OVERVIEW:
Gaudenzia is a not-for-profit organization that has provided substance abuse and mental health services to federal, state, and county governments and criminal justice system agencies for over 35 years. Gaudenzia provides a science-based ambulatory detoxification service and long-term (60 - 120 day) substance abuse treatment program for adults involved in the criminal justice system (CJS). Funding is available through Baltimore County to subsidize the cost of treatment for those persons unable to afford the cost of treatment.

PROGRAM GOAL:
The goal of Gaudenzia at Owings Mills is to provide a quality substance abuse treatment program from which criminal justice involved clients will transition to the community alcohol and other drug free, crime free, and as a productive resident of Baltimore County.

THE PROGRAM:
The Gaudenzia Cognitive & Structuring for the Substance Abusing Offender is a highly individualized 60-120 day program built on science-based Principles of Effective Correctional Programming. This curriculum combines therapeutic and didactic elements designed to assist individuals in restructuring their lives.

SCOPE OF SERVICES:
Gaudenzia is forming a partnership with Baltimore County to ensure that substance abusers in the local criminal justice system have timely, quality, comprehensive substance abuse treatment, aftercare, and support services. Gaudenzia will provide highly individualized ambulatory detoxification and residential treatment to high-risk substance abusers, including those with mild to moderate co-occurring mental health concerns and those who may have HIV or are high-risk for HIV / AIDS. Gaudenzia will use a case management model to coordinate the many health, mental health, family, financial, legal, vocational, educational, and employment needs of clients. Working with staff and community partners, Gaudenzia will support both in-reach services and community referral.

TREATMENT APPROACH AND PHILOSOPHY:
The Gaudenzia philosophy and approach is based on the recognition that substance abuse and addiction is a complicated combination of medical, emotional, spiritual, and biochemical/genetic factors. This program melds together the two most effective approaches currently recognized in the substance abuse and criminal justice literature - combining cognitive behavioral technology and the social learning community model.

This approach includes 12 Step and other self-help programs. Based on a thorough assessment, staff will develop an Individualized Treatment/ Service Plan with each client that will involve the client in a structured 3 phase residential program. The program emphasizes cognitive restructuring - focusing on abstinence from addictive chemicals and gaining an understanding of their disease; criminal and antisocial thinking, attitudes, values and beliefs; criminal associations; personality factors; family dynamics; relapse prevention; employment and vocational barriers; and financial stability. An individualized Personal Recovery Plan is developed for each client. Based on this plan, clients are permitted to work, attend educational/training opportunities, and secure or return to housing in the community.