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About the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare

NCSACW has operated since 2002. Joint funding comes from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Children’s Bureau (CB) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT).

NCSACW provides training and technical assistance (TTA) to state, tribal, and local jurisdictions to improve child and family outcomes and increase social and emotional well-being. The focus is to increase the capacity of agencies and professionals to develop or enhance policies, practices, and procedures that increase efficiencies and improve family outcomes. NCSACW staff research, compile, and share examples of successful programs to expand best practices in communities across the country. Tailored consultation and support occur via virtual sessions, in-person site visits, and individualized coaching to provide relevant information, resources, publications, guidance, and effective strategies.

Mission

To improve local, state, and tribal agencies’ services and the safety, permanency, recovery, and well-being outcomes for children and families affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders and child abuse and neglect who are involved with or at risk for involvement with the child welfare and family judicial systems.

Goals

  • To collect, develop, and disseminate information that increases the capacity of child welfare, SUD treatment, and court professionals to meet the needs of families involved with the child welfare system because of parental substance use or mental health disorders.
  • Improve the health, social and emotional well-being of children and youth who have experienced maltreatment, exposure to violence, or trauma associated with parental substance misuse and mental health challenges.
  • Enhance the use of data-driven decision-making to improve outcomes for children and families and inform the implementation of effective and innovative programs and practices.

National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare Sponsors