Beit t'shuvah's stepping stone extended-care SUD program - our proposed project, the stepping stone extended-care program, is focused on low-income adults, ages 18 and over, who have completed primary…

Beit t'shuvah's stepping stone extended-care SUD program - our proposed project, the stepping stone extended-care program, is focused on low-income adults, ages 18 and over, who have completed primary residential SUD treatment at beit t'shuvah, and are ready for the next phase of recovery. This next level in our continuum of care centers on the critical recovery support services- vocational training, educational guidance, systems navigation assistance, legal aid, and housing support-that will help clients to successfully reintegrate into society. The dynamics within this program work synergistically to ensure our clients are equipped with the tools and skills that will increase their chances for success upon discharge, helping them establish their commitment to rehabilitation and recovery, and minimizing their chances of relapse and RE-incarceration. "effective treatment attends to the multiple needs of the individual, not just their drug abuse. To be effective, treatment must address the individual's drug abuse and any associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems (national institute on drug abuse; principles of drug addiction treatment: a research-based guide (third edition), january 2018)." vocational training and job placement services begin with an initial evaluation to determine the existing skill-set and goals of the client, and may include the following: assistance with enrollment in higher education/vocational school, vocational training, resume building, interview skills development, and job placement. Clients may also apply to participate in our unique work therapy program (WTP). The WTP was created to place residents in vocational opportunities within various departments at beit t'shuvah, including clinical operations, development, retail, kitchen, and administrative departments. The WTP offers clients an opportunity to develop both hard (technical) skills, as well as soft (interpersonal) skills in a safe and controlled environment. Systems navigation services are administered through an initial housing and public benefit assessment, and may include assistance with enrollment in general relief, unemployment, medi-CAL, DMV, and/or banking, and support for securing affordable housing upon discharge. Formerly incarcerated individuals receive strategic assistance through our alternative sentencing department, and all services are provided while clients continue to receive SUD treatment services; clients meet weekly with each member of their treatment team, participate in group therapy sessions, various types of process groups, and 12-step meetings. The stepping stone extended-care program will serve approximately 237 clients over the course of the one-year grant cycle. Data will be collected via statistical analysis of client records, and department performance assessment will be evaluated through monthly quality assurance reports.