AG 2002 10 21 (Regular) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Substance Abuse Services The Work First Employment staff completes an AUDIT/DAST-10 on all recipients who apply for WFFA except for those who are 'S' exempt or those who are 'child only' cases. The Employment Social Worker completes the screening and assesses the need to refer. The procedure for the following scenarios is as follOws: · If the assessment is negative (no evidence of substance abuse), the recipient signs the release form in the event that they should develop a problem during the time that they are a WFFA recipient. This release allows the social worker to make referrals to identified agencies and also to allow follow-up with agencies to assure that the recipient is complying with recommended treatment provided by the counselor as indicated in the Mutual Responsibility Agreement (MRA). · If the assessment is positive (evidence of substance abuse), the social · worker contacts the substance abuse counselor at Piedmont Behavioral Healthcare. The counselor schedules an appointment, sends an appointment letter, and notifies the social worker of the appointment. The social worker and counselor have contact to assure that the recipient is keeping the appointments and following through with recommended treatment. If the assessment is negative, but the social worker suspects by actions,. appearance, and conduct that some substance abuse may be present, the Substance Abuse Screening Tool is used. If the result of this is positive, the recipient is referred to Piedmont Behavioral Healthcare, for assessment. Presently the TANF funds, Substance Abuse Initiative Fund, have been cut to 75-80% of the previous year's level. The initial $50.00 assessment fee had been previously charged to this fund. PBH has indicated that they will continue to work with DSS on this initiative due to' the small number of recipients referred. G. Family Violence Option The Notification of Family Violence Option form is reviewed with each recipient assessed in Work First, with the exception of 'child-only' cases. At the present time, there have been no applicants who have used the waiver to receive a WFFA check. If the social worker has a recipient with a domestic violence issue, they can assist them as needed with domestic violence funds, and refer them to Cabarrus Victims Assistance Network (CVAN), counseling at PBH, or private counseling. Presently, CVAN does not work directly with DSS due their confidentiality issues. Social workers can refer a recipient to CVAN and allow them to make their own call to this organization. 17