receive training in conducting the screening in an empathic manner. They also should understand the assessment and treatment processes that may follow a positive screening and be able to explain these processes to the client.Counselors who conduct screenings will be prompting clients to recall painful and traumatic events. The reemergence of painful memories may prompt intense reactions from clients. Clients may feel drained or

distraught afterwards. Treatment staff should be sensitive to this and prepare for the interview in the following ways: Clients should be informed that talking about such issues may create discomfort and that repressed memories may emerge unexpectedly following the interview. Clients should be given a choice to disclose such information, being aware of the possible aftermath. Counselors should have proper supervision and support mechanisms in place for clients in case a crisis occurs following disclosure. As well as clinical support, this includes having appropriate mental health practitioners available in case further intervention is necessary. Counselors should assess the social and emotional support available to clients when they return home. If necessary, the staff can help the client find transportation home after the screening and then follow up with a telephone call to offer support or help if needed. Types of ScreeningsWhen screening for histories of child abuse or neglect, counselors ask clients a series of questions designed to elicit information about childhood trauma. Screenings can be informally divided into two types: direct questions and standardized screenings. Direct questions are asked to obtain confirmation of a history of child abuse and neglect. Standardized screenings are structured sets of questions that are designed to determine the possible presence of past child abuse.Both direct trauma questions and standardized screenings can be embedded within larger psychosocial assessments. Indeed, all clients receiving screenings for childhood abuse and neglect should be evaluated for symptoms of other mental health problems. When a client denies having a history of child abuse or neglect but presents symptoms commonly associated with childhood trauma, treatment staff may need to expand their assessment process to include a more thorough evaluation of the client's childhood experiences and behavioral responses to traumatic events. This information may be useful in understanding the origins of some of the client's current mental health problems. Direct trauma questionsSome trauma questions inquire directly about childhood abuse and neglect experiences. Depending on the setting (e.g., inpatient, residential, long-term therapy), expertise of the staff, and other factors, this approach has been used successfully in eliciting the information being sought. Other questions, however, will be about circumstances and experiences that are often associated with and suggest a history of childhood abuse or neglect; for example, "Did you ever live away from your parents?" and, "Were you ever in foster care?" Figure 2-2 lists questions that can be used to conduct a screening for a history of childhood abuse or neglect. 📷 BoxFigure 2-2: Direct Questions To Screen for a History of Childhood Abuse or Neglect. The following questions can be used to help screen for a history of childhood abuse or neglect. They can be asked as written. However, they can also be asked in (more...) Standardized screening instrumentsSeveral instruments can be used to elicit a history of child abuse or neglect; five are reviewed below. Some are specifically designed to collect information about interpersonal traumatic experiences in childhood. Others are designed to collect information on a broader topic, such as general mental health or substance abuse but include a subsection on childhood trauma. These tools differ widely with regard to primary purpose and level of detail elicited.The Consensus Panel has included the following tools for practitioners' review and possible use. Treatment staff should note that the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 are new, are not well validated, and are used primarily as research

tools. Information about obtaining the instruments listed below is provided in Appendix D. See also the Childhood Maltreatment Interview Schedule (CMIS) and other trauma-oriented tools described later in this chapter. If these measures are used with non-English-speaking clients, the translations must be appropriate and carefully applied (e.g., sensitive to the differences between Spanish used by Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, and other Latinos). Addiction Severity Index (ASI)The fifth edition of ASI is a 161-item multidimensional structured clinical interview designed to collect information about substance abuse and client functioning in various life areas for adults seeking treatment for substance abuse (Fureman et al., 1990; McLellan et al., 1990). The ASI is frequently used during intake in treatment programs. It includes three questions that are used to elicit information about a history of childhood abuse. It inquires about episodes of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse in relation to several people (e.g., mother, father, brother/sister, sexual partner/spouse, children). The questions are not childhood-specific, and preliminary research suggests that the ASI trauma questions show stronger utility as a screen for PTSD than for childhood trauma (Najavits et al., 1998). The female version of ASI has an additional question about sexual harassment (CSAT, 1997c). The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has developed an ASI package that includes an introductory brochure, handbook for program administrators, resource manual, two videotapes, and training manual (NIDA, 1993). Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)CTQ is a 10- to 15-minute questionnaire that provides a brief and relatively noninvasive screening of childhood traumatic experiences (Bernstein et al., 1994). The 28-item retrospective self-report evaluates physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; physical and emotional neglect; and related areas of family dysfunction, including substance abuse. It includes a minimization/denial scale for detecting individuals who may be underreporting traumatic events. This screening tool is notable for the brevity of administration, range of coverage, and availability of psychometric data (Briere, 1997). Limitations include the absence of specific items regarding characteristics of the maltreatment and lack of information regarding age range for traumatic events (Bernstein et al., 1994; Briere, 1997). Parent-Child Relationship Inventory (PCRI)PCRI is a 78-item self-report questionnaire designed for clinical use. PCRI assesses six areas of parenting, including parental satisfaction, support, involvement, communication, limit setting, and autonomy. The measure also includes a validity scale that will indicate if the client is responding defensively or randomly. The PCRI handbook provides clear guidelines for interpreting scores on each scale and identifying areas of risk (Gerard, 1994). Parental Acceptance and Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ)PARQ is a brief self-report questionnaire designed to assess individuals' perceptions of their childhood experiences of love and love withdrawal in relation to their mothers and fathers. PARQ elicits information concerning affection, hostility, neglect, and undifferentiated rejection. It has been used and evaluated with many ethnic and cultural groups in the United States and in numerous countries on several continents. Different versions of PARQ are included in the Handbook for the Study of Parental Acceptance and Rejection (Rohner, 1990). The handbook, which summarizes parental acceptance and rejection theory and evidence, provides information about PARQ and about using, scoring, and interpreting this self-report. This measure, however, has no validity scale. Screen for Posttraumatic

Stress Symptoms (SPTSS)SPTSS is a brief, 17-item self-report tool used to screen for PTSD symptoms; it is especially useful for clients with histories of multiple traumatic events or whose trauma history is unknown (Carlson, 1997). SPTSS yields a total score that is the average of the individual item scores. The item scores can be used to make a provisional assessment regarding whether clients' symptoms meet DSM-IV criteria for PTSD. It takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 (TSC-40)TSC-40 is a 40-item self-report tool that evaluates symptomatology in adults resulting from childhood or adult traumatic experiences (Elliott and Briere, 1992). TSC-40 (an expanded version of the Trauma Symptom Checklist-33) consists of six subscales, which evaluate such things as anxiety, dissociation, and sexual concerns (Briere and Runtz, 1989). Both TSC-40 and TSC-33 have moderate predictive validity regarding a wide variety of traumatic experiences (Briere and Elliott, 1993).

