Case management for children of drug addicted parents

Abstract

The Kinderen van Drugverslaafde Ouders (KDO) is a special bureau for children of drug addicted parents. The main objective of the KDO is to ensure that children of drug addicted parents receive basic care, whilst keeping parents and children together whenever possible. To ensure objectivity the KDO operates independently of other Amsterdam Municipal Health Service (GG&GD) initiatives, such as, the methadone programmes and the special outpatient clinic for addicted prostitutes and foreigners. This paper provides an overview of the GG&GD's operational framework and the basic strategies employed to achieve such objectives. It also provides a historical overview of the bureau's development and outlines the accomplishments attained.