Saturday, 15 January 2005 - 12:00 PM

This presentation is part of: Poster Session II

State Approaches to Assessing and Assisting Substance Abusing TANF Recipients: Developing the Best Practice Model

Purpose: Since the passage of TANF, efforts to address challenges of assessing and assisting substance abusers have been made and evaluated in statewide. However, information of how state policies successfully reflect lessons from previous efforts on service implementation has not been well addressed. The purposes of this study were 1) to investigate the state procedures for assessing and assisting substance abusing TANF recipients, and 2) to develop the best practice model.

Methods: This study reported findings from a legal search on state procedures and e-mail survey of TANF staffs in four largest TANF caseloads states, which were identified as having "specific procedures to identify substance use and provide intensive services" (2002 TANF congress report). State procedures were investigated in five domains including ;1) assessment to referral, 2) referral to monitor, 3) decision-making process, 4) policies on sanctions and exemptions, and 5) additional services available to substance abusers.

Results: Four states were selected in this analysis including California, New York, Texas, and Illinois (It was 43 % of the U.S. total TANF families and 42 % of the U.S. total TANF recipients). Four diagrams were developed in describing full procedures of assessing and assisting substance abusers in each state. The findings revealed that the three states had a systematic collaboration with substance abuse treatment agencies for the further assessment and service planning. Two states-California and Illinois indicated the specific procedures to invite clients into the decision making process.

Implication for policy: Based on the current research findings, recommendations for development of a model procedure should; 1) address the importance of accurate assessment including sensitivity towards gender, different substance, culture, and languages; 2) enhance clients' empowerment; 3) encourage clients' treatment engagement and completion; and 4) acknowledge the multiple service needs.

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