Seashore Family Services NJ

The recent healthcare debate has inundated us with buzzwords such as “public option”, “choices of doctors”, “quality of care”, etc.  Various professionals have attempted to define these concepts and they end up with complex explanations that seem to be intended to impress colleagues rather than to enlighten their clients. The addiction field, as a specialty of the healthcare field, has also struggled with the definition of our client’s choices and quality of care. From the clients’ perspective, those individuals who are involved in counseling services define quality of care by pointing to their relationship with their counselor and the solutions for their problems. If they do not have a good relationship with their counselor and they continue with the same behaviors, “the program is not good” or “the treatment does not work”. With this in mind, we are pleased to point out that SFSNJ’s treatment is based on two basic objectives:  develop a relationship with every person who comes through our doors; and, help them to alter their current destructive behaviors.

Our program has struggled with these issues since our inception and we are continue to focus on our relationship with our clients while devising concrete ways to change their behaviors. I am proud to say that these efforts are paying off. Our National Outcome Measure Report (NOMS) for FY 2008-2009 prepared by the New Jersey Division of Addiction Services indicate that SFSNJ traditional outpatient program results in positive outcomes for our patients. These results show that our treatment interventions improved clients’ outcomes for the traditional outpatient counseling.

According to the NOMS report, the percentage of SFSNJ clients who successfully completed treatment is above the average state percentages for outpatient services (SFSNJ is 58.9% vs. all State agencies: 48.6%). However, while we are proud of our achievements, we recognize that our contribution to the problem of addictions in our communities affects only a small percentage of those who are dealing with addictions every day. Addiction problems are present in our Ocean County communities and our youth is at risk. Also, gang activity is expanding faster than we all realize. Decisive and effective addiction prevention and treatment as well as work by law enforcement, the education community and parental involvement all need to continue in our communities. More importantly, collaboration among these groups is necessary as a way to curb the increases in incidences of substance abuse and alcohol problems in our communities.

For the entire Seashore Family Services of New Jersey Outcome Report, please click here.

SFSNJ Substance Abuse Initiatives

As a licensed alcohol and drug program, SFSNJ has joined multiple initiatives in order to serve multiple client populations. These initiatives enable clients to enter substance abuse services based on income and specific qualifications; these initiatives are:

• Driving Under the Influence: New Jersey set aside funds to support clients convicted of DWI that are indigent. Once the client attends the mandatory 12 hour education class, if there is a determination for treatment, the funds will cover various services in the care of the client including outpatient and inpatient services and mental health services. The purpose is to reduce the recidivism among intoxicated drivers. The townships of Brick and Toms River have the higher conviction rates in Ocean County, thank you to the great work and vigilance of their Police Departments and their courts. Anyone interested in these services shall contact the County IDRC at (732) 341-9700 or our offices at Brick (732) 920-2700, and Toms River (732) 244-1600.

• Drug Court: The Drug Court programs are designed in collaboration with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), and the Division of Addiction Services (DAS). Thru legislation, funds were made available to treat substance abusers. A collaboration and coordination of care between the Courts, County Probation Department and the treatment program is an effective method to assist our clients to gain employment, receive services and to become productive members in our communities. Mental health services are also available under this initiative. For eligibility to this program, visit the AOC at http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/drugcourt/index.htm.

• Mutual Agreement Programs: This program is to provide substance abuse parolees with structured substance abuse services including mental health counseling. In coordination with the Parole Officer, the treatment program and the clients, develop a treatment program directed to address the substance abuse treatment needs to assist the client to reintegrate to society after incarceration. For information, please contact our office at Brick, (732) 920-2700 and Toms River (732) 244-1600.

• Needle Exchange Treatment Initiative (NETI): SFSNJ provides counseling services to clients involved in the NETI programs. As part of a Blood Borne Disease Reduction Act, DAS developed the NETI program. This initiative fund medication assisted treatment along with counseling services to indigent clients. SFSNJ is a counseling provider for the clients in this initiative. All clients are referred by the NETI medication assisted program.

• South Jersey Initiative for Adolescents: This funding is available for adolescents with substance abuse problems aged 13 to 18 and young adults up to 24 years old. SFSNJ outpatient services include individual, family and group counseling for alcohol and drug related problems. For eligibility, please contact our office at Brick (732) 920-2700 and Toms River (732) 244-1600.

• Work First New Jersey (WFNJ/SAI): This initiative is the result of State multi-agency collaboration to provide substance abuse counseling services to eligible clients in Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and General Assistance clients. The goal is to assist clients to resolve their substance abuse problem and to gain employment. Any person interested in these programs shall contact our offices in Brick (732) 920-2700 and Toms River (732) 244-1600.

• Other DAS funded Services: SFSNJ is also able to provide indigent substance abuse counseling services to adult males and females, pregnant women and women with dependent children and adolescents. The services are all on an outpatient basis including traditional outpatient counseling and intensive outpatient services. For eligibility and admissions, please contact our offices in Brick (732) 920-2700 and /or Toms River (732) 244-1600.