Go to: Formal Assessment for a History of Child Abuse Or Neglect Whether identified during intake or in the context of a subsequent psychosocial assessment, a positive screening for childhood abuse or neglect alerts the treatment provider that more information about the trauma is needed and that a thorough and comprehensive childhood abuse and neglect assessment is warranted. Thus, the primary purpose of an assessment is to confirm or discount a positive screening for childhood abuse or neglect. At the same time, it is an opportunity to evaluate clients' trauma-related treatment needs. In general, the more clinical information that a program has about clients' particular treatment needs, the better the program can meet them. Under optimal circumstances, all clients who screen positive for a history of childhood abuse or neglect should be offered a comprehensive mental health assessment.CPS case managers and court and law enforcement personnel may already be conducting their own screenings and assessments. Some systems (such as in Massachusetts) provide multidisciplinary assessments of client families to avoid duplication and to provide a more comprehensive service-planning product. When Should Assessments Be Conducted?When deciding whether to conduct assessments for a history of child abuse or neglect, thoughtful consideration should be given to the following issues: substance abuse, client readiness, input from all team members, and family involvement. Substance abuse issuesThe treatment team should evaluate (1) clients' current substance abuse, (2) clients' commitment to the treatment and recovery process, (3) the quality and length of abstinence, and (4) clients' risk of relapse. Treatment staff should make these evaluations on an individual basis and not translate them into a rigid protocol. For example, a client in the early phases of treatment who is struggling to make a commitment to abstinence but who has not yet developed significant psychosocial supports for abstinence may be at risk for relapse if he attempts to address childhood abuse issues. (Even so, in some cases the client may be at higher risk if he does not address these issues.) On the other hand, a client who has achieved a few years of abstinence and has a strong commitment to abstinence, but who recently relapsed when her father made threatening phone calls to her, may be psychologically prepared to explore her childhood abuse issues while simultaneously strengthening her recovery program. Client readinessThroughout substance abuse treatment and through the multiple psychosocial assessments and screenings for childhood abuse and neglect, the treatment team can gain valuable information about clients' childhoods. Indeed, treatment staff may have enough information to confirm clients' histories of childhood abuse and neglect. Staff may have also observed behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric manifestations of the childhood trauma. However, unless a formal assessment has been conducted, the staff probably will not have a thorough understanding of the details, context, and severity of these traumatic events, or the childhood responses to them. Similarly, unless they inquire, staff will not know whether clients (1) recognize themselves as having experienced abuse or as being affected by such abuse, (2) believe that they are ready to confront these issues and are willing to do so, and (3) believe they can handle the consequences without jeopardizing treatment. Thus, staff members should ask clients to evaluate their own readiness for confronting child abuse or neglect issues.At this point, staff should also know something about clients' current family situations and can work with them to identify who is safe to involve or to provide support. Some adults in treatment regress to a state of dependence on their

parents--parents are caring for grandkids, parents are paying for treatment, parents are the only housing resource after institutional treatment or incarceration. Abuse is a family issue; its disclosure and the client's treatment may well disrupt family dynamics and trigger denial--consequences of particular concern to a dependent adult client.Input from all team membersEach member of the treatment team should have a voice in deciding if and when to conduct assessments for childhood trauma. Each member will bring a different but valuable perspective about a client's progress in treatment, risk of relapse, and readiness to address childhood trauma. Individual team members can also contribute to discussions about the client's commitment to treatment and recovery, her psychosocial supports, her current family situation, and any significant issues that may need to be resolved quickly.Involving the familyCounselors hold different opinions on when and how much to involve the family in a client's treatment, but all agree there are many risks involved that must be carefully weighed against the potential benefits. This is especially true at the assessment stage, which usually occurs early in the treatment process when it is critical to get accurate information and to establish a relationship of trust with the client. Of foremost importance must be the client's opinion about whether to involve family members, and which ones. It is a good idea to obtain the client's written permission before contacting family; some counselors will only call a family member with the client present. (Although the client's current or "chosen" family is likely to be more supportive and should be encouraged to be involved, these persons may have less direct knowledge of the client's history of childhood abuse or neglect.)Most abuse occurs within the family. For this reason, complicated dynamics of denial, complicity, guilt, and fear of retribution may still be in place long after the client and his siblings have become adults. Grandparents, too, may be ashamed that they did not or could not protect the victim--or may themselves have been perpetrators. Family members may resent the client for opening up old wounds, exposing a family secret, or forcing them to confront a situation they may have tried to pretend did not happen. It is important to protect the client from the possibility of revictimization (Hansen and Harway, 1993).Family members can sometimes be valuable participants in the assessment process; however, counselors must maintain client rights of confidentiality. (For more information on confidentiality, see Appendix B.) Spouses and significant others can be sources of information, especially about the current situation. Grandparents can shed light on intergenerational patterns of family trauma and violence. Siblings can often provide useful information about the family, such as intrafamilial violence during the client's childhood. Because of differences in personality, age, and development, siblings will often have different perspectives and even disagree about traumatic events that occurred during childhood. Also, the family environment and dynamics may have been different for different siblings. For a more detailed discussion about involving families, see the "Involvement of the Family in Treatment" section of Chapter 3. Who Should Conduct Assessments?A multidisciplinary team should conduct a full assessment, although many assessment tools require professional training to conduct and interpret--the type of training specifically provided to clinically licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric social workers. (Many assessments also can be conducted by marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors.) A full assessment involves confirming

diagnoses, which should be done only by mental health professionals. Similarly, assessing histories of childhood trauma can provoke or exacerbate a psychological or psychiatric emergency, which must be addressed; a psychologist, clinical social worker, or psychiatric nurse can handle most situations. If clients have active and severe symptoms of depression, suicidality, severe anxiety, or other psychiatric crises, and issues of medication or hospitalization arise, clients should be evaluated immediately by a psychiatrist.For these reasons, the Consensus Panel recommends that the treatment team include a licensed mental health professional for more formal assessments that may be required. This individual should have training in childhood trauma, the effects of childhood trauma on adults, and the different tools that can be used to assess trauma, as well as having the clinical and licensing requirements for making diagnoses. The licensed mental health professional can also provide guidance, training, supervision, and crisis intervention throughout the assessment process. https://whateveryparentshouldknowaboutcps.blogspot.com/2020/07/chapter-2screening-and-assessing-adults.html

#Chapter 2—Screening and Assessing Adults For Childhood Abuse and Neglect Part 2

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jessicalynnhepner · 3 years ago

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Chapter 2—Screening and Assessing Adults For Childhood Abuse and Neglect Part 1

Substance abuse is a chronic and relapsing condition. It is often associated with problems in physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and social functioning (Brown, 1998; Landry, 1994). These problems are not likely to be the result of one specific cause but rather the result of an accumulation of factors that clients have faced in their lives (Luthar and Walsh, 1995). Risk factors associated with substance abuse disorders include histories of childhood abuse and neglect (Carlson, 1997). In fact, a recent study found that adults with histories of child abuse have an increased likelihood of heart disease, cancer, and chronic lung disease, as well as greater risk for alcoholism, drug abuse, depression, and attempted suicide (Felitti et al., 1998). These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive screening and assessment for individuals with substance abuse disorders and client access to adequate health care.

Although childhood abuse and neglect disproportionately affect adult substance abusers and their families, clients' substance abuse disorders are not often examined within the context of past abuse or neglect experiences. The reasons for not considering or eliciting this kind of historical information vary. Treatment providers may not have comprehensive screening and assessment measures available. Often, counselors simply fail to ask, or the intake organization does not instruct them to ask, about childhood abuse. Yet in some instances disclosure rates have risen dramatically when substance abuse treatment clients were asked directly about their experience of child abuse.

