Not using alcohol or drugs.

Use of alcohol or drugs that is characterized by a loss of control over consuming the substance. A chronic disease in which the chemistry of the substance has altered the natural brain chemistry to produce an overwhelming craving for the substance.

Potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood, or aspects of a child’s environment may undermine their sense of safety, stability, or bonding. ACEs can increase the risk of chronic health issues, mental illness, and substance misuse during adulthood.

A disease characterized by a loss of control over drinking which results in serious problems in any of the following areas: job, financial affairs, relationships with family or friends, and physical health.

A therapeutic approach that allows deep emotions to be explored and examined through creative expression interpreted by a skilled therapist.

The ongoing process of identifying, considering, and weighing factors that impact children and their families to inform decision making. The process of assessment occurs from the first contact between a family and the child welfare system until their case is closed.

A child’s connection to a parent or caregiver that establishes an interpersonal connection, aids in the development of a sense of self, and endures over time.

Care that is managed across a network of service providers; the caseworker leads the effort to ensure coordination between providers.

The ongoing provision, coordination, and monitoring of services targeted to meet a family’s needs. Case management requires frequent, planned contact with the family for assessment.

A dynamic document created by the caseworker and parent that describes the tasks, goals, and outcomes related to a child’s care while in placement, including safe care for the child, providing services for the family, and outlining any necessary steps for reunification or permanency. The case plan outlines who will do what when. Progress on the case plan is monitored by the caseworker and may affect court proceedings.

The child welfare worker acting as a case manager or care coordinator for a family while also providing direct services themselves, maintaining records and documentation, and conducting periodic reviews with the service provider team and the courts.

The process to establish political control and accomplish seizure of territory, extraction of natural resources, and domination of Indigenous populations by force and expanding settlements of people from the colonizing country.

Regular use of alcohol or drugs to the degree that the body builds up tolerance to the substance and experiences withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped.

A therapeutic approach in which children with trauma or other challenges with attachment connect with horses or other animals and engage in healing with the help of a therapist to guide them.

The results of a traumatic experience of a cultural group occurring repeatedly over several generations. This experience may be so traumatic and pervasive that it cannot be resolved during the lifetime of those who experienced it, and its effects are passed on to and experienced by future generations.

The specific treatment strategies, techniques, or therapies that are used to treat substance use disorders. An intervention can also mean a planned interaction with a person abusing alcohol or drugs to support stopping use and beginning or resuming treatment.

In child welfare practice, a process of gathering information to determine if a child was maltreated, or is at risk of being maltreated, and whether an intervention is needed.

Prescription medication that can be used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders.

A meditative practice encouraging the awareness and acceptance of feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations as they arise, as well as recognition of their impermanence. Mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly popular treatment options for substance use disorders.

Responsible use of alcohol or drugs without harmful effects.

A therapeutic approach that uses a child’s fantasy play world to help the child deal with emotions that are beyond words.

The process of regaining and maintaining control over one’s life; to return to a normal state of health, mind, and strength that was lost due to addiction.

Learning or re-learning the life skills and new socialization patterns necessary to live without a substance.

A return to drug and/or alcohol use by a person in recovery. In substance use disorders, relapse is probable and expected, and does not mean failure.

An essential part of the overall case plan, a relapse plan outlines steps to take if the alcoholic or addict starts using the substance again; planning for relapse should include a safety plan for the children.

A plan designed to ensure the health and well-being of the child by addressing the immediate safety, health, and developmental needs of the child while also addressing the health and substance use disorder treatment needs of the parent.

A plan of safe care for the child that should be created by the parent as part of the relapse plan.

Use of alcohol or drugs that is characterized by negative consequences such as a hangover, embarrassment, or a damaged relationship.

A medical diagnosis for dependence on or abuse of one or more illicit drugs or alcohol.

A culturally based practice that uses structured cultural protocols to create a ceremonial space for shared healing and support.

A condition in which higher doses of a drug are required to experience the desired effect.

The results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that an individual experiences as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening, with lasting adverse effects on their functioning and their mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Inpatient and/or outpatient physical and mental health services to address substance abuse and addiction.

A service coordination strategy that uses a team approach, with the caseworker as the lead care coordinator, in which several agencies respond in a collaborative approach to meeting the diverse needs of the children.