Florida Department of Children & Families
Substance Abuse Program
Substance Abuse
Our Mission
The Substance Abuse Program Office is dedicated to the development of a comprehensive system of prevention, emergency/detoxification, and treatment services for individuals and families at risk of or affected by substance abuse; to promote their safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency.
Our Vision
The Substance Abuse Program Office works closely with the Office of Drug Control, on the development of initiatives, strategies, and performance measures to reduce the incidence of drug abuse among Florida's citizens through the means of evidence-based prevention services, improved access to effective treatment services, and strengthening the substance abuse service delivery system.
Our Strategies
Develop and implement effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Improve outcomes and the quality of services.
Promote systems approaches that enhance integration.
Provide sufficient capacity for the most vulnerable clients.
Prevention
The Substance Abuse Program’s Prevention Team uses the Substance Abuse Response Center (SARC) to help communities change conditions that underlie illegal, illicit and problem alcohol and other drug use patterns and related consequences in the State of Florida.
Treatment and Detoxification
The Substance Abuse Program Office is placing increasing emphasis on the use of evidence-based practices in order to improve client outcomes. Research indicates that persons who successfully complete substance abuse treatment have better post-treatment outcomes related to future abstinence, reduced use, less involvement in the criminal justice system, reduced involvement in the child-protection system, employment, increased earnings, and better health.
Planning & Performance
The performance management and planning unit supports the development of a comprehensive substance abuse service delivery system that is based on the principles of continuous quality improvement. This team works collaboratively to improve statewide capacity for performance improvement.
Budget
Community-based SAMH services are outsourced, and have been since the program’s inception. The annual budget is allocated to each Region. The regional budget is allocated among Circuits primarily using an equity formula based on treatment need and population.
Licensing
Chapter 397, Florida Statutes, authorizes the Department of Children and Families to license persons who and organizations that provide substance abuse services. Chapter 65D-30, Florida Administrative Code, includes the licensure standards that are used by the Department's licensing agents when conducting on-site inspections.