Clients may be unable to address traumatic childhood events because of memory problems that, in the past, have helped them cope with the trauma (Brown et al., 1999). Clients' family members may not be available or appropriate as family historians, and it is not the counselor's role to independently investigate family histories. Sometimes the immediacy of other problems causes assessments of child abuse and neglect to be delayed. Yet without proper screening and assessment, treatment providers may wrongly attribute symptoms of childhood trauma-related disorders to consequences of current substance abuse. Mental health issues often precede, rather than follow from, substance dependence. Therefore, comprehensive screening for root causes of clients' presenting symptoms may greatly increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Go to: Challenges to Accurate Screening and Assessment Counselors face great challenges when screening for and assessing childhood abuse or neglect. Few adults are comfortable with a history of violation and neglect. Many abuse survivors are ashamed of having been victims of childhood physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and may feel that the abuse was self-induced. Screening and assessment, therefore, should be designed to reduce the threat of humiliation and blame and should be done in a safe, nonthreatening environment. Although family members can be an important part of a comprehensive assessment (with the client's consent), treatment providers should be aware of what impact their involvement may have on the client's safety (or the safety of the client's children) and which family members the client considers nonthreatening.The following sections illustrate the challenges that treatment staff should anticipate and prepare for when screening for a history of childhood abuse or neglect and when assessing its impact on clients with substance abuse disorders. Underreporting Trauma History or SymptomsWhen screening for and assessing a history of childhood trauma, the counselor should ask clients to recall and indirectly reexperience abuse-related events (Briere, 1997). This process can trigger defense mechanisms--such as denial, minimization, repression, amnesia, and dissociation (Bernstein et al., 1994; Briere, 1992a; Cornell and Olio, 1991)--that diminish the distress associated with these events and memories (Fink et al., 1995). These mechanisms may cause a client to withhold or ignore information that is important for the assessment. Adult survivors of childhood trauma commonly suppress memories of certain traumatic events or minimize, either consciously or unconsciously, their symptoms (Brown et al., 1999; Whitfield, 1997a). Frequently, such defense mechanisms relate to the shame and stigma of the events. Clients may fear retribution from perpetrators or family members or loss of contact with people on whom they are emotionally dependent. Minimizing has often served to protect family members from having to deal with the criminal justice system (including the possible arrest of the perpetrator). Also, clients may fear that treatment staff will assume that they are abusive to their own children and report them to the police or child protective services (CPS) agencies. Still others may have never perceived their experiences as abusive or harmful but rather as normal and deserved.Certain sociocultural factors may encourage denial and minimization. For example, there is a social imperative among males to be strong and silent and unaffected by abuse. Physical abuse is difficult to evaluate because most males see their abuse as normal punishment for their behaviors (Langeland and Hartgers, 1998). Men may self-report child abuse and neglect less than women because their occurrence implies weakness and an inability to protect themselves (Evans and Sullivan, 1995; Holmes et al., 1997). Recent studies have concluded that sexual abuse of boys is underreported and undertreated (Holmes and Slap, 1998).Issues of confidentiality, mandated reporting, and trust may influence responses to interviews and questionnaires by making some clients less inclined to reveal personal histories of abuse or neglect. Reporting requirements may vary from State to State (see Chapter 6 for more information on reporting child abuse and neglect). Maryland law, for example, requires that treatment providers report incidents of childhood abuse disclosed by adults in substance abuse treatment programs. Repressed MemoriesAn important limitation of most of the research on childhood abuse is that it relies on retrospective recall of personal events that usually are not independently corroborated. This is a standard problem in many areas of

research, but particular concerns have been raised about the retrospective recall of childhood sexual abuse. The primary concerns have revolved around the "false memory syndrome" and child sexual abuse that has been forgotten and later remembered in the context of counseling (Loftus, 1996). Laboratory research on memory indicates that people may be led to remember events that did not actually happen to them (Loftus, 1993). These findings have raised the concern that suggestible clients may be led by therapists to believe that they were sexually abused as children when they were not. Other research indicates, however, that people can only be led to believe that nontraumatic events happened to them and that they are much more impervious to suggestions that false traumatic events occurred (Bowman, 1996). See Farrants, 1998, for a review of the research on this subject. Overreporting Trauma History or SymptomsRecently, research has suggested that some individuals may overreport or misrepresent abuse histories or abuse-related symptomatology, although this does not normally happen (Briere, 1997). In such cases, the client's conscious or unconscious should be viewed as having significant pathology that may contaminate the screening and assessment processes. For example, some clients may report inaccurate abuse histories or symptoms so that they may receive treatment rather than be incarcerated, may receive inpatient instead of outpatient treatment, or may qualify for disability-related entitlements, such as Supplemental Security Income (LaCoursiere, 1993). Others may overreport their history of trauma or current trauma-related symptoms in an effort, consciously or unconsciously, to deny or minimize their substance abuse disorder. Although overreporting is probably a less frequent phenomenon than underreporting, staff should be aware of the possibility that clients may receive secondary gains from overreporting symptoms or the severity of past abuse. Just as many clients with substance abuse disorders tell "war stories," some, with a great deal of experience in treatment settings, have become experts at giving psychiatric labels to all their problems. Coexisting Psychiatric DisordersA number of studies have found that childhood maltreatment and trauma are significant risk factors for later psychiatric problems (Beitchman et al., 1992; Neumann et al., 1996; Polusny and Follette, 1995; Trickett and McBride-Chang, 1995). Indeed, individuals with a history of childhood trauma--such as being sexually abused, being physically assaulted, or repeatedly witnessing violence--often develop psychopathology during adulthood (Beitchman et al., 1992; Bryer et al., 1987; Malinosky-Rummell and Hansen, 1993; Pollock et al., 1990; Roesler and Dafler, 1993). Thus, many adults receiving treatment for substance abuse who have a history of childhood abuse and neglect will have a coexisting psychiatric disorder (seeFigure 2-1 ). As mentioned in Chapter 1, abuse and neglect during childhood are particularly associated with major depression, suicidal thoughts, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and dissociative symptoms (Briere and Runtz, 1990a; Craine et al., 1988; Felitti et al., 1998; Rowan and Foy, 1993; Rowan et al., 1994). In treatment programs for veterans, where PTSD symptoms are often assumed to be occupation related, a history of childhood abuse can be particularly difficult to identify. Childhood abuse also has been associated with borderline personality disorders (Herman et al., 1989), as well as dissociative amnesia and dissociative identity disorder (Brown et al., 1999; Briere, 1997; Briere and Conte, 1993; Ross et al., 1990). Given the potential for coexisting psychiatric disorders in this population, treatment providers should not rely only on self-assessment tools and

