Overview | Impact | Permanent Shifts | Governance | Partners
BFF’s 6 Principles (based on FTC research)
1. Early Universal Screening for SUD
2. Enhanced Judicial Practice
3. Timely Access to Treatment
4. Improving Communication
5. Data Collection and Sharing
6. Multisystem Cross Training
Principle 1: Early Screening
Data suggests missed cases of SUD among parents and caretakers with child welfare involvement. Child welfare court data metrics revealed that 32.5% of all new 2019 NYS Article 10 petitions alleging abuse or maltreatment of children mention alcohol or other substance use. National research demonstrates the prevalence of SUD in child welfare matters stands near 80%. BFF also seeks to improve the identification rate of families affected by SUD using the UNCOPE+, an evidence-based screening tool. (Children and Family Futures, 2016; Worcel, et al., 2006)
Principle 2: Enhanced Judicial Practice
Increased judicial engagement involves judges hearing cases more frequently in order to address barriers and move cases forward, improves accountability for all parties and leads to a higher likelihood of reunification and timely permanency. The increased contact with the court affords judicial officers the opportunity to ensure the family plan moves forward and mitigates any barriers that may arise. Ongoing interaction with a judge who is science and trauma informed and who gives parents an opportunity to voice their perspectives improves outcomes. (Edwards & Ray, 2005; Lloyd, et al., 2014)
Principle 3: Timely Access to Treatment
Parents who quickly enter SUD treatment after their children are placed in out-of-home care stay in treatment longer. Parents who stay in treatment longer are more likely to complete treatment, which has been found to significantly increase the likelihood of reunification with their children. (Green, et al., 2007; Grella, et al., 2008)
When SUD is a risk or safety factor, the parent can either complete a SUD assessment and follow all recommendations or follow a traditional schedule for child welfare cases. When parents choose to voluntarily engage with early treatment, the court continues to follow the case and meet all ASFA hearing requirements. If they choose not to follow recommendations, the court will: 1) schedule appearances every two weeks to encourage engagement with services, and 2) set the fact-finding hearing 90 days from the initial appearance. The court may then resolve the legal aspects of the case and order services upon a finding of neglect.
Principle 4: Improving Communication Between the Partner Systems
Each BFF county has a child welfare collaborative including, but not limited to, representatives of the courts, local department of social services, respondent attorneys, attorneys for the children, SUD, and mental health providers. This collaborative meets regularly to discuss local resources and services. Prompt and continuous communication between system partners increases the likelihood that a family receives the appropriate level of care. BFF does not require additional resources, such as a coordinator. Rather, BFF reexamines how to use existing resources and leverage them to support this approach.
Principle 5: Data Collection and Information Sharing
The children, parents, and families served by the Family Court have complex needs requiring services and supports from many different systems and service providers. Tracking access, engagement, and outcomes requires all systems and providers to: 1) actively engage in information sharing and data tracking, and 2) measure success not in a single system but across systems. BFF works with community providers to make sure they have the necessary data to support timely and effective service provision, as well as the ability to track, collect, and share outcomes within legal bounds.
Principle 6: Multisystemic Cross Training
Understanding the roles and responsibilities of system partners remains a key factor in improving systemwide communication and collaboration. Trainings in specialized areas generally targeted either problem-solving courts and their teams, or solely the providers. Multisystemic cross training allows for the broader child welfare community to expand their knowledge base and learn about available services. The trainings also create opportunities for networking and relationship building among system partners who support service integration to better assist families.