NCJ Number
167714
Date Published
1991
Length
122 pages
Annotation
The Head Start program recognizes substance abuse as a crisis that directly affects families and children in their communities, and guidelines are presented for Head Start grantees that specify what substance abuse issues must be addressed in the delivery of services and in community-based prevention programs.
Abstract
The guidelines are organized according to four categories: staff, children, families, and community partnerships. Staff guidelines concern training, teamwork, access to community organizations, the development of a Head Start substance abuse strategy, the creation of drug-free workplaces, the identification of employees with substance abuse problems, and employee assistance programs. Guidelines on children cover the prenatal period, fatal damage from substance abuse, the referral of pregnant women for substance abuse treatment, the postnatal environment, the identification of at-risk children, characteristics of children who have been exposed to substance abuse, substance abuse prevention, infant care needs, and children with disabilities. Family guidelines pertain to referral and follow-up, strengthening families to avoid substance abuse, and special family populations (migrant farmworkers, Native American families, immigrant families, and homeless families). Community partnership guidelines focus on community needs assessment and community networks. Appendixes provide information on commonly abused substances and a list of resources. 17 references