For this initiative, full-time attorneys along with navigators (may be an individual with lived experience and who is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist) work as an integrated part the treatment team when it is identified that there are legal and/or social issues that are impeding an individual’s recovery process and/or successful outcomes in treatment. In this model, the attorney can serve as an advocate or counsel in civil and municipal criminal matters. Attorneys will not serve as primary counsel in Superior Court matters but may liaison with the public defender (or the individual’s private counsel) to assist individuals in their case. Navigators will provide one-to-one assistance to individuals to connect them to community resources and assist with navigating legal resources and needs. Navigators will engage in a wide range of activities, including advocacy, linkage to resources, sharing of experience, community and relationship building, group facilitation, skill building, mentoring, goal setting, and more. 10 Contracts will be awarded to NJ DOH CN&L licensed SUD treatment agencies. Eligible participants are individuals who have a substance use disorder and are currently using substances or who are in recovery. Individuals served must be engaged in SUD treatment. This initiative supports a harm reduction model of care. Services provided should be delivered according to a person-centered philosophy. No individual shall be denied full access to legal or navigation services due to the use of legitimately prescribed medications or actively using illicit or other drugs.
