Family Intervention Program

In 1990, Rosalie Manor Community & Family Services began a program to work with mothers who were addicted to controlled substances. The program, Family Intervention Program (FIP), specifically works with those families in which the mother and/or child tests positive for cocaine or other controlled substance at the time of the infant's birth. Because cocaine addiction affects the quality of life for the entire family, we serve families in their homes as well as offering group sessions. The goals of FIP are to strengthen parenting skills, assure a stable home environment for child rearing, and intervene in favor of drug abuse treatment when the time is right. Because of the scope of the issues many families are dealing with, success stories can be few and far between. Lazonia, however, is an exception.

Lazonia was referred to us in 1997 when she gave birth to a cocaine-affected infant. This was her third child, and the only child to test positive. Lazonia was very reluctant to accept FIP services in the beginning. "We attempted to visit her in her home, but there was never anyone there, and we didn't get the chance to explain the program. We left our business cards for her, but we never knew if she received them," explained Vicki, FIP AODA specialist. Because Lazonia could not be found, her case was closed after two months. Then one day the unthinkable happened.

"In September, 1997, three months after Lazonia was referred to us, and one month after we closed her case, she showed up at Rosalie Manor looking for help, and wanting FIP services," Vicki explained. "When Lazonia arrived, she was homeless. We helped her and her three children find a shelter, and a drug treatment center." Lazonia began drug treatment as an out-patient at a local facility in September 1997. "The problem was that she didn't follow through with the treatment. She would go back periodically but was not consistent and didn't complete the program." After one year of working with her, "we got to the point where there was nothing more we could do with her. We were becoming her enabler, and were ready to close her case again," said Vicki. During that time, Child Protective Services became involved and was threatening to remove her children from her custody. At that point, Safety Services stepped in and got her into a different drug treatment facility. This time, she received intensive services as an in-patient. Once that was completed, she was able to go to intensive day treatment and then was moved to out-patient status. This time, Lazonia was serious about changing her life around. With her addiction under control, Lazonia went to school and became a licensed child care teacher. Lazonia has been employed full time for two months and is drug free. She continues to attend a group conducted by Vicki. "The group is for women only and provides AODA support to those who have either completed treatment or are in a drug treatment program. They have all gone beyond the stage of denial and are working to be completely abstinent from drugs."

Lazonia has nothing but praise for Rosalie Manor Community & Family Services. "I am proud to admit that I made a drastic mistake in my life and now I have corrected it. Rosalie Manor provides excellent support. I recommend anyone who is having the problem that I had to let Rosalie Manor help them. It is an excellent place to be. They have a wonderful and friendly staff. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be where I am today. I would like to thank them for sticking it out with me."

We are very proud of Lazonia and her accomplishments, and wish her the best of luck.