Supporting Foster Youth at Risk or Suspected of Substance Use
0600-508.00 | Revision Date: 7/3/2025

Overview

This policy guide details how to support and provide services to dependent youth, twelve (12) years of age or older, who currently live in Los Angeles (LA) County and who may have substance use issues. It outlines how to screen, assess, and ensure appropriate treatment for youth in this program.

Table of Contents

Version Summary

This policy guide was updated from the 7/1/2014 version to include information on different ways to support a child/youth with substance use disorders, update information on consent, and include an array of referral pathways. This policy also provides information on different models for substance use treatment for youth, information on different cross-system collaborations, and updated procedures. The name of this policy guide has also been changed from Foster Youth Substance Abuse Treatment Protocol and Program to Supporting Foster Youth at Risk or Suspected of Substance Abuse.  

POLICY

Supporting Foster Youth at Risk or Suspected of Substance Use

Many youth experiment with alcohol and other substances. If there are concerns about a youth’s alcohol or drug use or misuse, it is important to engage them with an individualized, strengths-based, and harm-reduction approach. Such an approach will encourage youth to seek out treatment and participate in services that will address substance use and promote their overall health and well-being. Youth engagement from a multicultural perspective is enhanced by: recognizing a youth’s positive qualities, asking youth for their opinions, and helping them leverage positive role models. Youth engagement includes meeting them “where they are” (i.e., engaging with them based on their readiness to receive support and allowing them to set the pace), fostering trust, and reframing.  One method for engaging youth is with Motivational Interviewing, a person-centered communication style that engages individuals and facilitates intrinsic motivation for change.

Substance use is a continuum, with substance use disorder (SUD) being a chronic, often fatal disease that requires us to respond with empathy, support, and medical treatment. Evidence demonstrates that early intervention not only saves lives but is also the most effective approach. Youth in foster care are particularly vulnerable to SUD, making it essential to connect them with services as quickly and efficiently as possible. Substance use and misuse is often an underlying cause of or factor in behaviors or past trauma that may impact placement or relationship building. The goal is to ensure youth receive timely assistance while fostering trust and developing a supportive alliance, with the minimal number of touchpoints, and consistent follow-up to ensure smooth transitions and access to the necessary care.

When a dependent youth age twelve (12) years or older is exhibiting behaviors indicative of substance use or is at risk of SUD, a Children’s Social Worker (CSW) has several options to obtain an assessment and get treatment for the youth. Substance use services are available on both an inpatient and outpatient basis, depending on a youth’s needs. SUD treatment should follow a biopsychosocial model – which typically involves consideration of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral counseling, and psychoeducation support, and can include: early intervention, outpatient behavioral therapy, inpatient residential services, as well as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and recovery and harm reduction services (See SUD Service Options for more information).

Participation in substance use services is strictly voluntary and the dependent youth must consent prior to engaging in such services and treatment. The Child and Family Team (CFT), including the court, attorney(s), CSWs and Supervising Children’s Social Workers (SCSWs), caregiver(s), and service providers must work together to engage and encourage a dependent youth with known or suspected substance use issues to participate. Youth need to know that there are many ways to get help and helping them understand their options is essential to supporting informed choice and meeting them where they are.

Drug and alcohol use are particularly concerning during pregnancy. For guidance on how to talk about drug and alcohol use during pregnancy, CSWs can refer to a checklist from the Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health and University of California San Francisco, Talking About Drug and Alcohol Use During Pregnancy with Accuracy and Compassion. CSWs are encouraged to consult with an Expectant and Parenting Youth (EPY) Conference Facilitator (PPT_EPY_Conferences@dcfs.lacounty.gov) to identify EPY services that can help address the needs of a pregnant youth with SUD.

Screening for Alcohol and Drug Use Concerns

It is not always easy to identify when a youth has a substance use problem. Validated tools can help determine if there is an SUD concern. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Bright Futures’ periodicity schedule recommends that youth ages eleven (11) years and over be screened for SUD concerns annually. Youth in out-of-home care should be screened annually at the Medical Hub or by their medical or mental health provider. The CSW can help make sure that this annual screening takes place and supports efforts to get clients appropriate services when the screening indicates a need. The CSW can consult with a Child Welfare Public Health Nurse (PHN) for assistance in coordinating linkages to services. The Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) also includes a routine SUD screening component that may identify a risk of SUD, but it does not satisfy the need for an annual private and confidential SUD screening.

