The Affordable Care Act and Addiction Treatment: Preparing the Undergraduate Human Services Professional

The steady growth of the substance abuse and addiction field in addition to the passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACT) increases the need for competent and credentialed substance abuse professionals. As generalists in the helping field, human services professionals would benefit from education and sufficient credentialing in substance abuse and addiction treatment. The authors of this article suggest that substance abuse and addiction education be considered for inclusion at the accreditation level for human services programs. Furthermore, a discussion of the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) international credential and its benefits and implications for human services professionals will be presented

Professional Standards: Embracing Preventive Ethics in Human Services

Recent updates to the National Organization for Human Services Code of Ethics create an opportunity for further recognition within the field. The next logical step to recognition is the adoption of the concept of preventive ethics, in which ethical codes set the tone for the development of grievance procedures and agency level policies. Fostering an environment of preventive ethics within the human services profession will further establish awareness and recognition within the field. This discussion provides support for the development of a grievance process through the conceptual lens of preventive ethics and suggests a framework for the development of a grievance process to be considered by the members of the National Organization of Human Services

A Qualitative Examination of the Preparedness of African American Pastors to Address Issues of Addiction

This study qualitatively explored the preparedness of African American pastors to meet the needs of parishioners with addictions. Findings indicated that African American pastors do not always perceive themselves to be prepared to address issues of addiction, and existing cultural barriers challenge collaboration between human services practitioners and African American pastors. Findings also revealed that despite existing cultural barriers, African American pastors are willing to collaborate with professionals who offer educational opportunities in culturally relevant ways. Human services professionals’ ability to understand cultural nuances of African American pastors is of paramount concern to effectively enhance the quality of life for clients utilizing faith-based interventions to meet the needs of individuals with addiction. Recommendations for strategies for human service professionals to build collaborations with pastors of African American churches are provided