NECASA

coordinates

2 alliances

As a part of the history of Northeast Communities Against Substance Abuse’s (NECASA) efforts in northeastern Connecticut over the past 25 years, the organization has undertaken a new effort in the past several years to establish Drug Endangered Children’s (DEC) alliances. 

NECASA has started collaborative groups in Windham and in Killingly/Brooklyn. 

The collaborative alliances include representatives from: Connecticut State Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection,  Connecticut Department of Children and Families, Statewide Narcotics Task Force, Connecticut Judicial Department-Adult Probation, Connecticut Department of Correction- Parole and Community Services, Windham Schools, Willimantic Police Department, Killingly Schools, Brooklyn Schools, United Services, Perception Programs, Generations Family Health Centers, Community Health Resources, Windham State’s Attorney’s Office

The purpose of these groups is to ensure that children who are at risk because of drug use in their living environment are referred for services and receive support and community services. A key focus is that Children + Drugs = Risk. Anecdotal information from DCF shows that referrals have increased in response to the increased training.

The work of these groups has focused on the training of personnel on the issue of drug endangered children and on reporting requirements. Ultimately it is the goal of the groups to have all personnel trained and to have the alliances able to collaborate and coordinate in the best interest of the children and families. Trainings were completed in 2014, including all Windham, Killingly and Brooklyn Schools, Willimantic Police and Perception Programs, United Services and Community Health Resources.