When a CSW suspects or learns of substance use concerns, the CSW can contact the Substance Abuse Service Helpline (SASH –1-844-804-7500 or 1-800-854-7771 and select Option 2 for Substance Use Services) with the youth to facilitate screening, assessment, and connection to services.  Alternatively, if the youth has an existing relationship with a health or mental health provider, the CSW can coordinate with that provider for screening and treatment. 

Immediately connect a youth to services in the following circumstances:

  • When they ask for help;
  • When they bring up concerning substance use behavior; and/or
  • When there is information learned or suspicion that the youth has an SUD problem.

Important: Any youth “at risk” of a substance use issue problem is eligible to access SUD services. A formal SUD diagnosis, screening, or assessment is NOT required to begin the referral process. Screening can be used as a guide but is not required to refer a youth and get them help.

California law allows for the use of recreational marijuana by adults at least twenty-one (21) years of age. If a youth/nonminor dependent (NMD) is using marijuana for a purpose other than as part of a medically verified treatment plan, assess the youth/NMD to determine if there are underlying substance use/abuse issues. Marijuana use among youth is treated the same as other drugs. For further guidance on marijuana use among dependent youth/NMDs), please refer to Assessment of Drug and Alcohol Use/Abuse.

A minor who is twelve (12) years of age or older may consent to medical care and counseling relating to the diagnosis and treatment of a drug or alcohol related problem. When a youth calls the SASH Helpline, verbal consent is obtained prior to the screening process. If an in-person intake appointment is scheduled, the provider will obtain written consent and a release of information from the youth (or a legal representative if the minor is under twelve (12) years of age). Minors sixteen (16) years of age or older may consent to opioid use disorder treatment that uses buprenorphine at a physician’s office, clinic, or health facility, by a licensed physician and surgeon or other health care provider, whether or not the minor also has the consent of their parent or guardian (FAM Section 6929.1; WIC Section 369(f)).

Of note, a parent who retains the right to make medical decisions for their minor child may seek medical care and/or counseling for the minor’s drug or alcohol related problem even where the minor does not consent. 

For youth ages twelve (12) years and older who initiate their own treatment, participation in any SUD program/services is confidential. In that circumstance, a parent or guardian's involvement in substance abuse screening, assessment, and/or treatment will be determined in consultation with the youth. Youth are not required to share information with them, or with the child welfare team, in order to obtain services and treatment. However, when a parent initiates treatment, they will have access to treatment records.

In medical emergencies, information may be disclosed to medical personnel without written consent as needed to address the emergency.

CSWs should actively engage youth in discussions about their options and seek their buy-in before connecting them to services through their mental/health provider or Substance Abuse Services Helpline (SASH). When initiating this conversation, CSWs can use the following script to explain confidentiality and build trust:

"Hi [Youth's Name], I’m [Your Name/Role], and I’m here to support you. Everything you share with me is confidential. I won’t share it with anyone outside of our team without your permission. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule:
    • If you or someone else is in danger,
    • If there is serious injury to yourself or others, or
    • If a judge requires me to report it.
If I need to share information, I will let you know first, and we can discuss it together. My goal is to keep you safe and ensure you get the best support possible. Do you have any questions about what I just explained?"

The CSW must obtain written consent (via the SUD/Release of Information [ROI] Form) from the youth before sharing detailed information and/or records with a treatment provider, except in cases of emergency. Obtaining written consent is an opportunity to engage the youth and to affirm their efforts to get help.

When anyone other than the court or the youth's attorney request to view documents related to a youth's participation in the SUD program/service, County Counsel must be consulted.

Referral Pathways

There are multiple ways to refer a youth who is at risk or suspected of SUD. If the youth already has a relationship with an existing medical or mental health provider, the CSW is recommended to start with that provider. LA County takes a no “wrong door” approach to accessing substance use treatment and services. An SUD diagnosis is not required.

