Co-Occurring Disorders Workshop
Course Description
The co-occurrence of substance use disorders and mental health disorders adversely impact many families and subsequently the children of these families involved in the Child Welfare System. This course provides a fundamental overview of helping your clients who have co-existing substance use and mental health disorders overcome a number of significant hurdles on their way to recovery and improved parenting. Throughout this course, we will explore the issues of co-occurring disorders and offer ways to help your clients face these challenges and build upon their strengths and abilities in order to create a safe and stable environment for all family members. In the course, you will collaborate with other participants by sharing your experiences and learning from your peers’ experiences.
This course is not available at all times. It is open for two-week long periods throughout the year.
Objectives
At the end of this training, caseworkers will be able to:
- Recognize the most common characteristics/dynamics of co-occurring disorders
- Identify and work with the strengths of individuals and families affected by co-occurring disorders
- Effectively support the efforts of family members affected by co-occurring disorders to maintain themselves in the recovery process
- Work in partnership with families affected by co-occurring disorders in making informed decisions to meet their needs
- Work effectively with collateral contacts involved with families affected by co-occurring disorders
- Promote access to treatment and appropriate community services for families affected by dual disorders
- Influence community resources to positively respond to the needs of families affected by co-occurring disorders
Target Audience
This program is for NYS Office of Children and Family Services, voluntary agency staff and local department of social services staff, who work with children and their families, foster care and child protective caseworkers, supervisors, discharge planners.
Prerequisites
- none
Course Length
Two weeks