2022 COMBAT Funding: $246,947.00

In Cornerstones of Care's Own Words

The Cornerstones of Care Substance-use Treatment Program provides a holistic treatment approach that follows a family-functional and supported-recovery model of treatment, so that children and families learn essential skills to maintain a drug-free life. We have partnered with COMBAT for 20 years to help children and families preempt the onset of drug use or interrupt a potential cycle of substance abuse for adolescents. Cornerstones of Care serves children and youth who suffer from the effects of traumatic experiences such as neglect and physical abuse as well as substance abuse by family members and violence in the home. This can often times lead to extended out-of-home placements for children. Most children are referred by the Jackson County Family Court or the Children's Division. 

Addressing Risk Factors

Most of the youth Cornerstones of Care serves are in the child welfare system and/or have had contact with the justice system. The Substance-use Treatment Program addresses risk factors that put adolescents at risk to use illicit drugs or alcohol. This includes addressing adult/parent use of substances.

Co-occurring Disorders

The children we serve have behavioral and emotional disorders and many are being treated for co-occurring disorders. They have a high prevalence of sustance use and abuse disorders presently and as they grow into adults. Most have been using marijuana and alcohol for several years, along with non-medical prescription drugs, inhalants and tobacco. A typical client is behind in school and involved with criminal behaviors. 

Oftentimes, adults in the home are using and abusing substances. For some, parental rights have been severed and the child may be awaiting a foster placement. Virtually all the children are at 150% poverty level or below. 

Retention In Treatment

Results for Cornerstones' clients reported at discharge and three months after discharge will include retention in treatment that maximizes treatment effects and focuses on risk reduction and protection enhancement, increased sobriety, improved educational status, and reduced family and individual problems related to substance abuse, including criminal behavior. 

The program consists of the following:

• comprehensive family and individual assessments

• substance use counseling

• family therapy

• group education focusing on early recovery skills and social skills

• community support (case management)

• relapse prevention services that incorporate music and art therapy modalities

• drug testing, aftercare services

• relapse prevention planning

Best Practices

Cornerstones implements best practices and evidence-based or -informed models of care, including the Sanctuary Model® of trauma informed care, the Matrix Model for substance-use treatment, Project ALERT curriculum to address pro-drug mind-set, Functional Family Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to address co-occurring mental health and substance-use issues for the client and family. Cultural sensitivity and understanding are the foundation for success of these treatment modalities as they require therapists and case managers to meet each client's unique needs in order to create an awareness of the problem and skills to cope.