Intervention with high-risk alcohol and drug-abusing mothers: I. Administrative strategies of the Seattle model of paraprofessional advocacy

Administrative components of an effective home visitation program for high-risk alcohol and drug-abusing mothers are described. In this program, the home visitors are paraprofessional advocates who have an historical and cultural background in common with clients, excellent problem-solving skills, and a strong belief in the promise of a difficult clientele. Paraprofessionals can be dynamic members of the community provider system when they build long-term relationships with families, firmly link clients with professionals in the community, and establish strong communication networks among service providers around individual clients. Components of the program important to job satisfaction and retention of paraprofessionals include comprehensive and ongoing training, individualized supervision and consistent feedback from evaluation and administrative staff, group support, encouragement of creativity, and community recognition.