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SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

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Chestnut Health Systems developed its Women's Recovery Program-in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and the Department of Human Services-in order to meet the needs of families indicated for child abuse. Women have special needs, and the program is designed to assist women increase their chances for long-term recovery. Women entering treatment with Chestnut can expect to participate in individualized treatment planning with a female therapist. Several women-only counseling groups allow deeper exploration of issues specific to women, such as developing healthy relationships, motherhood and self-care, sexuality and self-image, and coping with domestic violence, eating disorders, addictive relationships, and the stress of parenting. A child and family mental health therapist provides individual and group counseling for women and children in the Recovery Program, and psychiatric consultation is available as needed.

Special features of the program include:

• Flexible scheduling of intake
• Home visits by outreach workers
• Transportation to treatment sites
• Transportation of children to day care
• On-site child care for mothers entering the program, until DCFS finds a daycare provider

The women's recovery program has three phases:

• Phase 1 - Engagement: Women participate in individual and group therapy and educational groups. Topics addressed include: education about substance abuse, addiction, the 12 step process, health and self-care, parenting and coping with stress, emotions, and conflict.
• Phase 2 - Acceptance: Women begin to increase their participation in interactive groups, and to deal with the more difficult aspects of recovery, including: issues of victimization, domestic violence and abuse, engagement in the self-help community, relapse prevention, grief and loss, healthy and unhealthy relationships, and cross addiction.
• Phase 3 - Stabilization: Women continue to refine and practice skills, and to incorporate them into the decisions and activities of daily life. At this point in their recovery, participants are able to achieve stability in their work and home lives, and they may serve as peer leaders for other women who are initiating their engagement in the work of recovery.

When other family members-particularly males-are referred through the Women's Initiative for substance abuse services, they are assessed by program staff. If appropriate, they may participate in services within the agency, or referred for services available in the community.