patient feedback. 📷 BoxFigure 2-1: Symptoms and Syndromes Associated With Childhood Abuse and Neglect. Most Common Responses Helplessness Low self-esteem Guilt Shame Anxiety Depression (more...) Neuropsychological Consequences Of Childhood AbuseClients will benefit from understanding how severe and chronic physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in childhood can affect their memory and emotions long after the abuse has ceased. The long-term consequences of physical battering, for example, might include minimal or severe brain damage (from learning disabilities to mental retardation), aggressive behavior and lack of impulse control, and physical limitations. Childhood abuse or neglect also may hinder the development of a mature personality, because it becomes difficult for the abused person to develop a healthy sense of self. These effects have the potential to seriously complicate substance abuse treatment.New neuroimaging techniques--such as positron emission tomography (PET) scans or functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)--have revealed that chronic abuse may actually affect pathways in the brain and alter thinking processes. Some studies show reductions in the volume of the hippocampus, the seat of long-term memory, in both combat veterans with PTSD and women with PTSD who experienced severe sexual abuse during childhood (Bremner et al., 1995; Gurvitz et al., 1995; Stein et al., 1997). In another study (Rauch et al., 1996), individuals reliving abusive episodes had marked decreases in blood flow to the left brain--most notably to Broca's area, which governs language capacity--and increased blood flow to the amygdala and limbic system, believed to be the site of emotion and long-term memory. These findings suggest that remembering trauma can produce intense emotional states while at the same time it inhibits individuals' capacity to verbalize their experiences (van der Kolk, 1996).Counselors should be aware that clients may not be able to verbalize feelings when experiencing intense emotional states. Behavioral treatments such as exposure and desensitization in a safe therapeutic environment should help clients progressively manage these states without losing the ability to communicate. In this way, clients will be able to verbalize feelings instead of experiencing upsetting symptoms in response to traumatic triggers. DissociationMany researchers and counselors now believe that dissociation is a common and readily available defense against childhood trauma, since children dissociate more easily than adults (Turkus, 1998). To defend against abuse, the child psychologically flees (dissociates) from full awareness. Under severe trauma, especially if inflicted at a young age, parts of the self may split off, in some cases creating a compartmentalized way of experiencing the world, with strong or painful emotions and memories shut off from consciousness. These emotions may surface as intense fear or anger when the client is under stress or is in situations that trigger memories of the abuse. In extreme cases, parts of the self may assume separate identities.Dissociation serves many purposes. It provides a way out of an intolerable situation, it numbs pain, and it can erect barriers (i.e., amnesia) to keep traumatic events and memories out of awareness. The child may begin by using the dissociative mechanism spontaneously and sporadically (Courtois, 1988). With repeated victimization, it may become a chronic defensive pattern that persists into adulthood, resulting in a dissociative disorder. Arising as a survival mechanism to protect the child, over time dissociation changes into a pattern of behavior that interferes with the individual's daily functioning and ability to interact with others. Sometimes these

dissociative periods can last hours and require emergency psychiatric treatment.The counselor may see symptoms of dissociation but be unaware of the cause. For example, the client may "space out" when talking to the counselor, appearing disoriented or forgetful in order to avoid an intimate (and seemingly threatening) situation. The client may be temporarily unresponsive to conversation or questions, although he may reengage if the counselor persists in seeking his attention (Briere, 1989). These periods of disengagement usually last only a few seconds or minutes. However, they may cause the client to miss important insights or opportunities for self-examination.The client may also report or exhibit intense moods that are out of proportion to the present situation. Rage, terror, overwhelming sadness, or self-destructive impulses may take hold of the client as a result of what may appear to be minor issues, and the client may seem unable to respond to the counselor's attempts to reason with the client.Because there can be many causes of such extreme emotional reactions, it is important to isolate the symptoms of dependency or withdrawal from those caused by trauma resulting from childhood abuse.Dissociative symptoms can mimic the effects of drugs or of withdrawal from drugs, making it difficult to determine the type of problem being presented. In victims of trauma, substance abuse itself can be seen as a method of dissociating for those who cannot do it successfully through other means. For this reason, it is common for survivors of child abuse to self-medicate with substances, thus beginning a process that often leads to substance abuse and dependence. Counselor IssuesAny counselor or treatment provider who might be screening for and assessing histories of child abuse or neglect must receive specific training in these issues. The screening process and followup sessions will invariably involve listening to traumatic stories. Not all treatment providers will be comfortable hearing about their clients' experiences of abuse. Some may experience vicarious trauma or feel overwhelmed by these painful personal accounts. This may be especially true among counselors whose own traumatic childhood experiences were not addressed therapeutically. The counselor's biases from these experiences, regardless of their similarity to a client's, could have a harmful impact. If counselors experience intense discomfort and anxiety when conducting screenings and assessments, the Consensus Panel recommends that they receive guidance and support from a clinical supervisor and consider whether they could benefit from therapeutic assistance to explore the reasons for their discomfort. (For a more detailed discussion on counselor issues, see Chapter 4.)Prior training on handling abuse issues can help counselors "screen" themselves to recognize if they are unprepared to work with clients who have experienced childhood abuse or neglect. It is better to find out ahead of time than for the counselor to risk damaging the therapeutic process by having to confront personal issues in the middle of it--possibly even ending the session prematurely, leaving the client confused, feeling abandoned, or wondering "What's wrong with me?" Many counselors avoid issues of childhood abuse simply from lack of experience. They need assurance that the proverbial can of worms that has been opened can be closed in a reasonable length of time. Proper training can help counselors better deal with trauma and with secondary PTSD, sometimes known as "compassion fatigue."

Go to: Screening for a History of Child Abuse or Neglect Because adults who were abused or neglected during childhood can experience significant trauma-related consequences that require clinical intervention, the Consensus Panel suggests using child abuse and neglect screening (1) to identify individuals who exhibit certain signs and symptoms associated with child abuse and neglect (such as PTSD, major depression, or mood disorders) and (2) to identify who may benefit from a comprehensive clinical assessment. Consequently, treatment staff should Learn and understand ways in which childhood abuse and neglect can affect adult feelings and behaviors Identify those individuals who appear to exhibit these symptoms Identify the trauma-related treatment needs of these clients Provide or coordinate appropriate treatment services that will help to meet clients' treatment needs The Need for ScreeningAdults who were abused as children are more likely to use drugs or alcohol (Dembo et al., 1989; Singer et al., 1989; Zierler et al., 1991); therefore, they are more likely to be in treatment for substance abuse.The consequences of childhood abuse and neglect can dramatically affect a client's treatment needs. For instance, as noted in Chapter 1, a history of childhood trauma can increase the number and intensity of treatment services required, lengthen the time needed for treatment, and increase the number of sessions, particularly for male clients (Downs and Miller, 1996; Felitti, 1991; Felitti et al., 1998; Steinglass, 1987; Young, 1995). The consequences of childhood abuse and neglect can also affect the psychosocial supports that such clients may need following treatment (Steinglass, 1987). Screening for childhood abuse or neglect can set in motion a proactive plan with the following benefits: Stopping the cycle. Although not all adults who were abused or neglected during childhood abuse their own children, they are at greater risk of doing so (Kaufman and Zigler, 1987). Thus, screening for abuse and neglect can be an important step in stopping the cycle of abuse in many families. Decreasing the probability of relapse. Many substance abusers use alcohol and illicit drugs to self-medicate posttraumatic stress symptoms related to past physical or sexual abuse or trauma (Price et al., 1998); clients may abuse substances to deal with hyperarousal or stress (Clark et al., 1997; De Bellis, 1997). Since these are important causes of continued substance-abusing behavior, addressing them may facilitate treatment and reduce relapse. Improving a client's overall psychological and interpersonal functioning. Childhood sexual abuse and neglect may affect the individual's self-concept, sense of self-esteem, and ability to self-actualize. They also affect a person's ability to trust, be intimate, and set limits with others. Identifying a history of abuse or neglect enables the client to address these issues as they relate to overall functioning as well as to recovery. The ability to trust is especially important; difficulties with trust can impede the client's ability to utilize treatment to its fullest. Improving program outcome. Screening for a history of child abuse or neglect helps to determine the percentage of abused and neglected individuals who are in a substance abuse treatment program. Furthermore, screening, combined with assessment, helps to determine the trauma-related treatment needs of clients. With this information, programs can make informed decisions about providing the treatment services that can best meet their clients' needs. https://whateveryparentshouldknowaboutcps.blogspot.com/2020/07/chapter-2screening-and-assessing-adults.html

