Massachusetts Access to Recovery (ATR) expands access to treatment and recovery services using a system of electronic vouchers and consumer choice, and a broad network of community- and faith-based providers. ATR is a re-entry program that works with individuals in Suffolk and Hampden Counties who have been released from incarceration in the past two years, and are interested in engaging in recovery-oriented activities. IHR provides four ATR Care Coordinators, who are sited at After Incarceration Support Services in Springfield, and SPAN and Boston Public Health Commission in Boston; staff also engage residents in select Recovery Homes in Boston.
The hallmarks of ATR follow:
Consumer Choice. The process of recovery is a personal one. Achieving recovery can take many pathways: physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. With a voucher, people in need of addiction treatment and recovery support will be able to choose the programs and providers that will help them most. Increased choice protects individuals and encourages quality.
Outcome Oriented. Success will be measured by outcomes, principally abstinence from drugs and alcohol, and includes attainment of employment or enrollment in school, no involvement with the criminal justice system, stable housing, social support, access to care, and retention in services.
Increased Capacity. ATR increases the number and types of recovery support service providers (including faith-based and community organizations) and expands the array of services available including peer support, transportation, childcare, work clothing, identification, relapse prevention, case management, and other recovery support services.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health/Bureau of Substance Abuse Services receives funding for MA ATR by SAMHSA; evaluation and project implementation are undertaken by Advocates for Human Potential (AHP).
For more information, please contact Enid Watson, IHR ATR Care Coordinator Supervisor, at enidwatson@healthrecovery.org
For more information, please contact Enid Watson, IHR ATR Care Coordinator Supervisor at enidwatson@healthrecovery.org