Substance Abuse Services Helpline (SASH)

SASH is a 24/7 toll-free helpline (1-844-804-7500 or 1-800-854-7771 and select Option 2 for Substance Use Services) where a team of professionals is available to provide screening, resources, and referral, directly to an alcohol/drug treatment provider. Translation services are available.  One of the best ways for the CSW to initiate a referral is to encourage the youth to call SASH – or they can do it together with them and get off the line when the connection is made. When sending a youth to SASH, it is helpful to inform the youth of their service options, so that they can request services that they are willing to engage with.

Service and Bed Availability Tool (SBAT)

A youth ages twelve (12) years and above, or their representative can also contact the alcohol/drug treatment providers directly (if one is known) or use the SBAT (https://sapccis.ph.lacounty.gov/sbat/) to find treatment services and contact information. The directory can be filtered by distance, treatment/service type, language spoken, clients served (e.g., youth, visually impaired/deaf, LGBTQIA, homeless, sexually exploited, etc.), and night/weekend availability.

With SASH or SBAT, a provider can be selected that meets language, cultural, service, or location needs. An intake appointment can be scheduled no later than ten (10) calendar days from the screening or referral.

Client Engagement and Navigation Services (CENS) for Youth

The Department of Public Health – Substance Abuse Prevention and Control (DPH – SAPC) CENS for Youth Program is available for youth who have complex care needs, including those who are juvenile justice-involved, experiencing homelessness, have a co-occurring disorder, or involved with multiple County agencies (e.g., Probation, Department of Mental Health). A CENS liaison (assigned to each DCFS Service Planning Area [SPA]) can engage hard-to-reach youth such as those at Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs) or in the Juvenile Halls to facilitate access to early intervention and SUD treatment services. CENS for Youth can provide enhanced care coordination for hard-to-reach youth with complex needs by working with service providers to connect youth to treatment providers with specialized treatment services. The essential functions of a CENS for youth are:

  • Outreach and engagement;
  • Benefits eligibility determination and enrollment;
  • Education sessions;
  • SUD screening, appointment scheduling, reminders, and follow-up;
  • Service navigation, ancillary referrals and linkages; documentation and reporting.

CSWs may refer a client to a CENS location.

CSWs are encouraged to email DPH-SAPC-YSU@ph.lacounty.gov if they need technical assistance or need more information or service coordination regarding CENS services. 

Connecting to Opportunities for Recovery and Engagement (CORE) Centers

CORE Centers are community spaces throughout LA County where CSWs can refer a youth to drug/alcohol education, resources, and in-person screening and linkage to appropriate treatment. As of 2024, there are six (6) brick and mortar CORE Centers spanning from Lancaster to south Los Angeles. CSWs are encouraged to utilize other referral pathways before contacting a CORE Center, as the youth can be assessed and linked to services more quickly.

RecoverLA.org -- Online SUD Resource Guide

DPH-SAPC also developed an online SUD resource guide, RecoverLA.org, to help LA County residents learn about SUD and how to get connected to LA County prevention, harm reduction, and treatment resources. The guide provides information about substance use and misuse, medications for addiction treatment (MAT), SUD treatment options, patient rights and confidentiality, and other resources. The guide also includes an online mobile-friendly version of the SBAT available in LA County’s Medi-Cal threshold languages.

Eligibility

Youth and adults can access substance use treatment services at any network provider as covered under Drug Medi-Cal or some private insurance.

Drug Medi-Cal is a treatment funding source for foster youth who have Fee-for-Service (FFS – also known as Full Scope) Medi-Cal or Managed Care Plan (MCP) Medi-Cal.  Drug Medi-Cal is carved out and therefore it does not matter whether the youth has FFS or MCP Medi-Cal. Any of the referral pathways described above can link youth to a Drug Medi-Cal certified program. SUD services are also available for up to thirty (30) days to Medi-Cal eligible youth who have not completed the enrollment or transfer process; in fact, active benefits are not required at time of screening, referral, or intake. Youth who remain in the home may have MCP Medi-Cal and should reach out to their Medi-Cal plan for linkage to SUD services.