#Chapter 2—Screening and Assessing Adults For Childhood Abuse and Neglect Part 1

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jessicalynnhepner · 3 years ago

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Chapter 1—Working With Child Abuse and Neglect Issues Part 5

Types of Abuse and NeglectThere are four major types of child maltreatment: neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional or psychological abuse. NeglectNeglect is the failure to provide for a child's basic needs. Neglect can be physical, educational, medical, or emotional. Physical neglect is the most common type of neglect, and it includes the failure to meet a child's basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing that is not due to a lack of financial resources. Physical neglect also encompasses inadequate supervision and abandonment of a child, expulsion from home, and rejection of a runaway who wishes to return home. Educational neglect is the second most frequent type of neglect and includes failing to enroll a child in school, allowing chronic truancy, and not attending to a child's special educational needs. Medical neglect involves the refusal of, noncompliance with, or avoidable delay in seeking health care. Emotional neglect, which, like emotional abuse, is difficult to document, includes marked inattention to a child's needs for affection, refusal of or failure to provide needed psychological care, or chronic or extreme spousal abuse in the child's presence.The assessment of child neglect requires consideration of cultural values and standards of care, as well as recognition of the role of poverty in failure to provide the necessities of life. In substance-abusing families, neglect is a much more common reason than physical abuse for a parent to be reported to CPS agencies. In one study of children in foster care who had substance-abusing parents, neglect or abandonment accounted for 70 percent of placements, whereas physical abuse accounted for only 15 percent. For children placed in foster care from families in which substance abuse was not a factor, neglect or abandonment accounted for 37 percent of the cases and physical abuse accounted for 33 percent (Walker et al., 1994). Physical abusePhysical abuse can range from minor bruising to killing a child and may involve a single act or repeated occurrences. It is characterized by physical injury inflicted by punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, or other actions. Such injuries are not accidental, although caretakers may not believe that they intended to harm the child. Physical abuse includes punishment that is not appropriate to a child's age, size, or physical, mental, or emotional condition. Normal disciplinary measures do not require medical treatment, nor do they leave physical marks, such as welts and bruises. Any punishment that involves hitting with a closed fist or with an instrument, as well as kicking, burning, or throwing the child is considered abuse regardless of the severity of the injury. Sexual abuseSexual abuse or incest involves a range of behaviors--including all forms of oral-genital, genital, or anal contact with the child (such as fondling a child's genitals), or nontouching abuse (e.g., exhibitionism, voyeurism), as well as sexual penetration (e.g., intercourse, rape, sodomy), and commercial exploitation of the child via prostitution or the production of pornography. It involves not only acts committed by the perpetrator but inappropriate actions the child is forced or encouraged to perform on the adult. Child sexual abuse means engaging a child in sexual activities that the child cannot comprehend, for which the child is developmentally unprepared, and for which he cannot give informed consent.Most State laws distinguish between sexual abuse and sexual assault: An act of abuse is perpetrated by a person who has some responsibility for the child's care, whereas an assault is committed by someone other than a caregiver. However, researchers and survivors of childhood abuse perceive that caregivers or relatives who engage a child in sexual activity by use

of force, life threats, and beatings are by definition committing sexual assault. For more information on consequences of sexual abuse and assault, see Funk, 1980; Gomes-Schwartz et al., 1985; Paradise et al., 1994; and Sullivan et al., 1979. Emotional or psychological abuseEmotional or psychological abuse includes acts of commission or omission by parents or caregivers that have caused, or could cause, serious behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or mental disorders. Examples include the verbal or emotional assault of a child as well as the child's extreme confinement by ropes or other means. Emotional abuse often coexists with other forms of abuse, and it is the most difficult to identify. Many of its potential consequences, such as learning and speech problems and delays in physical development, can also occur in children who are not being emotionally abused. In addition, the effects of such abuse may not be evident until later in life. In some States, a CPS agency can intervene in cases of emotional or psychological abuse without evidence of harm to the child's behavior or condition. Only proof of an extreme form of psychological punishment, such as confining the child to a closet, is required. CPS agencies in these States will not, however, intervene in cases of excessive rejection, blame, or belittlement without proof of harm.

Factors Affecting Research and ScreeningVariations in the definitions of child abuse and neglect have made it difficult to assess the extent of the problem and its prevalence in the histories of adults. Although definitions have not yet been standardized (Briere, 1996; Whipple and Richey, 1997), researchers recognize consistency in definitions as an important goal. At present, researchers debate whether to define child abuse and neglect by their impact on the child's development (Garbarino, 1977; Garbarino et al., 1986) or by community standards for appropriate behavior toward children. These distinctions have been central in trying to define emotional abuse, but they have also helped frame discussions about other forms of abuse and neglect. However, in an effort to discourage overly zealous interventions, policymakers tend to advocate narrow definitions of emotional abuse that require proof that the child was harmed (see McGee and Wolfe, 1991, for a discussion of the issues). Some researchers, however, argue for definitions of emotional abuse that are independent of the apparent effects of the abuse (Barnett et al., 1991; Shaver et al., 1991). Emotional abuse and neglect are often ranked on a continuum, and participants are not typically categorized by the mere occurrence or absence of maltreatment. This continuum approach is becoming more common in the study of child abuse (Bernstein et al., 1994).Child sexual abuse is often defined broadly by researchers as any unwanted sexual experience occurring before the age of 18, including genital exposure and verbal propositions (Wyatt and Peters, 1986b). More restricted definitions typically specify that the experience must have involved physical contact with someone at least 5 years older than the victim if the victim is under a certain age, usually 15 through 18 years old (Krinsley et al., 1992; Rohsenow et al., 1988). The broader conceptualization of sexual abuse yields substantially higher rates of reporting than do more narrow definitions. Acts of physical violence aimed by a parent or caretaker toward a child are considered by most to be abuse, though many studies also specify that the child must have been physically injured (Straus and Gelles, 1990; Whipple and Richey, 1997).Simply asking clients if they were abused or neglected as children is no longer considered an adequate evaluation of maltreatment (Briere, 1992b; Miller and Downs, 1995; Wyatt and Peters, 1986b). Instead, clients are provided clear behavioral descriptions of experiences to which participants respond "yes" or "no." For example, MacMillan and colleagues used the following questions to assess physical abuse: "During childhood, did an adult often or sometimes push, grab, or shove you? Throw something at you? Hit you with something? Did an adult often, sometimes, or never kick, bite, or punch you? Choke, burn, or scald you? Physically attack you in any other way?" (MacMillan et al., 1997). The number of and manner in which such questions are asked influence the way they are answered. Also, spurious links between child abuse and other symptoms can sometimes be made. Patients with psychiatric disorders, for example, frequently search their past lives for some explanation of their distress (Pope and Hudson, 1992).Underreporting of sexual abuse appears to be much more likely than overreporting. A therapeutic alliance may have to exist before a patient will disclose an incest history (Pribor and Dinwiddie, 1992). It may be necessary to pose questions at an intake history and then again later in the therapeutic process. For the same reasons of client reticence, Miller and Downs recommend a self-report questionnaire combined with an interview (Miller and Downs, 1995). Each method has been shown to identify cases of abuse missed by the other. See Chapter 2 for more on this

