Module 9: Considerations for Children and Families Affected by Opioid Use

The goal of module 9 is to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding about special considerations for children and families affected by opioid use. Child welfare workers will acquire knowledge and skills to help differentiate between different types of opioids and opioid analogs with information on classifications, potency, and effects; identify physical indicators of opioid use including long-term physical and psychological effects; discuss risk factors and signs of opioid overdose with knowledge of current data trends; integrate harm reduction and opioid overdose prevention strategies to mitigate level of risk to children and families; recognize benefits of medication for opioid use disorder with knowledge of historical stigma, supporting evidence base for approved medications, and information on short-and long-term treatment options; and finally, understand special considerations for treatment of opioid use disorders before, during, and after pregnancy.

After completing this training, child welfare workers will:

• Differentiate between different types of opioids and opioid analogs with knowledge of classifications, potency, and effects
• Identify physical indicators of opioid use including long-term physical and psychological effects
• Discuss risk factors and signs of opioid overdose with knowledge of current data trends
• Integrate harm reduction and opioid overdose prevention strategies to mitigate level of risk to children and families
• Recognize benefits of medication for opioid use disorder with knowledge of historical stigma, supporting evidence base for approved medications, and information on short-and long-term treatment options
• Understand special considerations for treatment of opioid use disorders before, during, and after pregnancy