Interpretation: While the decision to develop an aftercare plan is based on the wishes of the individual unless aftercare is mandated, the agency is expected to be strongly proactive with respect to aftercare planning.

PA-OTP 17.01

The aftercare plan is developed sufficiently in advance of case closing to ensure an orderly transition.

PA-OTP 17.02

Aftercare plans identify services needed or desired by the individual and specify steps for obtaining these services.

Interpretation: An essential component of aftercare is planning for relapse prevention. The plan also addresses re-entry into maintenance treatment in the event of relapse. Plans for meeting the individual’s physical and mental health needs following medically supervised withdrawal should also be indicated, as appropriate.

PA-OTP 17.03

The agency takes the initiative to explore suitable resources, provides referrals for continuing outpatient care, and makes contact with service providers when appropriate.

PA-OTP 17.04

The agency follows up on the aftercare plan, as appropriate, when possible, and with the permission of the service recipient.

Interpretation: Reasons why follow-up may not be appropriate include, but are not limited to, cases where the person’s participation is involuntary, or where there may be a risk to the service recipient such as in cases of domestic violence.

QUICK JUMP TO


	PURPOSE: Individuals who participate in Opioid Treatment Programs improve social, emotional, and vocational functioning, achieve optimal productivity, and attain the recovery they seek.

RELATED FILES

NA Request.doc
PA-OTP Reference List.pdf
PA-OTP Table of Evidence.pdf


	PROGRAM A system of services offered by an organization. For example, an organization providing a mental health service may offer several mental health programs to different populations, e.g., a mental health program for adolescent teens. The word "program" can be used interchangeably with the word "service" or to describe specific programs.


	AFTERCARE Additional services provided beyond the period of primary care that offer continuity and supportive follow-up.


	PLANNING The process of specifying objectives, evaluating the means for their achievement, and exercising deliberate decision making about appropriate courses of action.


	CASE CLOSING A voluntary or involuntary process which occurs when an organization no longer assumes responsibility for providing services to a particular individual, group, or family. Also known as "termination" or "discharge."


	SERVICE One or more organization-operated programs or activities that have a common general objective and deploy the organization's material and human resources in a planned and systematic manner. An organization that publicly promotes or identifies itself in writing as offering a service, is licensed to deliver a service, assigns personnel and/or space to a service, or allocates financial resources to a service is considered to offer that service.


	PREVENTION Actions taken to minimize and/or eliminate social, psychological, or other conditions. Prevention can occur at the individual, group, community, and societal levels and enhances opportunities to achieve positive fulfillment.


	REFERRALS Resource suggestions provided to consumers to address problems or needs that are beyond the scope of the organization's mission.


	SERVICE RECIPIENT The individuals, groups, organizations, or communities that use, receive, or benefit from programs and services. Service recipients can include consumers, patients, family members, legal guardians, advocates, public/private organizations, employers, and purchasers. All are regarded as significant stakeholders served in a variety of agencies and practice settings.


	CASE A general term used to designate clients (including individuals, families, and groups) served by an organization for purposes of monitoring the provision of services. A foster care case is generally based on the placement of an individual child, although casework for the child may include services to the child's family. A child protective services case is based on an entire family household if a family assessment model is used; otherwise a case is defined as a child.