issue.One of the critical new areas of research on people with substance abuse disorders is the study of "resilience factors" that permit some sexually abused individuals to avoid addiction, while others become addicted. Research demonstrates, for example, that victimized women who become alcoholics experienced prolonged, severe sexual abuse in isolation (Beckman and Ackerman, 1995). The courts' tendency to intervene minimally can perpetuate isolation and make the development of resilient behavior less likely. Another study notes a variety of specific factors that affect resilience against addiction in individuals sexually abused in childhood, including level of self-esteem, quality of adolescent peer group, and extent to which PTSD symptoms are experienced (Miller and Downs, 1995). A client's ability to dissociate may actually promote resilience against addiction. It will be very difficult to do any type of resilience studies if "sexual abuse" is not defined as such unless there has been some measurable negative outcome for the victim.

Personal Meanings of AbuseCounselors must recognize when it is appropriate or necessary to report incidents of clients' maltreatment of their children to government agencies, and for this they must know legal definitions of abuse and neglect. However, a broader approach, especially one that considers the meaning of the experience to the client, may be more useful in treatment. Finkelhor, for example, notes how sexual abuse may alter a child's perception of the world (Finkelhor, 1987). It is this altered perception, he argues, that leads to the devastating consequences of abuse. The sexually abused child might well feel betrayed and, as a result, no longer trust others (Springer, 1997). Stigmatization and shame may compromise the child's self-esteem, as well. People who were traumatized might even question their very right to exist (Greening, 1997).Clinicians must, therefore, understand how clients interpret their experiences. Not all abuse meets the legal or commonly held criteria for abuse; nor will all clients perceive as abusive those experiences which fit the legal definition. For example, a client might report being spanked every day as a small child and might feel that he deserved the spankings because he disobeyed his mother. He might also explain that his mother loved him and that the spankings occurred within a context of caring. Such a client would deny that he had been abused as a child and would not be well served by therapists who insisted otherwise. In contrast, another client may have accepted chronic belittling and criticism while growing up and may not understand its relationship to career failures and repeated relapses.

The Difficulty of Distinguishing Poverty From NeglectAlmost every theoretical model of child abuse and neglect recognizes the contribution of stress to poor outcomes, and poverty is a major source of family stress. Substandard and overcrowded housing in unsafe neighborhoods strains families, as do unemployment and discrimination. In some cases, impoverished families should not be subjected to accusations of intentional child neglect (Besharov and Laumann, 1997). CPS agencies can help counselors understand which cases truly merit investigation and which should be referred to other agencies. Counselors can contact CPS agencies and discuss confusing cases without identifying individuals and families. Counselors can also refer clients to various agencies to help them secure child care, food stamps, and free family health care as needed. (See "Role of Child Protective Service Agencies" in Chapter 5 for more information on working with the child welfare system.) Child neglect and the conditions of poverty often overlap. Even when there is no intent, physical and emotional injury can still occur. Disenfranchisement may lead to deviance, such as criminal activity, that may have an unintended impact on children, as when a parent is arrested or incarcerated. It is the responsibility of the counselor to report instances of reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect; however, counselors should use caution when distinguishing cases of class and cultural differences from child abuse and neglect. A comprehensive assessment should be conducted before any conclusions are reached. Many CPS agencies provide training for counselors on mandated reporting requirements, and some CPS agencies have the resources for assisting families. See Chapter 6 for more information on requirements and guidelines for reporting. https://whateveryparentshouldknowaboutcps.blogspot.com/2020/07/chapter-1working-with-child-abuse-and.html

#Chapter 1—Working With Child Abuse and Neglect Issues Part 5

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jessicalynnhepner · 3 years ago

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Chapter 1—Working With Child Abuse and Neglect Issues Part 4

Incidence of Child Abuse and Neglect Child protective services (CPS) agencies received reports of over 3 million suspected cases of child abuse and neglect in 1996. CPS staff investigated 75 percent of these reports and substantiated more than 970,000 cases of child maltreatment in that year alone (DHHS, 1999; Sedlak and Broadhurst, 1996). The reported incidence of child abuse and neglect climbed from 41 children per 1,000 in 1990 to 44 children per 1,000 in 1996. Even more disturbing, researchers agree that most incidents--as many as 70 percent--of child abuse and neglect still go unreported (Briere, 1992a; DHHS, 1999).It is estimated that 42 of every 1,000 children in the United States (under age 18) have been either abused or neglected. The number of sexually abused girls is three times the number of boys, but boys are more likely than girls to be seriously injured by abuse (Holmes and Slap, 1998). Boys are also more likely to be emotionally neglected. As noted above, there seem to be no significant differences among racial and ethnic groups in the incidence of maltreatment or maltreatment-related injuries (Sedlak and Broadhurst, 1996).Child maltreatment may not necessarily be on the rise; society may be more informed about reporting procedures, and victims may be more educated on resources, safety in disclosure, and ability to seek help in comparison to the past. Some researchers suspect that the tremendous rise in child abuse rates may be largely due to heightened awareness of the issue by society in general (Van Dam et al., 1985). Some of the increase in reported cases may also stem from greater sensitivity among researchers to the subtle cues of abuse and neglect. However, the rate of serious injuries due to child abuse has risen dramatically (Sedlak and Broadhurst, 1996), and (as noted above) the incidence of abuse and neglect might be underestimated as a result of underreporting. Indeed, in one review of children's death certificates, 85 percent of abuse- and neglect-related deaths had been attributed to other causes (McClain et al., 1993).

Go to: Incidence of Child Abuse and Neglect Histories Among Adults Given the high incidence of documented abuse and neglect among children, it is reasonable to assume that a sizable proportion of adults experienced similar childhood trauma. However, the true incidence of childhood abuse and neglect among adults is unknown. Research definitions have not been consistent, and this makes estimations difficult (Wyatt and Peters, 1986a). Inclusive definitions yield substantially higher estimates of abuse and neglect, while narrow definitions yield lower ones. Variations in research methods (e.g., questionnaires versus interviews) and populations studied also affect estimates (Wyatt and Peters, 1986b).A large national study of randomly identified adults in the United States estimates that 27 percent of women and 16 percent of men were sexually abused as children (Finkelhor et al., 1990). Additional estimates of childhood sexual abuse among women range from approximately 7 percent (Burnam et al., 1988) to 54 percent (Russell, 1983). The actual incidence of childhood sexual abuse is unknown (Trickett and Putnam, 1993). The true incidence among adults of other forms of childhood abuse and neglect is also unclear. Physical maltreatment has been studied less than childhood sexual abuse, and inconsistent methods and definitions have made the results uncertain. The incidence of emotional abuse and neglect among adults has not been significantly studied. Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and NeglectAlthough a causal relationship has been difficult to establish, investigators report that childhood abuse and neglect are associated with later problems. Sexual abuse, for instance, has been linked to depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction as well as eating, personality, dissociative, and substance abuse disorders (Beitchman et al., 1992; Browne and Finkelhor, 1986; Cahill et al., 1991; Polusny and Follette, 1995). People sexually abused as children are more likely than others to have social difficulties, and their risk of physical and sexual assault is greater (Polusny and Follette, 1995). One review of the physical abuse literature found that physically abused boys are more likely to become substance abusers, though the reviewers did not include any studies of the risk of substance abuse among physically abused girls (Malinosky-Rummell and Hansen, 1993). Low self-esteem (Briere and Runtz, 1990b) and depression (Braver et al., 1992) are relatively common among college students who were emotionally abused. In fact, they are more common among those who were emotionally abused than they are among those who were physically abused ( Gross and Keller, 1992; Ney et al., 1993).

