| NET Training Institute, Inc. (NTI) is proud of its service to the
Access To Recovery Program (ATR). Nationally Jean LaCour, PhD, CAPP
spoke on addressing ‘Outreach to Faith Based Organizations” as
part of a panel of experts in SAMHSA/CSAT’s pre application
process. Meetings were held in Washington, DC, Atlanta, GA, Phoenix,
AZ and Seattle, WA. She also participated by providing technical
assistance regarding faith based issues to several states during
the application period. She spoke on “Eligibility of Faith
Based and Non traditional Providers” on the Recovery Support
panel at the first grantees meeting in Alexandria, VA in October,
2004.
In Florida NET Institute is proud to take part in training Faith
Based providers using our cost efficient Wingspread Self Study
Courses for Cluster Study Groups in districts implementing the
Access To Recovery Program (ATR).
All of the ATR States/Grantees have accepted the challenge to
accomplish the following mandates to:
- close the treatment gap
- extend the continuum of care
- guarantee free and independent choice
- institute a voucher program based on independent assessment
and referral
- include existing clinical treatment programs and community
resources
- develop an expanded continuum of recovery support services
and
- incorporate faith based organizations in new ways!!
Research now abounds regarding the value of recovery support and
its placement at the end of the continuum of care: Prevention,
Treatment and Recovery Support Services. Financial constraints
and long term recovery both point to the development of ‘wrap
around” or recovery support services that must be connected
in a community through positive partnerships across a network of
organizations.
In 1996, NTI initiated its crosswalk experience between faith
based and community based substance abuse organizations when it
became the first faith based single source training provider for
the Florida Certification Board. Since that time our faith based
curricula have been recognized by several other IC&RC boards
stateside and internationally and nationally by NADAAC. From our
extensive experience we know the powerful potential of faith based
organizations. This potential can be mentored and developed for
inclusion in the continuum of care.
NTI believes that for faith based organizations to have a sustained
positive effect within the continuum, ongoing affordable technical
assistance and mentoring are necessary keys to success. Faith based
providers are relational, metaphorical, sacrificial and creative
in their service. Many have provided extraordinary care to alleviate
suffering without “formal” organizational or counseling
skills training or consistent financial resources. No two are alike
in policy, procedure or program protocols but their achievements
are noteworthy. With time and resources FBOs can produce their
own “best practices” and/or choose to implement others
already identified.
Many want to be part of a larger picture. Respectful mentoring
into a collaborative process is necessary. The definitive recognition
of many types of “mercy ministries” as “recovery
support services” is an important start. PRACTICAL standards/
criteria for predictable funding of recovery services represent
a long term investment in a community.
The NET Institute has developed its Study Group Clusters to meet
the relational and interactive style that is the key to successful
partnerships. Personal relationships must be fostered among local
faith based and clinically based organizations so that mentoring
and true crosswalk interaction can lead to effective systems change.
Effective collaborations are meaningful relationships. With time
and effort they will produce exponentially!
Contact NET Institute for more information on how to develop the
Recovery Support Networks so vital to the success of Access To
Recovery. admin@netinstitute.org |