Field-based services allow SUD treatment providers to collaborate with community-based organizations, including STRTPs, to provide on-site treatment for hard-to-reach youth with complex needs. CSWs should check with the STRTP where their youth is placed as to whether the STRTP can provide onsite SUD early intervention or treatment services. A full SUD treatment continuum is available to youth and young adults in Secure Youth Treatment Facilities such as Dorothy Kirby Center or the various Probation camps inspected by the California Board of State and Community Corrections.

For youth who are placed outside LA County, CSWs should consult with DPH-SAPC-YSU@ph.lacounty.gov to explore service coordination on a case-by-case basis. Options may include telehealth, or an SUD provider identified in that county.

SUD Service Options

Prevention & Early Intervention

DCFS and DPH-SAPC offer individualized prevention and early intervention services for at-risk youth as well as targeted prevention campaigns.  Early intervention services are available to those who do not meet diagnostic criteria for SUD but are at-risk.

Harm Reduction

Harm reduction is any practical strategy that reduces the negative consequences of drug/alcohol use. Harm reduction focuses on “meeting people where they are” and recognizes that people may not be willing or able to stop using substances at that moment. Youth are far more likely to engage with adults and providers who use harm reduction messaging and strategies. Harm reduction interventions can also help a youth stay alive until they are ready for services by decreasing the negative consequences associated with continued drug use. The Recover LA website provides additional information on Harm Reduction.

Some harm reduction strategies include: 

  • Narcan (otherwise known as naloxone), which is a safe, readily available, easy-to-use tool that will reverse an opioid overdose.
    • Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. Narcan will reverse an opioid overdose.
    • Symptoms of opioid overdose include:
      • Pale skin
      • Clammy skin
      • Cyanosis (turning blue)
      • Decreased or loss of consciousness
      • Vomiting
      • Slow, irregular, or no heartbeat or breathing
  • Youth who are at risk for opioid overdose include those who:
    • Have active opioid use disorder;
    • Take opioids for long term management of chronic pain;
    • Have been discharged from health systems following opioid poisoning or intoxication;
    • Have previous use of opioids and have had a period of abstinence.
  • Naloxone/Narcan nasal spray is designed to reverse respiratory depression caused by a suspected opioid overdose or exposure to heroin, hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, or any synthetic opioid derivative.
    • Naloxone is available at all DCFS offices for staff to carry and distribute to youth and their caregivers. It is also available to people by prescription. It should be given to youth who are at a high risk of overdosing, such as those leaving a locked facility or who have had an earlier overdose experience.
    • Every youth who has indicated they are using hard drugs should immediately be given naloxone as well as the Department of Health Services Medication Assisted Treatment hotline number (213-288-9090).
    • For more information, please see linked English and Spanish language flyers, as well as FYI 23-14, Naloxone Procedure.
  • Fentanyl Strips, which can be used to test if a drug is tainted with Fentanyl, before using.
  • Syringe exchange, which helps prevent the transmission of disease (Refer to Recover LA for additional information.)
  • Avoidance of using substances alone or to call a hotline such as the Never Use Alone, 877-696-1996 or 800-484-3731, Overdose Prevention Lifeline. An operator is available over the phone while the person is using substances. The operator can help establish a safety plan and send medical help if needed. When someone calls the Never Use Alone Hotline, information is never stored and is always confidential.

The Department encourages everyone to participate in the “Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Webinar Training” located on TalentWorks, and to review FYI 23-14, Naloxone Procedure.  Los Angeles County DPH has a video to educate on opioid overdose and use of naloxone. This video is available on YouTube (in English and Spanish) and staff can use their county issued cell phones to share this video with the recipient of the naloxone. Staff may refer to askthedoctor@dcfs.lacounty.gov if they have medical questions or NarcanProject@dcfs.lacounty.gov if they have naloxone supply questions.

Behavioral Treatment

Behavioral treatment is a range of interventions to address the negative impact of alcohol and drugs among youth who are at risk or struggling with a substance use disorder. Behavioral treatment services may be provided in outpatient or residential settings and are tailored to the needs of each patient, and can include:

  • Individual/Group Counseling
  • Patient Education
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Family Therapy
  • Collateral Services
  • Alcohol and Drug Testing
  • Medication for Addiction Treatment

Recovery Services are available throughout the treatment process and following discharge to help individuals remain engaged in care, support their recovery, and reduce likelihood of relapse. Depending on the client’s needs and severity of the condition, services may be provided by a mental health provider, or as part of SUD treatment by an SUD provider.

Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT)

Medication Addiction Treatment (MAT- may also be referred to as Medication-Assisted Treatment) is an evidence-based treatment that uses medicine, typically in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is available to address many types of addiction, from opioids to alcohol to tobacco. MAT helps to reset the brain and prepare a youth to engage in additional services. It starts from the position that addiction is a treatable condition, and that there are medicines to support that treatment. MAT significantly improves youth engagement as well as their chances of sustained recovery, especially when combined with behavioral therapy. 

MAT gets particular emphasis to treat opioid use disorder. When a youth is using opioids, immediate MAT treatment is recommended. Youth are most likely to be prescribed buprenorphine or the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone (AKA Suboxone), which can be safely self-administered sublingually or by a patch. It reduces the negative effects of withdrawal and makes it easier for the youth to stop using opioids. Youth ages sixteen (16) years and older can consent to this treatment.

MAT Resources:

  • MAT Consult Line: (213) 288-9090
    • Support is available seven (7) days a week and can be started in any setting, including via telehealth, to address alcohol and/or opioid use disorder. Youth can call the MAT Line directly.
Find a MAT clinic in Los Angeles at: http://LosAngelesMAT.org

Psychotropic Medication Authorization (PMA)

There are three drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid dependence: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. These drugs are considered psychotropic medications. Per FAM Section 6929.1 and WIC Section 369(f), youth ages sixteen (16) years and older are authorized to consent to buprenorphine without parent, court, or a social worker’s authorization. As such, the PMA process does not apply to youth ages sixteen (16) years and older for buprenorphine, nor does it apply to youth ages eighteen (18) years and older. In other cases, the PMA process still applies.

In addition, the PMA process includes an exception for administration of the medication prior to court authorization in emergency situations which are determined by the prescribing physician on a case-by-case basis.  In the case of opioid use disorder, addiction medicine specialists believe that failure to get the youth started on MAT as quickly as possible places them at risk of serious disability or death. In these emergency cases, MAT may be administered without court authorization, but the CSW should still follow up to obtain PMA for youth under age sixteen (16) years-old as soon as possible. In cases where the PMA process still applies, subsequent court authorization is required through a completed JV-220. Refer to Psychotropic Medication: Authorization, Review, and Monitoring for DCFS Supervised Children for additional information.

Drug Testing

Drug testing of dependent youth (ages twelve [12] years and older) is voluntary and requires the youth to agree, whether requested by the dependency court or the drug treatment agency. There must be a court order for all drug testing involving minors. Drug test results will be provided to the court only if the youth and the agency agree that it will be in the youth's best interest. Drug test results provided to the court will never be used as evidence of a new crime or a violation of probation. Please refer to the DCFS Countywide Drug and Alcohol Testing Program for guidelines on making a drug testing referral. The CSW should explain to the youth that drug testing will be a monitored test and what that means. Please refer to the DCFS Countywide Drug and Alcohol Testing Program for further information on the protocol for drug testing of youth ages twelve (12) to seventeen (17) years.

When the foster youth is also an expectant or parenting youth, rules regarding drug testing will be determined by their status as minors. In other words, drug and alcohol testing for youth under eighteen (18) years-old will be monitored, regardless of parenting status. Communication/5-day notice is required to their attorney.

Cross-System Collaboration

DCFS Coordinated Services Action Team (CSAT)

CSAT provides support to high-risk youth with the goal of coordinating services to address the mental health, emotional well-being, and developmental needs of the youth and ensure the alignment of the various providers who serve the family. When CSAT is involved with a youth who is at risk of or has SUD challenges, the Service Linkage Specialist will promote youth engagement and can support the SUD referral if one has not been initiated.

Department of Mental Health (DMH)

Youth with co-existing mental health problems and substance use concerns may access services through Medi-Cal Specialty Mental Health Services (SMHS) and Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC-ODS). The services provided through Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) and Medi-Cal SMHS must be focused on the youth’s identified mental health needs.

