Providers are required to complete and submit a CARE Program application to determine program eligibility.

In general, clinical treatment providers must be certified by the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs as meeting the Alcohol and Other Drug Program Standards and self-certify that they will comply with the Youth Treatment Guidelines.

MUST ALL CARE PROVIDERS BE LICENSED AND/OR CERTIFIED?

All organizations that wish to provide treatment services under the CARE Program must be certified by the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) as meeting the Alcohol and/or Other Drug Program Standards and must comply with the Youth Treatment Guidelines. In addition, any organization that wishes to provide residential treatment must be licensed by either ADP or the California Department of Social Services, as applicable. For more information about licensing and certification, visit ADP's website. ADP's Youth Treatment Guidelines are available by clicking here (92k PDF).

Is Assistance Available to Help a Provider Become Certified?

The Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) has consulting agencies available to help organizations with program development and enhancements designed to achieve licensing or certification.

Must Recovery Support Service Providers be Licensed or Certified?

The eligibility criteria for recovery support providers does not include licensing or certification. Recovery support services must: demonstrate evidence of sufficient background clearances/screening, training and supervision of staff and/or volunteers to work with youth; adhere to a written code of ethics; and have applicable liability insurance and local use permits. 

Recovery support service providers will be required to demonstrate that individuals will receive allowable CARE Program services in safe settings from appropriate individuals.

How Will CARE Providers Be Paid?

Providers will be reimbursed after a service has been provided and all data related to that service has been submitted to the CARE Call Center. The CARE Call Center will authorize invoices and submit them to the State Controller's Office which will issue and mail warrants (checks) directly to providers.

How Will CARE Providers Get Client Referrals?

CARE clients will be presented with a variety of service provider options by matching the client's needs (determined by the comprehensive assessment) and preferences with participating provider profiles that will include service settings, therapeutic models, philosophies or approaches, and program specialties (i.e., culturally or gender specific). The client will be referred to the provider of choice.

What Training is Available FOR Providers in the CARE Program?

CARE Provider orientation and training will be available to all approved providers. For information contact the CARE Call Center at 1.866.350.8773.

In addition, the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP) contracts with experts to provide technical assistance and training services related to substance abuse treatment and prevention. These services, provided free of charge, focus on specific topics, some of which may be extremely helpful to prepare providers for the CARE Program. For more information on training and technical assistance visit the ADP website.

What Specific Things Can Faith-Based Organizations Do?

This document and others can be downloaded from SAMHSA's clearinghouse at www.health.org . The Whitehouse Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives provides guidance on partnering with the federal government.