TROSA: Innovative Residential Treatment for Substance Abusers
North Carolina Providers Council 2009 Conference
October 6, 2009
Overview
• TROSA is an innovative residential program for the treatment of substance abusers
• Our goal is successful and sustained reentry
• TROSA builds citizens, not just sober individuals
• Licensed as a therapeutic community under NCAC 27G.4300
• TROSA has grown from less than 10 residents in 1994 to the largest therapeutic community in NC, with more than 350 residents and an annual budget of over $10 million
• TROSA has enhanced the therapeutic community model with the addition of several evidence-based practices, mental health services, professional staffing, and comprehensive
transitional services
Who TROSA Serves: Criminal Justice
• 7 out of 8 participants has a criminal record
• 3 out of 4 has been incarcerated
• Nearly 1 in 4 has been arrested more than 10 times
• 1 out of 3 is on probation
• Program tracks do not vary for probated and non-probated residents.
• At TROSA, probated clients are statistically more likely to complete the two-year program
Vocational Training
TROSA: A Comprehensive Program
Therapeutic Programs
Educational Programs
Aftercare Programs
Therapeutic Programs
• Highly Structured
• Group Sessions
• Peer Mentoring and Counseling
• Leadership Development
• Social and Communication Skills Development
Housing
More than 20 single family homes and
duplexes
TROSA provides residents with all housing free-of-charge throughout the two-year program, and provides low-cost supportive housing to
graduates. Our properties include:
Five apartment buildings with 4
or more units
Three group residences
Housing
Many of TROSA’s properties were purchased in disrepair, and the renovation work was performed by TROSA residents
These projects serve as an on-the-job vocational training experience for some program participants,
and a rewarding experience in sharing skills and teaching for others
Vocational Training
• General Work Skills
• Work Ethic/Responsibility
• Leadership and Managerial Skills
• Team Building
• Specific Vocational Opportunities
• Moving
• Automotive Repair
• Construction (including Brick Masonry, Painting, and more)
• Food Services
• Office Administration
• Commercial Drivers License (truck and bus operation)
• Lawn Care
…and many other areas
Educational Programs
• Adult Literacy
• GED
• Computer Classes (Basic Skills, Word, Excel)
• College Prep Class
• College Courses
• Scholars Program
Aftercare Programs
• Life Skills Classes (Personal Finance, Budgeting, etc.)
• Transportation Program
• Group Sessions
• Meals, Social Events
• Low-cost Supportive Housing
Results
• In 15 years, over 4000 people have participated in the program
• Nearly 1000 individuals have completed the two-year program
• Average length of stay in TROSA is more than one year
• Every graduate leaves TROSA with:
• A job and the technical skills to succeed at that job
• Experience with the satisfaction of community involvement
• Skills for life success
• A promise of continued support
Participant Outcomes
• Each month in TROSA reduced probability of recidivism for
North Carolina residents by 1.35%
• “TROSA effect” identical for all races, genders, and addiction
types
Source: Preliminary findings from Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy Duke University, AN
ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF TROSA ON CRIMINAL RECIDIVISM FOR NON-GRADUATES
FINDINGS AT A GLANCE (2009)
Graduate Outcomes
• At both six and twelve month follow-ups, 92% of graduates
reported being drug and alcohol-free
• More than 95% of graduates reported being employed or in
school one year after completing treatment
• The majority reported earning a "living wage“ or better,
classified in Durham as $9.51/hour
• DOC data on arrests and convictions for all TROSA graduates
showed only an 8% recidivism rate
Source: Joint study conducted by TROSA and Deena Murphy at NDRI (2008)