For youth who have mental health and SUD concerns, the CSW may reach to out to DMH Specialized Foster Care or call the 24-hour Access to Community Care, Effective Services and Support (ACCESS) line (800-854-7771) for assistance.

Schools

Los Angeles County schools do not have a unified SUD protocol but may have a process in place to refer students to services outside of the schools for those identified as being at-risk, those who have initiated the use of drugs and/or alcohol and may need access to early intervention services, and those who consistently use substance and need intervention services. Given that schools generally take a punitive approach towards substance use/abuse on campus, it is difficult for schools to provide SUD services (with a few exceptions). 

In grades TK-12, prevention education may be taught to students to promote healthy decisions and prevent risky behaviors. Schools may also adopt awareness campaigns regarding the harmful impact of drugs and alcohol. It is recommended that SUD referrals be made at the Special Education Assessment if the student is identified as being at-risk or having used substances. CSWs should be mindful not to disclose SUD linkage information to the schools without the consent of youth/family.

Department of Public Health Public Health Nurses (DPH PHNs)

PHNs can be brought in via a consultation request in the case of a known or suspected SUD concern. Via a consult request, the PHN can work with the CSW to coordinate services, liaise with a treatment team, complete all necessary documentation, and assist in monitoring and oversight of any psychotropic medication, per Policy Guide 0600-530.00, Public Health Nurses (PHNs): Roles and Responsibilities. If the CSW needs urgent help from a nurse, the CSW should escalate the matter by having an immediate conversation with the PHN and their supervisor. In emergency cases, the team should remember that prior PMA authorization is not required.

Department of Health Services Medical Hubs

A visit to the Medical Hub provides an important opportunity to evaluate a youth for SUD concerns and link them to treatment.  Hubs may utilize a standardized substance use screening tool, such as the CRAFFT tool (Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble) (patient version/clinician version) for youth ages twelve (12) years and over.  When an SUD concern is identified, Hub providers will refer the youth to appropriate services and will loop in the DMH co-located staff for follow-up.  When the Hub has obtained youth authorization to share the information with the CSW, they will do so.

Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs)

STRTPs may have embedded SUD services given their residents are at high risk.  In fact, youth in congregate care are considered especially at risk. Staff at STRTPs have been trained in harm reduction and have Narcan on site. They have also received training about substance use disorder and options for treatment.  All STRTPs should offer some form of SUD services, ranging from prevention to early intervention services to treatment. When they do not offer on-site SUD services or when they have a client who requires a more intensive response than they offer, STRTPs will refer youth to SAPC providers. As a starting point in the referral process, CSWs can contact the STRTP to identify what SUD services are available and coordinate to meet additional treatment needs.

PROCEDURE

Making a Referral for Substance Use Screening and/or Assessment

Case-Carrying CSW Responsibilities

  1. Review your caseload for any youth who may have substance abuse issues.
  2. Refer to and complete the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Indicators Tool for Adolescents.
  3. If a youth appears to have a substance use concerns, refer the youth according to any of the referral pathways (directly to a trusted health/mental health provider, SASH, SBAT, CENS, or CORE Center) for assessment and, as needed, treatment. 
    1. Engage the youth in this process and get their verbal consent to make the referral.
    2. Sample verbal consent template:
      • "Hi [Youth's Name], I’m [Your Name/Role], and I’m here to support you. Everything you share with me is confidential. I won’t share it with anyone outside of our team without your permission. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule: 1) If you or someone else is in danger, 2) If there is serious injury to yourself or others, or 3) If a judge requires me to report it. If I need to share information, I will let you know first, and we can discuss it together. My goal is to keep you safe and ensure you get the best support possible. Do you have any questions about what I just explained?"
  4. Get written consent using this SUD Release of Information (ROI) to facilitate care coordination with providers and prior to sharing detailed SUD information or records.  
  5. Coordinate, as necessary, with the SUD agency to schedule appointments and to provide information needed to complete the assessment and/or to link to treatment.
  6. In preparation for the CFT meeting, engage with the youth and ask them to complete the DCFS 6109, A CFT Authorization for Use of Protected Health and Private Information, to allow relevant service planning to be discussed by the CFT.

