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Policy
Manual
CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS
Conducting the Investigation
34-3-5.1
Substance Abuse Testing and
Evaluation
| Policy |
During an investigation, if there are indications of
drug/alcohol abuse or dependency by household members, or by another person with
caretaking responsibilities or who has access to the children in the home, the
investigator shall request that such person(s) undergo voluntary drug/alcohol testing and
evaluation. All drug/alcohol testing, evaluation and treatment information is protected
under the federal regulations governing Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse patient
records, 42CFR Part 2, and cannot be disclosed without the patient's written consent. |
| Definition |
Substance Abuse refers to
patterns of use of alcohol and/or drugs (street, over the counter or prescribed drugs)
which interfere with an individual’s social, occupational, legal, financial,
emotional and physical functioning. |
| Release Form |
The persons, including children and youth, who volunteer to
participate in the substance abuse testing and evaluation must sign a "Substance
Abuse -Authorization for Release of Information," DCF-2133. For obtaining
information concerning other areas (education, mental health, etc.) use
"Authorization for Release of Information Form", DCF-2130.
Cross-Reference: Policy 31-8-5, "Confidentiality" |
| Completing the Release Form |
The investigator shall ensure all of the check-off boxes are
marked either "yes" or "no" as appropriate. No boxes should be
left blank. This will help ensure that the client understands exactly what
information will be released. The investigator must also clearly write in the
purpose of disclosure so the client understands the reasons the information is being
disclosed. |
| On-going Communication |
The investigator shall ensure release of information forms
are kept current and express the intended purpose of providing on-going information to the
department regarding the client's progress and treatment data.
Note: Information obtained through this release of
information form shall not be disclosed further without the client's written
consent. The use of information obtained is limited to the specific purpose listed
on the form.
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| Determination of Need |
To determine if a client needs to participate in substance
abuse testing and evaluation, the investigator shall
- evaluate the following indicators and information:
- an Investigation Protocol, DCF-2074, which specifies substance abuse
- documented reports of prior substance abuse
- sufficient information from direct observation of the client’s behavior and/or
physical condition
- the presence of drug paraphernalia
- evidence of alcohol abuse
- a child’s report of substance abuse in the home
- self-report by a client
- documented information from collateral contacts
- a report of a child having prenatal exposure to drugs; i.e., positive drug toxicology or
a parent’s report of using alcohol or drugs during pregnancy
- utilize DCF-2110, "Substance Abuse Screening/Information Form" when
interviewing family members.
In making this determination, the investigator shall discuss any concerns or questions
with his/her supervisor and the Regional Resource Group (RRG) substance abuse specialist. |
| Community Providers |
The investigator shall access those community agencies which
provide outpatient, substance abuse testing and evaluation services, as contracted for by
the Department. For substance abuse services which are not included in the contract, the
worker shall coordinate with local community providers. |
| Arrangement for Services |
The investigator shall take the following steps to arrange
for the outpatient substance abuse testing and evaluation services with the
Department’s contracted provider:
- determine if the testing and evaluation is to be provided immediately, or by scheduling
an appointment
- identify any potential barriers (e.g., transportation, child care), and coordinate
solutions with the provider
- submit DCF-2133, "Substance Abuse - Authorization for Release of Information,"
to the provider
- submit completed DCF-2110, "Substance Abuse Screening/Information Form" to the
provider.
Note: To authorize ongoing substance abuse outpatient treatment, the
investigator shall consult with his/her supervisor and the RRG substance abuse specialist. |
| Refusal to Participate and Court Intervention |
If the client refuses to participate in voluntary substance
abuse testing and evaluation or does not keep appointments, the investigator shall consult
with his/her supervisor, the Assistant Attorney General, and the RRG substance abuse
specialist to determine further actions. The client’s decision must be factored
into the determination of risk to the child(ren).
If there is sufficient basis to file a petition, then a petition shall be sought and
court orders pursued to require testing, evaluation and treatment. |
| Documentation |
The investigator shall
- file the following information in the confidential section of the uniform case record:
- the DCF-2110, "Substance Abuse Screening/Information Form"
- a copy of DCF-2133, "Substance Abuse -Authorization for Release of
Information"
- the private provider’s report
- document activities, observations, and the results of the provider’s report in the
LINK case activity notes.
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Connecticut Department of Children and Families
Effective Date: July 15, 1999 (Revised)
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