Maine: Cooperation between the Division of Special Education and Division of Alcohol and Drug Education Services.

Overview & Synopsis

In 1984, Maine established the Task Force on Special Education and Chemical Dependency, which developed a report recommending, in part: collaboration between special education and local alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs; training for general and special education staff; and development of a vehicle for identification, assessment, referral, and follow-up of students with chemical dependency-related problems. A 3-year plan was developed to implement the recommendations, resulting in the creation of the Task Force on Affected Children, which issued a report making recommendations in seven areas: public education and awareness, communication between schools and treatment agencies, parental involvement, identification and assessment, models/approaches, confidentiality, and funding. A Special Education Advisory Team on Chemical Dependency was also formed to support and facilitate education and awareness of chemical dependency in the schools and training in the roles and responsibilities of special educators. The Team also assists in the implementation of the Special Education/Chemical Dependency Phase I model, which is a conceptualized process model for working with and managing at-risk students. The Team accepts referrals concerning at-risk students, identifies their self-destructive behaviors, and recommends and documents appropriate intervention strategies. (JDD)