Implementing SBIRT and Person-Centered Care for Louisiana's Families in Needs of Services

The Louisiana Families in Needs of Services Assistance Program (FINSAP) is a statewide program that aims to prevent juvenile justice system involvement. FINSAP is a voluntary program where youth and families are introduced to community psychosocial resources based on their needs. The Institute for Public Health and Justice (IPHJ) partnered with FINSAP to designate a universal substance use screening tool for both youth and caregivers involved with FINSAP. FINSAP staff members participated in focus groups to gather insight on current substance use screening practices; The findings showed that throughout the 43 districts, there was no universal substance use screening method. The screening practices completely varied in both tools used as well as methods. IPHJ members created a training curriculum to teach FINSAP staff how to implement the SBIRT model (Screen, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment) in their screening processes. The core of SBIRT is focused on using person-centered approaches to addressing the specific needs of the persons screened. The short-term results of this project are to use and implement the SBIRT tool, and the long-term results are improved identification of substance use and referral to resources when needed. With the potential lifelong mental, physical and psychosocial outcomes associated with substance use, SBIRT is predicted to be a tool to improve the quality of life of the FINSAP families. The future steps of this project include evaluating the usage and effectiveness of SBIRT and a scoping review of the substance use rates and resources provided.