Corrections_Today_May_June_2020_Vol.82_No.3

n Correctional Health

istock/skynesher

Amethyst: A unique program for women who have experienced trauma For over 30 years, the Amethyst program has provided client-centered treatment for substance use disorders and dually-diagnosed women in a trauma informed environ- ment. In addition to the intensive treatment and case management services offered, the program also pro- vides safe housing, food and other important supports to women while they are on the difficult path of recovery from addiction, physical and sexual abuse. Some women are even victims of human trafficking. Amethyst is one of only a few programs in the country that allows children up to the age of 18 to live with their mother during the treatment and recovery process. The ability for women and their children to live in a safe, af- fordable, abstinence-based community provides the time and environment necessary to concentrate on recovery and healing. The program fosters a culture of recovery to empower women and families in a safe, sober community. The overarching goal is to help women and families achieve lifelong sobriety, healthy relationships, permanent hous- ing and economic stability.

some choices in their environment and to not be treated in coercive ways. Individuals with justice involvement can have some shared decision making in their program plans and goals. Staff can be seen as facilitators of re- covery, not controllers of recovery. This is key, because staff need to feel safe in the facilities just as much as the individuals with justice involvement do. Feeling sup- ported is a step in this direction. Finally, cultural, historical, and gender issues relate to moving past cultural stereotypes and biases; and not interacting with someone based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, religion, gender identify, and/ or geography. Being gender responsive is key in heal- ing, as everyone needs to be heard and understood. It also incorporates policies and procedures that respond to racial, ethnic, and cultural needs of the clients being served. It also recognizes a historical trauma that hap- pens with some groups and these need to be respected and understood. It is important to realize that all staff have some biases that they carry with them into the job. With an open mind, and with training and education, these biases do not have to dictate how individuals with justice involvement are treated by staff, nor how staff present treatment.

58 — May/June 2020 Corrections Today