CASAWORKS for families: A Promising Approach to Welfare Reform and Substance-Abusing Women

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Author(s): The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University

Research Area: Social conditions

Type: Report

Abstract:

In this report, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA) describes the preliminary success of CASAWORKS for Families, the first national demonstration program to simultaneously provide drug and alcohol treatment, literacy and job training, parenting and social skills, family violence prevention and healthcare. Research indicates a strong connection between substance abuse and poverty, violence and mental illness. The public systems charged to serve substance-abusing women face multiple challenges in meeting their increasingly complex needs. CASAWORKS is a collaborative effort between local welfare departments, employers and participating organizations that provides a yearlong program that includes a comprehensive package of 10 concurrent services for substance affected women receiving public assistance. There are currently 683 participants in 10 cities in nine states. Preliminary analysis of data tracking 236 of these participants shows significant increases in abstinence from alcohol, cocaine and marijuana and increases in employment rates. In addition to seeing positive change in individuals, CASA also reports a positive impact on the policies and practices of community organizations and government agencies.