Utilization of Substance Abuse Screening by State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies

This report evaluates variations in substance abuse screening rates by state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies in six states. State agency VR counselors asked customers to complete a screener. The intake rates, the number of screenings offered, the number of screenings completed, the refusal rates and the screen-positive rates varied widely across states. A rapid increase in screenings occurred in three states after project initiation, while two others established and maintained a moderate number of screenings. One state delayed participation and therefore its results are not reported here. Improving employment outcomes by making targeted referrals for substance abuse requires a high level of support by agency leaders.