Working with Drug-Affected Families: Training for Child Welfare Workers

Stages of Change: Pre-Contemplation

In the pre-contemplation stage, the worker's main tasks are to engage the person, increase his or her belief that change is possible, address safety concerns, provide needed services in areas besides alcohol and drugs, affirm the individual's strengths and capacity, and to raise awareness of the problem.

Stages of Change: Contemplation

In this stage, a client is aware of the problem, but in a state of ambivalence. It’s up to the worker to help tip the balance in favor of change.

Stages of Change: Preparation

Now, the client is ready for change and the worker’s role is to provide an acceptable, appropriate, and effective change strategy.

Stages of Change: Action

Once a client is in the action stage, he or she is ready to engage in new behavior to eliminate the drug or alcohol problem in incremental steps.

Stages of Change: Maintenance

In the crucial maintenance phase, workers support sustainable self-efficacy.