PCAP Overview

The Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP) is a paraprofessional home visitation model for extremely high-risk substance abusing women. There are three program-inclusion criteria: (1) chronic alcohol and/or drug use during pregnancy, (2) little or no connection with community service providers, and (3) inadequate or no prenatal care.

The program uses a consistent, three-year case-management approach, which is an effective complement to traditional substance abuse treatment. Advocates initially visit client homes weekly and then biweekly or more/less frequently, depending on client needs. Case management focuses not only on reducing alcohol and drug use, but also reducing other risk behaviors and addressing the health and social well-being of the entire family.

 

Program goals

The goals of the program are as follows: 

  • Assist mothers in obtaining treatment, maintaining recovery, and resolving the complex problems associated with their substance abuse

  • Guarantee the children are in a safe environment and receiving appropriate health care

  • Effectively link families with community resources

  • Demonstrate successful strategies for working with this population in order to break the cycle and decrease the number of affected children

 

PCAP Approach

Trained and supervised case managers provide home visitation and intervention for 3 years. Case managers assist clients in:

  • Setting goals and identifying steps to achieve them

  • Obtaining alcohol/drug treatment

  • Staying in recovery

  • Choosing a family planning method

  • Child health care/immunizations

  • Connecting with community services

  • Solving housing, domestic violence, child custody problems

  • Resolving system service barriers

Mothers are not asked to leave the program if they relapse or experience setbacks. Case managers provide extensive practical assistance and the long-term emotional support so important to women who are making fundamental changes in their lives.

 

Additional Information

The program does not provide direct alcohol/drug treatment or clinical services, but instead offers consistent home visitation and connects women and their families with a comprehensive array of existing community resources. Advocates link clients with appropriate service providers and work actively within the context of the extended family.

Clients are not required to obtain alcohol/drug treatment in order to participate and are never asked to leave the program because of relapse or setbacks. Advocates track missing clients, stay in contact with each client's family members, and provide ongoing advocacy services for involved children.

To make a referral or talk to a supervisor, contact: (509) 838-6092 or (509) 954-0170.