Abstract
This exploratory project focused on individuals with developmental disabilities and their use and abuse of substance. The lack of empirical research published for this specified population is the reason why this project was established. This population was overlooked based on society’s ignorant views that individuals with developmental disabilities are not using or abusing substance. There were two purposes for this research project. The first purpose of the researcher project was to bring awareness and knowledge to the Social Work community about the lack of research in hopes for further studies on persons with developmental disabilities and their use and abuse of substance. The second purpose of this research project was to create a best practice model for treatment facilities/programs that incorporate the special needs of co-occurring disorders. There is lack of empirical data for facilities/programs that serve persons with developmental disabilities and substance abuse. The main goal of this project is to describe current available treatment facilities, as well as focus on developing a best practice for treatment facilities working with this population. The research design used for this project was the Exploratory Research Design. Data was collected through forensic literature from databases for secondary, empirical data through articles, books, journals and websites. The project also focused on a best practice model for treatment facilities of individuals with co-occurring disorders that include developmental disorder, serious mental illness and substance abuse. No human subjects were used in this research project. Analysis of the treatment facility was created by reviewing the established requirements constructed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. This researcher established a best practice treatment facility that incorporates and met all 12 Principles of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration guidelines. This treatment facility was used as standard for the best practice model outlined in this project. This researcher also used an already established treatment facility, Autus in Northern California as example of a treatment facility already established. There is a need for awareness of the lack of information, research on persons with developmental disabilities and treatment facilities. Finalization of this project helped bridge the gap between of lack of awareness and information. The forensic literature review in this project illuminates what the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration deems is a best treatment facility by proposing the structure of such a treatment facility.