Recovery To Work - Horizons Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

The Clermont County Recovery to Work/Horizon program resulted from a collaborative effort between the local behavioral health authority, alcohol/drug treatment and vocational services providers, courts and probation departments, and County administration to address the heroin epidemic with a new, intensive, coordinated approach. The program targets individuals with a substance use disorder who are primarily involved with Municipal Court and returning to the community after serving time in jail. Initially, the program is a "virtual residential" service operating six hours a day, five days a week, for six weeks, providing intensive treatment including medication assisted treatment, vocational services, and critical thinking groups. Additional services and supports are provided as long as needed after the initial service. The program’s goal is to not only help individuals stop drug use and not recidivate, but also to change their behavior and find a job providing stability and a real future. Funding comes through the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (ORSC); match provided by the behavioral health authority draws down over three times the match in federal funds. The program began in October 2011, after eight months of planning. Outcomes are better than with traditional treatment services, and the excellence of the program has been recognized.