TROSA: Innovative Residential Treatment for Substance Abusers North Carolina Providers Council 2009 Conference October 6, 2009

Overview TROSA is an innovative residential program for the treatment of substance abusers Our goal is successful and sustained reentry TROSA builds citizens, not just sober individuals Licensed as a therapeutic community under NCAC 27G.4300 TROSA has grown from less than 10 residents in 1994 to the largest therapeutic community in NC, with more than 350 residents and an annual budget of over $10 million TROSA has enhanced the therapeutic community model with the addition of several evidence-based practices, mental health services, professional staffing, and comprehensive transitional services

Program Growth NOTE: In addition to its two-year program, TROSA currently provides aftercare services to well over 100 graduates of the program. Aftercare services include low-cost supportive housing, transportation, biweekly groups, meals and social events.

Who TROSA Serves Source: Joint study conducted by TROSA and Deena Murphy at NDRI (2008)

Who TROSA Serves: Criminal Justice 7 out of 8 participants has a criminal record 3 out of 4 has been incarcerated Nearly 1 in 4 has been arrested more than 10 times 1 out of 3 is on probation Program tracks do not vary for probated and non-probated residents. At TROSA, probated clients are statistically more likely to complete the two-year program

What Works: Criminal Justice Population Confront Anti-social Attitudes Eliminate/reduce Anti-social Associations Encourage Pro-social thinking and behavior Abstinence from alcohol and drugs Develop/increase empathy Eliminate/decrease impulsive behavior Develop/improve life skills Source: U. S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections. Crime & Justice Institute (April 2004). Implementing Evidence-Based Practices in Community Corrections: The Principles of Effective Intervention.

Vocational Training TROSA: A Comprehensive Program Therapeutic Programs Educational Programs Aftercare Programs

Therapeutic Programs Highly Structured Group Sessions Peer Mentoring and Counseling Leadership Development Social and Communication Skills Development

Service Growth and Improvement TROSA has implemented evidence-based practices to provide the best possible program for recovering substance abusers TROSA has continued to improve the services offered to residents: Mental health services Specialized therapeutic groups Advanced educational opportunities On-site medical clinic Increased housing opportunities Addiction and drug education seminars TROSA obtained state licensure and has provided opportunities for enhanced training and professional development of program staff

Housing More than 20 single family homes and duplexes TROSA provides residents with all housing free-of-charge throughout the two-year program, and provides low-cost supportive housing to graduates. Our properties include: Five apartment buildings with 4 or more units Three group residences

Housing Many of TROSA’s properties were purchased in disrepair, and the renovation work was performed by TROSA residents These projects serve as an on-the-job vocational training experience for some program participants, and a rewarding experience in sharing skills and teaching for others

Vocational Training General Work Skills Work Ethic/Responsibility Leadership and Managerial Skills Team Building Specific Vocational Opportunities Moving Automotive Repair Construction (including Brick Masonry, Painting, and more) Food Services Office Administration Commercial Drivers License (truck and bus operation) Lawn Care …and many other areas

Using Earned Income to Support the Program Some vocational programs generate revenue Commercial and Residential Moving & Storage Lawn Care & Maintenance Catering Used Furniture and Custom Framing Christmas Tree Lots More than ½ of budgetary needs provided by earned income Earned income comes in as unrestricted funds (available for general operating support) Significantly decreased reliance on outside funding

Funding Sources

Educational Programs Adult Literacy GED Computer Classes (Basic Skills, Word, Excel) College Prep Class College Courses Scholars Program

Aftercare Programs Life Skills Classes (Personal Finance, Budgeting, etc.) Transportation Program Group Sessions Meals, Social Events Low-cost Supportive Housing

Results In 15 years, over 4000 people have participated in the program Nearly 1000 individuals have completed the two-year program Average length of stay in TROSA is more than one year Every graduate leaves TROSA with: A job and the technical skills to succeed at that job Experience with the satisfaction of community involvement Skills for life success A promise of continued support

Participant Outcomes Each month in TROSA reduced probability of recidivism for North Carolina residents by 1.35% “TROSA effect” identical for all races, genders, and addiction types Source: Preliminary findings from Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy Duke University, AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF TROSA ON CRIMINAL RECIDIVISM FOR NON-GRADUATES FINDINGS AT A GLANCE (2009)

Graduate Outcomes At both six and twelve month follow-ups, 92% of graduates reported being drug and alcohol-free More than 95% of graduates reported being employed or in school one year after completing treatment The majority reported earning a "living wage“ or better, classified in Durham as $9.51/hour DOC data on arrests and convictions for all TROSA graduates showed only an 8% recidivism rate Source: Joint study conducted by TROSA and Deena Murphy at NDRI (2008)

Graduate Outcomes Source: Joint study conducted by TROSA and Deena Murphy at NDRI (2008)

Conclusions Holistic approach provides stability needed to remain drug and alcohol free Providing work skills, communication skills and education increases self-worth Continued support allows graduates to become a productive member of society

Keith Artin Chief Operating Officer TROSA 1820 James Street Durham, NC (919)