If it is an open fact that a family member has substance abuse issues, you can help by offering to refer his person to someone who has experience working with substance using clients. To do this, you need permission from the individual abusing drugs or alcohol. You cannot simply call the police or the detoxification center and report the parents of your clients. To do so would be a gross violations of social work ethics, no matter what your opinion of substance abuse. In fact, substance abuse issues are given special status in matters of confidentiality.
Many agencies have forms solely for the release of substance abuse information.
There are many places to turn to refer someone for treatment. This person is available to provide additional screening and make appropriate substance treatment referrals. If you are making the referral directly to the treatment agency, as much as possible, look for programs that focus on client strengths and encourage the client to participate in his or her treatment goal planning. Who Abuse Substances May Benefit from a Different Approach to Treatment. Although as a child welfare worker you role in substance abuse treatment will be limited, it is important to know about the different types of treatment out there.