This consumer experience story highlights the exceptional work of our co-workers in the Raystown Developmental Services Family Services division. This segment of our work force supports children and their families who are currently involved with the Children and Youth system. Example of the services provided include parental education, family reunification, truancy reduction, and transitional living services.
Recently, our Family Services unit received a referral from Children and Youth to provide family reunification services, after a mother gave birth to a child addicted to illegal narcotics. The family was supported through supervised visitation services, parenting education classes, and assistance in linking with other community resources, with the ultimate goal of getting the child returned to their natural home. The staff members supporting this family had a difficult road ahead as one of the parents had a history of domestic violence and illegal drug usage. Thankfully, with the assistance of our staff, the family became more cohesive and supportive of one another and eventually became more receptive to drug treatment services.
Once our staff established rapport with the family, they were able to assist the family in accessing community resources for drug treatment and intensive counseling. The parent was able to obtain a legal prescription for Suboxone to assist in treating the opioid addiction. Soon after being linked with these services the parent began having negative drug tests and ultimately the child was ultimately able to be reunited with their natural family. Through the intensive supports and the proficient ability of the RDS family services staff, the family was able to remain successfully reunited and have their case closed with children and youth services.
