Now you can easily download the Referral Packet and Information Packet as well as complete an Evaluation Form through our recoveryhigh.org web-site.
ABOUT RECOVERY HIGH (more info in July 2001 newsletter)
The Recovery High Program, started in 1999, is a collaborative program with Charlevoix Probate Court and Boyne City Alternative Education. It provides extensive substance abuse services to young people and their families. This multi-phase program is cost effective with long term options that are grant funded to reduce expenses to Charlevoix County teens and their families. It involves all of the essential components of an adolescent inpatient or residential program including substance abuse services, drug free school setting, social / recreational activities and a supportive, drug free environment.
The need for this service was identified in the early 1990s as local adolescents were sent to programs 150 to 200 miles from home for substance abuse treatment that would frequently limit the family's ability to participate. The out-of-area treatment was expensive, too short, and rarely proved to be an effective intervention for a substance-abusing teenager. BASES was involved in meetings with a number of organizations for several years in hopes of addressing these concerns.
In 1996, the Charlevoix County Task Force for Juvenile Delinquency Prevention was formed and received federal funding to begin the evening Discovery / Recovery Groups two nights per week and the Parent Education & Support Group one night per week. The full Recovery High program was opened in April of 1999 through the cooperative efforts of Boyne City Public Schools, Charlevoix Probate Court and BASES.
BASES INVOLVEMENT
DISCOVERY / RECOVERY GROUPS
The Discovery / Recovery Groups are a service provided for ages 14 to 19 at no charge. The groups are held Sunday, Monday and Wednesday at the Teen Center in Charlevoix. An assessment is encouraged prior to attendance to help determine the most appropriate level of participation in these groups.
RECOVERY SKILLS GROUPS
Another early intervention service provided by BASES involves the Recovery Skills Groups that meet after school. These groups are typically reserved for the young person who shows symptoms of chemical dependency. During these groups, the young people take a very detailed and personal look at their relationships with alcohol and drugs and how their use of chemicals has negatively impacted their lives. The groups also spend a great deal of time working through emotional and cognitive issues related to adolescent chemical dependency by offering a safe and confidential environment for the young person to develop skills necessary to remain drug free. Relapse prevention and education about successful recovery from chemical dependency are also key components of these groups.
LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM
This educational program focuses on skill building for the purpose of reducing a young person's risk factors for substance abuse problems. The program meets twice each week. This is an ideal opportunity for early intervention and education with the teenager who shows some warning signs of problematic behavior.
DRUG TESTING
Drug testing is another service offered as part of the Recovery High program. Drug testing helps to verify that the young person is actually remaining drug free. There is a $15 charge for each drug test that is billed to the family on a monthly basis. If a young person is unable to remain drug free with minimal services and outside intervention, positive drug tests provide the teen and parents with concrete evidence that they need additional help. Our drug testing is available for community members doing tests voluntarily or court ordered. We also have instant tests available and at-home tests available for $15.
CRISIS INTERVENTION
Crisis intervention services are available on a 24-hour basis by leaving a voice message on the BASES answering machine. This 24-hour accessibility is normally utilized by parents in the midst of a family crisis or by teens in need of a supportive voice. Please call 9-1-1 for all emergencies!
PARENT EDUCATION & SUPPORT
These groups meet each Sunday at the Teen Center. The group provides education, awareness and support for parents trying to cope with their teenager's use of chemicals. The parents often develop a healthy support network with other parents and many are able to re-create these networks of support in their own communities.
CHARLEVOIX PROBATE COURT
Probate Court in Charlevoix County coordinates all Recovery High referrals that need foster care. They license and supervise several specially trained foster homes that are able to understand the needs of chemically dependent adolescents. The court liaison participates in weekly treatment team meetings involving the foster parent, BASES staff, school staff and referral sources to track the progress of each individual. Probate Court also provides transportation for teens in phase one of the Recovery High program.
BOYNE CITY SCHOOLS
Another aspect of Recovery High involves Boyne City Schools which works cooperatively with Charlevoix Probate to staff the Great Lakes Academic Center (GLAC) alternative school located in Boyne Falls. GLAC provides assurance that the teens are in a safe and drug free environment. The students receive individualized instruction and are able to accomplish their educational tasks outside the traditional classroom setting while earning high school credits from Boyne City Public Schools.