We know that timely access to treatment is key to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in families where parental substance use is a concern.
The Regional Partnership Program (RPP) is a collaboration between the Department for Children and Families (DCF), The Vermont Department of Health, Division of Substance Use Programs and Lund that provides on-the-spot substance use screens and referrals.
This is a voluntary program designed to improve the well-being of and permanency outcomes for children affected by caretaker substance use by increasing access to treatment and engagement in services.
FY23 outcomes:
- 919 parents were referred to the Regional Partnership Program
- 96% of parents offered Regional Partnership Program services engaged
- 68% of parents who were recommended for assessment, completed the assessment
- 70% of parents who were determined at risk, successfully completed the Regional Partnership Program and were engaged in treatment at case closure
Regional Partnership Program staff are collocated in each DCF District office and work in partnership with DCF staff on the front end of the child protection case screening for problematic substance use, linking parents to indicated treatment services and addressing barriers to successful engagement, both at the individual level and across the system of care.
Regional Partnership Program staff also serve as consultants within their DCF district office on working with families impacted by substance use disorder and the treatment system.
Lund RPP has been instrumental in partnering me with a therapist who, after 20 years of seeking treatment, has been able to correctly diagnose my PTSD contributing to my almost life-long struggle with alcohol use. This has been a life-changing opportunity that I am eternally grateful for. While in therapy for only a few short months, I have been given the tools and am being shown the skills to make mind and life-altering improvements. I am looking forward to a very bright future with my sons and living my best life; for me and for them.”
– RPP Client
