In the United States, more than 90% of adults who have a substance use disorder (SUD) began their substance use in adolescence. Additionally, youth who have SUDs have poorer health and functional outcomes and are at greater risk for experiencing various adverse consequences, including sexually transmitted infections, justice system involvement, school-related challenges, and increased mental health challenges.  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminsitration (12/2024) Retreived from https://www.samhsa.gov 

The goal of the Montana Family Support Program is to increase the number of behavioral health-related paraprofessionals throughout Montana who are prepared to work with youth and families feeling the impact of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Space is limited to 27 participants per year through August 31, 2028. 

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Training Schedule
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Registration

 

Level I: Choose one (1) of the following core trainings. The core training will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to work in behavioral health-related positions:

  • Community Health Worker Fundamentals
  • Community Integrated Health 
  • Fundamentals of Behavioral Health
  • Recovery Doula

Upon completion of the core training, the program includes additional required professional development trainings designed to prepare individuals to be competent in working with youth and families impacted by OUD and SUD. 

 

Level II: These additional trainings consist of online, self-paced, and online instructor-led modules. The ten (10) professional development trainings required for the Montana Family Support Program are:

  • Trauma Informed Care
  • Preventing ACEs
  • Naloxone Basics
  • Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM)
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMFHA)
  • Management of Aggressive Behaviors (MOAB)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
  • Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
  • Healing Families, Healing Lives

All training fees are paid for through grant funds. A stipend is offered upon successful completion of Levels I & II.

 

Level III: After completion of the program, students have the option to gain experience through a 2,000-hour apprenticeship. Space is limited to nine (9) participants per year in Level III. A stipend is offered upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.