ElevatED EI: Navigating Substance Use in Homes

Navigating Substance Use in the Home Setting

A Workshop for Early Intervention and Home Visiting Professionals

This workshop supports the following Pyramid Model Framework (PMF) Key:

October 8th, 2024

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST

Registration closes on October 4th @ 5 p.m. EST

Description

Early intervention (EI) and home visiting professionals may encounter suspected or confirmed substance use and substance use disorders when providing services in the home setting. Therefore, it is essential that EI and home visiting professionals understand the evidence-base related to substance use, substance use disorders, and partnering with families when there is substance use in the home. For this workshop, the Virginia Early Intervention Professional Development (VEIPD) Center and Early Impact Virginia (EIV) are partnering with the Opioid Response Network (ORN) to provide the most up-to-date information on this topic.

Part I of Workshop: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

The Brain, Substance Use Disorders and Parenting: A Guide for Community Professionals

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved when the brain becomes an addicted brain and how these brain changes influence the often-confusing outward behaviors common when a substance use disorder is present. Participants will have the opportunity to gain an appreciation for the factors that contribute to vulnerability for addiction as well as challenges faced by families who are impacted by substance use disorder concurrent with pregnancy and early parenting.

Part II of Workshop: 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About: Demystifying Conversations with Families about Substance Use while Reducing Stigma and Bias

Participants will delve into the crucial topic of exploring substance use within families while navigating the complex landscape of stigma and bias. "Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About" is designed to equip professionals, caregivers, and community members with the tools and understanding necessary to foster open, non-judgmental conversations about substance use while offering an opportunity to examine the role stigma and bias play within the broader context of our work.

Facilitator

Sharon Hesseltine

President & CEO, Intentional Beginnings Consulting & Training, National Trainer, Opioid Response Network (ORN)

Sharon Hesseltine is the President and CEO of Intentional Beginnings Consulting & Training, a small non-profit with the mission of strengthening organizations and individuals serving those who experience substance use disorders, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. Sharon is passionate about reducing stigma associated with addiction and developing the capacity of communities, organizations, and individuals to better meet the needs of individuals with substance use disorders. With her husband, Scott Hesseltine, she currently resides in Louisville, KY.

The development of this resource was sponsored by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (Early Intervention Office) through a contract with the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University.