Go to: Defining Abuse and Neglect Alcohol and drug counselors must understand the definitions of abuse and neglect in order to adequately screen and assess clients who were exposed to them as children. Counselors must also know the definitions because they, like all clinicians, are required by law to report suspected or known child abuse (see Chapter 6).Clinicians who understand the definitions of child abuse and neglect can also help clients who might not recognize that they were abused or neglected as children. According to researchers, some adults tend to deny, minimize, or forget experiences of abuse (Brown et al., 1999; Della Femina et al., 1990; Kufeldt and Nimmo, 1987). For example, Williams interviewed a sample of women in the early 1990s who had documented histories of sexual abuse occurring between 1973 and 1975 (Williams, 1994). Forty percent of the women failed to report the documented abuse during their assessments. Many of the women in this subgroup, however, did report other instances of childhood sexual abuse, leading the author to suggest that these women may in fact have traumatically forgotten the documented abuse. General DefinitionBoth Federal and State legislation define child abuse and neglect. The Federal legislation provides a foundation for States by identifying a minimum set of acts or behaviors that constitute maltreatment. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C., §5106g), enacted in 1974 and reauthorized in 1996, defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum, any recent act or failure to act that results in "imminent risk of serious harm, death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation" (Courtney, 1998) to a child under the age of 18, or, except in the case of sexual abuse, under the age specified by the child protection law of the State, by a parent or caretaker (including any employee of a residential facility or any staff person providing out-of-home care) who is responsible for the child's welfare. The act defines sexual abuse as Employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or to assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or any simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing any visual depiction of such conduct Rape, prostitution, and in cases of caretaker or interfamilial relationships, statutory rape, molestation, or other form of sexual exploitation of children Incest with children (although legal definitions may vary from State to State, incest can be broadly defined as the imposition of sexually inappropriate acts, or acts with sexual overtones, by one or more persons who derive authority through ongoing emotional bonding with that child--or any use of a minor child to meet the sexual or emotional needs of such persons) Each State is responsible for providing definitions of child abuse and neglect within this civil and criminal context. Laws vary widely from State to State, and treatment providers must be familiar with the definitions outlined in their own State's laws. In particular, they must understand reporting laws, which describe the circumstances and conditions under which they are obligated to report known or suspected abuse or neglect. These laws also list the conditions under which counselors are allowed to report known or suspected cases described to them by a third party. Counselors should also be familiar with juvenile/family court acts that dictate when a court is allowed to take custody of a child alleged to have been abused or neglected. The definitions in these acts are often the same as those in the reporting law. Finally, treatment providers should know the criminal law in their State that defines criminally punishable forms of abuse and neglect--such as sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, and child

endangerment--and the reporting requirements (see Chapter 6 for further information).

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#Chapter 1—Working With Child Abuse and Neglect Issues Part 4

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jessicalynnhepner · 3 years ago

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Chapter 1—Working With Child Abuse and Neglect Issues Part 3

Implications for Treatment of Clients With Child Abuse Histories

Mental Health IssuesAdults with histories of child abuse and neglect may differ from other clients in a number of ways. Although the research base is still limited, clients with childhood abuse histories have been found to have more severe substance abuse disorders, to have started using at younger ages, and to use substances for reasons that differ from other clients. They are also more likely to have attempted suicide, to have PTSD, and to have personality or relationship problems that make them hesitant to accept help (Felitti et al., 1998), which also makes them more vulnerable to relapse.Clients who have been sexually or physically abused as children often attribute at least part of their substance abuse to their childhood victimization. Hayek found that more than two thirds of women with incest histories believed that the abuse contributed to their alcoholism (Hayek, 1980). Another study revealed that 25 percent of incest victims in alcohol treatment programs believed their drinking problems were caused by their incest experiences (Janikowski and Glover, 1994). Individuals with alcohol abuse disorders and histories of sexual or physical abuse believe that their trauma was a considerable factor in causing their drinking problems and that it was a moderate factor in precipitating their most recent relapses (Brown et al., 1993).Researchers who have focused on women and girls have found that those with histories of childhood abuse are likely to have developed their substance abuse problems at a younger age (Edwall and Hoffman, 1987; Jarvis et al., 1998; Paone et al., 1992) and that adolescent girls in this group are more likely than their nonabused peers to use cocaine, amphetamines, sedatives, and tranquilizers (Harrison et al., 1989a). Women in substance abuse treatment programs who were sexually abused as children use alcohol to facilitate sexual encounters more often than do other women (Hayek, 1980; Hurley, 1990; Lammers et al., 1995). They are also more likely than their nonabused peers to use substances to alleviate pain (Jarvis et al., 1998), escape family turmoil, and calm tremors (Harrison et al., 1989a). Women might also use substances to escape memories of sexual abuse (Miller and Downs, 1995; Young, 1995).Alcohol abuse disorders are more severe among men who were sexually abused as children (Simpson, in press; Simpson et al., 1994) and may include overdoses and substance-related seizures (Krinsley et al., 1994). They are also more likely to have gone on "suicidal drinking" binges (Kroll et al., 1985). Suicide is a major problem among clients who were abused as children. These clients are more likely than their nonabused peers to attempt suicide, according to most studies (Harrison et al., 1989b; Jarvis et al., 1998; Krinsley et al., 1994; Wallen and Berman, 1992; Windle et al., 1995). Moreover, the first attempt increases the risk of others (Linehan, 1993a), so that these clients are more likely to attempt suicide again. Research is inconclusive about whether clients with childhood abuse histories are more depressed than their peers. Some findings suggest they are (Benward and Densen-Gerber, 1975; Boyd et al., 1997; Deykin et al., 1992), although others suggest they are not (Krinsley et al., 1992; Neisen and Sandall, 1990; Windle et al., 1995).PTSD is relatively common among people who were abused physically or sexually as children (Polusny and Follette, 1995; Rowan and Foy, 1993). Among people with substance abuse problems, those with histories of childhood abuse are more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD (Brady et al., 1994; Hien and Levin, 1994; Krinsley et al., 1992), and PTSD is associated with less successful treatment outcomes (Brady et al., 1994; Brown et al., 1995; Stewart, 1996).People abused as children are also prone to dissociative