Documenting Confidential Substance Abuse Information to be Submitted to the Court

CSW Responsibilities

  1. Identify all documents to be sent to the court that relate to the youth’s SUD issues and related services Program as “Confidential.”
  2. Do not make any reference to the youth’s involvement in screening, assessment, and/or treatment in court reports or case plans, including the Transitional Independent Living Plan (TILP).
  3. File all documents related to the youth’s participation in the program in a 9x12 manila envelope, labeled “Privileged/Confidential Information.”
  4. File the envelope in the Psychological/Medical/Dental/School Report folder.
  5. File any consent/ROI forms in the Psychological/Medical/Dental/School Report folder.

Documenting Contacts in the Contact Notebook

Case-Carrying CSW Responsibilities

  1. Create a new “Service Provider” in the Child Welfare Service/Case Management System (CWS/CMS) Contact Notebook under the ID Service Provider Category “Substance Abuse (Counselor/Testing).”
    1. Add the agency’s name, address, and phone number.
  2. Document Associated Services under the Service Category “Substance Abuse Services.”
  3. Document the Services Type as recommended by the AITRP provider (e.g., counseling, substance abuse inpatient, substance abuse outpatient).
  4. Document the start date in Associated Services.
  5. Document any consents/ROI. Document if the youth declines to sign the ROI.

Responding to Terminated Substance Abuse Treatment Services

Case-Carrying CSW Responsibilities

  1. Enter the date when substance abuse services were terminated in the “End Date” field of the  CWS/CMS Special Projects Page.
  2. Document the end date in Associated Services.
  3. Document the reason substance abuse services were terminated in the Narrative.
APPROVALS

Approvals

None
HELPFUL LINKS
REFERENCED POLICY GUIDES

0070-516.15, Screening and Assessing Children for Mental Health Services and Referring to the Coordinated Services Action Team (CSAT)

0070-521.10, Assessment of Drug & Alcohol Abuse/Abuse

0070-548.01, Child and Family Teams

0070-548.26, Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Assessment

0080-502.10, Case Plans

0080-505.10, Child/Nonminor Dependent Development: Transitional Independant Living Planning

0300-306.80, Transportation Requests to Bring Children/Youth/Nonminor Dependents to Court 

0300-503.94, Set-On/Walk-On Procedures 

0300-506.05, Communication with Attorneys, County Counsel, and Non-DCFS Staff

0600-500.00, Medical Hubs

0600-501.10, Consent for Routine Medical Care

0600-507.10, Youth Reproductive Health and Pregnancy

0600-514.10, Psychotropic Medication: Authorization, Review, and Monitoring for DCFS Supervised Children

0600-530.00, Public Health Nurses (PHNs): Roles and Responsibilities

1200-500.30, DCFS Countywide Drug and Alcohol Testing Program

STATUTES AND OTHER MANDATES

Family Code (FAM) Section 6929(b) – States, in part, that a minor who is twelve (12) years of age or older may consent to medical care and counseling relating to the diagnosis and treatment of a drug or alcohol-related problem.

FAM Section 6929.1- States that, notwithstanding any other law, a minor 16 years of age or older may consent to opioid use disorder treatment that uses buprenorphine at a physician’s office, clinic, or health facility, by a licensed physician and surgeon or other health care provider acting within the scope of their practice, whether or not the minor also has the consent of their parent or guardian.

Welfare and Institution Code (WIC) Section 369(f)- States that a dependent child of the juvenile court who is  sixteen (16) years of age or older may consent to receive medications for opioid use disorder from a licensed narcotic treatment program as replacement narcotic therapy without the consent of their parent, guardian, person standing in loco parentis, or social worker, and without a court order, only if, and to the extent, expressly permitted by federal law. Also states that, notwithstanding any other law, a dependent child of the juvenile court who is sixteen (16) years of age or older may consent to opioid use disorder treatment that uses buprenorphine at a physician’s office, clinic, or health facility, by a licensed physician and surgeon or other health care provider acting within the scope of their practice, whether or not they have the consent of their parent, guardian, person standing in loco parentis, or social worker and without a court order.