SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM
Services are delivered using a 3-tier approach and consist of:
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Therapeutic Community (TC)
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The Matrix Model for Criminal Justice Settings
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Self-Support Meetings-Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
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What is the Therapeutic Community (TC)?
The TC is a multi-dimensional approach to substance use treatment that focuses on reducing criminogenic risk factors by way of identifying and addressing faulty thinking, negative attitudes and behaviors. The primary goal of TC is the acquisition of prosocial attitudes, thinking and behaviors. TC is a social learning model that uses a variety of evidenced-based practices. Participants are chosen through an assessment or by sending a request form to SAS.
What are criminogenic risk factors?
The presence of these factors increases the likelihood of recidivism. They include:
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Negative Peers
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Antisocial attitudes/values
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Antisocial Personality traits
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Criminal History
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Substance Abuse History
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Education/Employment History
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Family of Origin History
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Psychological Condition
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Matrix Model for Criminal Justice Settings
The Matrix Model is an evidenced-based intensive substance use program. Based on a community model version backed by over 20 years of research, the Matrix Model has been revised and expanded to cover criminal justice populations. Comprehensive and intensive, the primary components of the Matrix Model consist of individual therapy, early recovery skills, relapse prevention, family education, social support groups, and drug-screening strategies with engagement in a Twelve Step program. The Matrix Model is a manualized format, allowing for utilization of a standardized tool for measuring outcomes. Participants are chosen through an assessment.
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Self-Support Meetings-AA and NA
Tried and true, AA and NA are fellowships of people who recognize the harmful impact on their lives due to the use of alcohol and drugs. Both are based on mutual self-help and follow a twelve-step model, which focuses on a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery. Volunteers from the community conduct several meetings per week. Inmates must send a request form to SAS in order to participate.
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Referrals
Although under the wing of the Programs Department, Region Ten CSB provides 20 hours per week by way of a case manager designated to provide services for substance use. The case manager conducts all substance use evaluations and makes appropriate referrals based on the level of treatment needed for each individual. To request a substance use evaluation, inmates must have their attorney, the court system or another agency contact Region Ten to initiate the evaluation.
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NOTE: Drug court requests must be done through the inmate’s attorney and the commonwealth’s attorney office. ACRJ cannot assist in this process.
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Winners’ Circle
Winners’ Circle, also known as Peer Support, is a network of individuals that have participated in the TC, returned to the community and still desire to have the accountability, connection and support TC offers. As a peer-led group, members can check in, share real-life issues and provide support, guidance, advice, suggestions, and when needed, confrontation to one another. Winners’ Circle meetings are held at The Haven, Mondays @ 5:30 pm. Members from other therapeutic and cognitive communities are welcomed!
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SAS Staff
Renae Vance, MSW, LCSW
Director of Substance Abuse Services – ext. 245
The SAS Department is led by Renae Vance. She is a licensed clinical social worker and has worked at ACRJ for nearly 16 years. She provides clinical and administrative supervision as well as direct services. Her areas of expertise and knowledge are substance use disorders, personality disorders, cognitive behavioral approaches, social learning theory and organizational change and development. Additionally, she is a certified Matrix Model trainer.
Dr. Juanita Morris, Ed. D., RN, PMHNP/CNS BC, CCN/M, CCHP
Dr. Juanita Morris provides clinical and administrative supervision for the director of SAS. Previously, she was the Director of Health Services. She retired and returned to ACRJ as a mental health nurse practitioner. She has over 30 years of experience and expertise in mental health, substance use, nursing and supervising. Additionally, she is certified as an expert witness for cases involving mental health issues.
Jerod Patterson
Bachelor in Criminal Justice
Therapeutic Community Counselor
Jerod Patterson is a therapeutic community counselor and correctional officer. He is pursuing a master’s degree in the human services field at Liberty University. He has several years of reentry and counseling experience. His specialties are program development in the corrections setting and teaching. Additionally, he is a certified Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) instructor, training correction officers, law enforcement and other first responders to handle mental health crises. He facilitates the men’s Therapeutic Community Program (TC).