Curriculum for Addiction Professionals > Competency 5: Continuing Care of Families Affected by FASD > 6a. Community Referrals

Please Select One 1. Competency Description 2. Pretest 3. Learning Objectives 4. Clinical and Environmental Stabilization for Clients with an FASD or Possible FASD 4a. Multidisciplinary Approach to Continuing Care 5. Continuing Care for Clients with an FASD or Possible FASD 5a. One-on-One Counseling and Structured Group Involvement 5b. Treatment Plan Development 6. Relapse Prevention 6a. Community Referrals 6b. Employment 7. Continuing Care Services for Clients with Children with an FASD or Possible FASD 7a. Multidisciplinary Approach to Continuing Care 7b. Counseling and Structured Group Involvement 7c. Potential Risks for Child Abuse in Families 7d. Treatment Plan Development 7e. Value of a Mentor and Support Group Network 7f. Ongoing Case Management 8. Continuing Care Issues for Families with an Individual with an FASD 8a. Role of Family in Preventing Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancies 8b. Access to Services 8c. Access to Services-What Families Need 9. Issues Related to Professional Values and Ethics 10. Matching Activity 11. Posttest 12. References

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Competence 5: Continuing Care of Families Affected by FASD

Relapse Prevention, Continued

Community Referrals

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Social and community resources that are readily available for long periods are more likely to have a lasting influence on the course of alcoholism.⁴

Referrals may include living arrangements, work, and social and recreational resources.

Housing

Housing is a major issue for persons with an FASD. Group homes tailored to this population do not currently exist, and many persons with an FASD have difficulty fitting in with persons with other disorders. For the person with an FASD and substance abuse problems, finding appropriate housing becomes even more difficult. Some can return home, but others need help finding a safe, supportive environment.

In some cases, if supervision can be provided, a “sober living house” may be an option. Sober living houses are alcohol and drug free residences for individuals attempting to establish or maintain recovery. Sober living houses have been used as aftercare placements for clients completing residential treatment, places for clients to live while attending outpatient treatment, or as standalone approaches for substance misuse problems.⁵

Homelessness is a major risk among clients with an FASD. Many alienate their families or friends due to their unpredictable behavior and substance abuse problems and cannot seek help from them. Thus, it is important to integrate housing into treatment. Approaches vary and may include:

• Providing housing at the point of entry into the service system combined with case management and supportive services⁶
• Providing the support needed for the individual to maintain their housing.⁷
• Using a continuing care strategy that combines housing and continuing care services^8,9

Addressing housing needs requires an ongoing relationship with housing authorities, landlords, and other housing providers.

Groups and seminars that discuss housing issues also may be necessary to help clients with an FASD transition from residential treatment to housing. Another effective strategy for easing the transition has been organizing and coordinating housing tours with supportive housing programs. Finally, relapse prevention efforts are essential, as substance abuse generally disqualifies clients from public housing in the community.

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