NET Institute

Access To Recovery

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