King County youths and young adults completing substance abuse treatment programs will have help to complete treatment and transition successfully back to their communities from a new funding announced by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

According to a press release from the County, the award to King County’s Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division will provide $300,000 a year for three years to support substance abuse treatment programs for youth 18-24 years of age and their families.

“This family centered treatment approach offers youth the critical support they need, from the caring adults in their lives, that will help them to complete treatment and transition successfully from adolescence to adulthood,“ said King County Executive Kurt Triplett. “This grant increases the likelihood of completion of treatment and offers a better chance for recovery and healthier and more productive lives in the community.”

King County will implement the pilot program in partnership with Therapeutic Health Services/Central Youth and Family Services, with the goal of replicating the project throughout the King County substance abuse provider network. The pilot will implement evidence-based practices, specifically the global appraisal of individual needs assessment, and the adolescent community reinforcement approach coupled with assertive continuing care. These interventions focus on the interaction between young adults and their environments. They are family centered and community based.

“Families, primary caregivers and other adults are an integral part of the treatment process and their inclusion increases the likelihood of successful treatment and reintegration of the adolescents and transition-age youth into their communities” said Jim Vollendroff, Assistant Division Director for the Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division.

Annual continuation awards will depend on the availability of funds and grantee progress in meeting project goals and objectives.

For more information call Jim Vollendroff at 206-263-8903.