Meeting Notes: Bridge Coalition Meeting on October 22nd
Opening Comments (Jim):
- Chat Introductions were done,
- A broad overview of NorthStar Advocates Mission and purpose was discussed,
- An update on SHB 1929 was given, stating NorthStar Advocates is currently working on applying for the formal RFQ for Technical Assistance contract with HCA,
- Focusing on return to community: safe housing, relationships, and supporting young adults facing unaccompanied homelessness interests and passions.
The Bridge Scope and Vision (Jim):
- High rate of return to homelessness for young people exiting inpatient care,
- Cross-system information sharing and training,
- Developing Return To Community Plan,
- Developing opportunities for systems reform.
Presentation 1: Dr. Terry Lee – Multisystemic Therapy (MST)
Dr. Terry Lee introduced the Multisystemic Therapy (MST) model, which focuses on addressing serious behavioral issues in youth through an intensive, community-based intervention. MST empowers caregivers to become key agents of change, and its structure promotes sustainable recovery by leveraging family and community support networks.
Overview of MST
- Community-Based Approach: MST involves an intensive, home-based intervention that enables families to address behavioral challenges in real-world settings.
- Time-Limited and Targeted: Each MST engagement lasts approximately 3 to 5 months, during which caregivers are equipped to manage current problems and prevent future crises.
- Family-Centered: MST emphasizes collaboration with families throughout the treatment process, ensuring they are empowered to make decisions and drive change.
MST Adaptations
MST has been adapted to serve various youth populations with unique needs:
- MST-Substance Abuse: Targets youth with co-occurring mental health and substance use issues.
- MST-Psychiatry: Combines MST with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing, offering enhanced support for youth with psychiatric needs and those in transition from inpatient care.
- MST-Family Integrated Transitions: Focuses on youth involved in the juvenile justice system, providing relapse prevention and community reintegration.
Equity and Community Engagement
- MST strives to hire therapists from the communities they serve, improving cultural relevance and engagement.
- This equity-centered approach has shown positive outcomes for marginalized youth, including African American and Hispanic youth, who report greater satisfaction and therapeutic results.
Global Reach and Successful State Models
- Over 500 teams world-wide
- Available in over 34 states in the US and 14 countries State-wide or near state-wide programs in Connecticut, Ohio, Hawaii, North Carolina, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania
- International replications: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, England, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland Nation-wide structures in England, Netherlands, Norway, and Chile
Dr. Lee emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between mental health services, justice systems, and social programs, noting that MST’s success depends on community-wide support and family involvement.
Presentation 2: Interagency Recovery Academy – Seattle’s Sober Recovery School
Jessica Levy, outreach coordinator for the Interagency Recovery Academy, presented Washington State’s only public sober high school—a unique educational institution that supports students in recovery from substance use disorders. The school offers a structured environment where students can pursue academic goals while maintaining their sobriety.
Program Overview
- Mission: The academy provides a safe, supportive, and sober environment for students in grades 9–12 (ages 14–21).
- Self-Elected Enrollment: Students choose to attend, ensuring they are committed to recovery and personal growth. No student is mandated to participate, promoting self-accountability and personal empowerment.
- Recovery and Academic Balance: The school supports students through daily recovery counseling and offers comprehensive academic programs tailored to individual needs.
Recovery Supports and Relapse Management
- Counseling and Recovery Services: Led by a dedicated substance use counselor, students receive daily recovery support and have access to outside behavioral health services, such as AA/NA meetings, sponsorship, and step work.
- Relapse Policy: Relapses are handled case-by-case, with a focus on maintaining students’ recovery. Those who relapse but express a desire to remain sober can stay enrolled, while others may be referred to residential treatment if needed. This flexible approach fosters long-term recovery by meeting students where they are in their journey.
Academic Structure and Graduation Pathways
- Flexible Academics: Students can take both in-person and online classes in subjects such as chemistry, art, political science, and math.
- Advisory Support: Each teacher serves as an advisor, helping students stay on track for graduation, plan post-secondary goals, and address any challenges they encounter.
- Graduation Options: Students can graduate from the Recovery Academy or transfer to other educational institutions, including Running Start programs or neighborhood schools.
The Power of Community and Connection
A current student shared a personal story, providing a vivid example of how the Recovery Academy transforms lives.
- Student Testimony: The student described their journey from homelessness and disengagement from education to becoming sober, enrolled, and housed in an oxford house. They noted that the recovery school provided both the structure and community needed to rebuild their life, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
- The Role of Connection: Jessica Levy reinforced that the opposite of addiction is not just sobriety but connection—highlighting how community engagement is essential to long-term recovery.
Community Updates:
- There were no community updates.
Closing Comments:
- Jim closed the meeting and thanked everyone for their support and participation in this work.
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