Module 3 Job Aid Recognizing Substance Abuse

May 2005

Information-Gathering Techniques The do’s listed here are examples of what to ask caregivers. Remember, the way you ask questions will affect the information caregivers offer.

Establish trust and rapport. “Being a mom is challenging. You have lots of things to juggle.”

“What you tell me is confidential. I do have to report anything that endangers your child or any illegal activity I observe, but it’s because I want you and your child to be safe.”

“I want to understand what is going on in your life so I can offer you the best support possible.”

Be as positive as you can toward the mom. “I can see that you care about your baby.” “I know you want to do what’s best for your baby.”

Use open-ended questions to ask about her experiences. “Tell me about the family you grew up in.” “Tell me what you do to relax and have fun.”

“What do you do when you feel stressed?”

Be non-judgmental. Speak her language. “We all find different ways to handle stress or to relax.” “What makes a good party?”

Module 3 Job Aid Recognizing Substance Abuse

May 2005

Identifying Substance Abuse – Some Questions to Ask:

If you ask……. You want to know…..

Tell me what it was like for you when you were growing up?

? If the baby’s parent had consistent nurturing and good role models.

? Whether anyone in the mom or dad’s family have problems with alcohol, drugs, or mental illness. A family’s history of substance abuse makes it much more likely that the next generation of family members will repeat the behavior they saw growing up.

Have you ever had a run-in with the law such as speeding tickets, parking tickets, or DUIs? Tell me about your experience with that.

? The parents’ experience with the law. How long ago this experience was and how many experiences there have been. Legal problems are a cue of a substance problem.

When you want to relax and forget everything, what do you do? Do you have a drink, smoke weed, or use anything like coke, crack, or meth?

? What the parent(s) do to relax and if drug or alcohol usage is a part of their rituals.

? How much and how often they drink or use drugs.

? What happens when they use – do they experience changes in their behavior when they drink or use drugs.

? Any problems caused by their usage. These problems could be with relationships, with responsibilities, with money, or with the law.

Has anyone ever criticized how you care for your child/children? Tell me about that experience.

? Any experiences the parent may have had with CPS.

? Any complaints others have made about their ability to care for children – their own or someone else’s.

? Their experience in caring for children.