disorders (Polusny and Follette, 1995), but it is unclear whether people who have substance abuse disorders and childhood abuse histories engage in more dissociative behaviors than those without childhood abuse histories. Research on male clients in substance abuse treatment has found that those with childhood abuse histories do not report more dissociation than their nonabused peers (Dunn et al., 1993, 1995), but research on female clients in substance abuse treatment suggests that those who were abused as children use a wider variety of dissociative behaviors than other women in treatment (Jarvis et al., 1998). Ostendorf, however, found that female incest victims with alcohol problems scored lower on an index of dissociation than those without alcohol problems (Ostendorf, 1995). Alcohol, the author suggested, may serve the same functions for some as dissociation does for others. More research is needed in this area to clarify the importance of dissociative disorders among clients with childhood abuse histories.Clients abused as children also seem to be at higher risk than their peers for other mental health and social problems. These include antisocial personality disorder (Windle et al., 1995), legal problems (Brabant et al., 1997; Krinsley et al., 1994; Kroll et al., 1985; Paone et al., 1992), and paranoia (Jarvis et al., 1998; Krinsley et al., 1992; Kroll et al., 1985). Women with substance abuse disorders and childhood abuse histories are more likely than other women in treatment to report sexual problems and abnormal sexual behaviors (Edwall et al., 1989; Hayek, 1980; Jarvis et al., 1998; Swift et al., 1996; Wallen and Berman, 1992). Clients who were abused as children are also more likely than others in treatment to be assaulted as adults, both physically (Edwall and Hoffman, 1987; Edwall et al., 1989; Haver, 1987; Lammers et al., 1995) and sexually (Wallen and Berman, 1992), and they are more likely to develop PTSD following the attack (Brady et al., 1994).

Risk for RelapseRelapse is common during the treatment of substance abuse, and few clients achieve permanent abstinence on their first attempt. Although clinicians have applied a variety of promising pharmacotherapeutic and psychosocial strategies to prevent relapse (Carroll, 1997), relapse rates remain high (Miller et al., 1995a).Many in the field believe that recovery from substance abuse is even more difficult for people who were abused as children (Brown, 1991; Rose, 1991; Young, 1995). There is fairly strong evidence that men who were abused as children enter treatment more often than other men (Krinsley et al., 1994; Simpson et al., 1994). This suggests that these men may be at greater risk for posttreatment relapse. Studies that combined males and females have also found poorer treatment compliance and outcomes for those who were victimized as children (Carran et al., 1996; Glover et al., 1996; Palmer et al., 1995). Gutierres and colleagues, however, did not find a connection between childhood abuse and treatment completion among males and females (Gutierres et al., 1994).Childhood abuse does not seem to affect treatment outcomes among women. Women who were sexually assaulted as children do not relapse any more frequently than other women in the year following treatment (Stephenson, 1990). Childhood sexual abuse is not associated with either the likelihood of a woman attending her first referral appointment following detoxification (Hien and Scheier, 1996) or the likelihood that she will complete subsequent treatment (Wallen and Berman, 1992). Childhood abuse is also unrelated to the number of times a woman enters treatment (Brabant et al., 1997; Simpson et al., 1994).Incest victims, moreover, do not report having tried more treatment modalities or having had more relapses than other women (Jarvis et al., 1998; Kovach, 1983). However, Haver reported poorer treatment outcomes among women who were physically abused by their mothers (Haver, 1987). In a study of aftercare compliance following childbirth, 67 percent of noncompliant women reported some form of childhood abuse while only 25 percent of compliant mothers did the same (Killeen et al., 1995).

Implications for Treatment ProvidersThe Consensus Panel recommends that alcohol and drug counselors be aware of childhood abuse and the issues involved in its treatment for the following five reasons: People who were abused as children are more likely than others to attempt and reattempt suicide, as noted earlier. Alcohol and drug counselors, therefore, must watch for signs of suicidal ideation. Counselors should work to help clients ease the emotional burdens of past abuse in order to diminish the likelihood of suicide. Counselors may need to address childhood sexual and physical abuse in order to reduce clients' risk of abusing their own children. Most abuse survivors do not abuse their own children (Kaufman and Zigler, 1987), although people with substance abuse disorders are at greater risk of doing so. As reported above, substance abuse contributes to almost three fourths of the incidences of child abuse and neglect (CASA, 1999; Famularo et al., 1992; Finkelhor et al., 1983; McCurdy and Daro, 1994). At least 675,000 children are abused or neglected each year by parents or caretakers with substance abuse disorders, and more than 8 million children (11 percent) in the United States are being raised by substance-abusing parents (Kropenske and Howard, 1994). Although it is not known how many of these parents are struggling with their own abuse histories, counselors should be able to address their clients' abuse issues in order to break the cycle of addiction and violence. Clients often suspect that childhood abuse contributed to their substance abuse disorders and relapses. Although they are not likely to identify precise clinical syndromes, clients may seek help in overcoming the emotional pain of childhood abuse. Counselors should be able to help these clients so that they do not turn to substances for relief. By addressing child abuse issues, the risk of relapse among clients who were abused as children might actually drop below that of their nonabused peers. Preliminary evidence suggests that people with childhood abuse histories use substances as a means of "chemical dissociation." Once trauma issues are resolved, substance use may clear substantially (Roesler and Dafler, 1993). People who were severely sexually or physically abused as children often develop PTSD (Rowan et al., 1994; Wolfe et al., 1994), and this disorder increases their risk of relapse because it engenders intrusive memories and attempts to avoid those memories through self-medication (Kuyken and Brewin, 1994). Therefore, clients suffering from abuse-related PTSD are likely to have endured the most severe forms of abuse. Counselors should be aware of this and know how to help such clients.

Cultural ConsiderationsFew researchers have studied the influence of ethnic and racial factors on childhood abuse and substance abuse disorders, but specific populations have been the object of several recent studies. For example, Carol Boyd and her colleagues researched crack cocaine addiction among African-American women (Boyd et al., 1997). Boyd's findings for this group are consistent with the larger body of research described earlier. The limited evidence in community-based samples suggests that there are not significant ethnic or racial differences in the base rate of childhood sexual abuse between African-Americans and Whites and between Hispanics and Whites (Arroyo et al., 1997).Another study reveals similar rates of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse among Native Americans, Mexican-Americans, and European-Americans in treatment for substance abuse (Gutierres and Todd, 1997). However, Native American women reported substantially more physical abuse than other women, and European-American men reported more sexual abuse than other men. This research, along with Boyd's work, points to the possibility of problems specific to groups, as well as the likelihood of differences in group reporting.Treatment providers must be sensitive to the ways in which cultural factors interact with a client's child abuse or neglect history. In a review on the relationship between racism and mental health, racism was found to be a major contributor to psychopathology among ethnic minorities (Carter, 1994; Landrine and Klonoff, 1996; Thompson, 1996). Sensitivity to such cultural phenomena helps facilitate effective interventions for ethnic minorities who have experienced childhood abuse (Manson, 1997). The Consensus Panel urges alcohol and drug counselors to be aware of how clients' backgrounds may affect treatment.Some of the challenges faced by culturally diverse populations seeking treatment are disparities in access and availability of services, and language and literacy differences. It is also important for counselors to be aware that sensitivity to cultural issues includes avoiding a double standard--being overly tolerant or flexible because of uncertainty about unfamiliar social norms. Cultural differences should not be allowed to excuse abusive or neglectful behavior by parents.

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#Chapter 1—Working With Child Abuse and Neglect Issues Part 3

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