Administrative Files, 1970-1988
The Administrative Files series (8 linear feet) consists of materials, 1970-1988, that directly relate to the coordination of substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. Included are annual reports, correspondence, plans, contracts, budgets, directories of agencies, proposals, and reports.
The researcher can get a basic introduction to the complex state substance abuse network by starting with the "History - Substance Abuse Coordination" folder in box one. An overview of how SACA operates can be discerned by reviewing the Comprehensive Plans and Annual Action Plans. The Comprehensive Plans, which end in 1978, document the early operations of the coordinating agency and contain budget summaries, definitions and provider agency information broken down by the type of service provided: prevention, casefinding or treatment. The Annual Action Plans follow chronologically after the Comprehensive Plans and, with the exception of fiscal year 1985/86, there is a complete run of these documents through 1987. Information in the annual plans is organized by agency names and gives an excellent overview of budgets, funding priorities and funded agencies.
The most important function of the coordinating agency is its role in the funding process. The "funding" folders contain reports, proposals, correspondence, minutes, personal notes and statistics. These materials illustrate funding patterns and guidelines, as well as the actual process of making funding decisions.
The researcher can investigate attempts to develop effective management techniques used in coordinating activities by examining the Integrated Substance Abuse Management Information System (ISAMIS), Management Information System (MIS), and Data Compact materials. ISAMIS was the first attempt by OSAS to develop a standardized statewide information system. Due to deficiencies perceived in the ISAMIS system, a Coordinating Agency Consortium was formed in 1977 to develop a more efficient system. This group eventually evolved into the Southeastern Michigan Data Compact, which became the basis for a statewide substance abuse database. The folders labeled "Documentation Flow Charts and Forms" in the MIS materials provide the researcher with insight into the nature of client documentation at various agencies. This information was used in a MIS revision and includes the types of data collected, how the paperwork flows through the pertinent organizations and time estimates for the various processes.
The credentialing of substance abuse professionals in Michigan can be studied by referring to the "credentialing" folders. Materials relate to the development of the Apprentice Counselor Credential of the OSAS which began in December 1982 and the merging of this system with the existent Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Specialists system in 1984. The goals of credentialing are to assure minimum levels of knowledge among direct service staff and to recognize high levels of competency among counselors so that they can compete professionally with "degreed" individuals.
The PA 339 materials illustrate the response of the substance abuse network to a piece of high impact legislation, in this case the Substance Abuse Assistance Act (Decriminalization of Public Intoxication). The researcher can trace the history of the committees which were formed and the procedures developed to effect a smooth transition to the new system.
The complex issues involved in determining the degree of success treatment has achieved can be investigated in the Treatment Outcome Project folders, which contain reports, memos, correspondence, surveys, minutes, and a dissertation on factors in successful treatment. The focus of the project shifted away from determining client satisfaction to outcome assessment. Demand for data on the effectiveness of programs has arisen from consumer groups, legislators, insurance companies, and other funding sources. Resulting information has been used to monitor client outcome, assess program effectiveness, and as an aid in program planning.