Crossroads for Women
Crossroads for Women is a comprehensive day treatment program for women with substance abuse problems in New York City and serves as an alternative to detention/incarceration. It has a holistic, gender specific approach which teaches women not only about their addiction but also about health and wellness, relapse prevention, parenting, relationships and emotional expression.
The program is licensed by the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). A National Institute of Justice-funded survey of women's programs conducted by Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice selected Crossroads as "one of a handful of the most promising and innovative programs" and a "national model."
Women are referred to Crossroads by a variety of sources including defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, parole officers, and New York City Department of Corrections staff at the Rose M. Singer Center. Regular reports are provided to the court, parole or other referral source, summarizing the woman's progress in treatment. Where the woman has successfully complied with project requirements, Crossroads advocates for an alternative sentence at time of conviction and sentence.
The Crossroads program draws heavily on the power of positive role models. Recent Crossroads graduates are employed to provide this essential support to clients. They serve as assistants in Employment/Vocational Services, support case managers and with training serve as health advocates. CCA's research consistently points to the importance of peer models and shows that peer support increases Crossroads retention rates. In an interview with one client describes the role of peers this way:
"All doors were closed… I lost all sense of being a human being… I wanted to change, but I was so scared of the change. So I need people to help me, to show me that they changed because if I didn't see any example that somebody else could come from a place like that and change, I don't think it would have happened…"
Program Eligibility
A woman is eligible to enter Crossroads for Women if she is 18 years of age or older, is involved in the criminal justice system, and has a history of substance abuse or dependence. Any woman who has an open case in the criminal justice system or who is under probation or parole supervision may be eligible for the program.
Substance Abuse Treatment Services
- Specialized groups include parenting, domestic violence, trauma, healthy relationship building, family reunification, women’s health and wellness, strategies for independent living, and anger management
- Random urinalysis testing
- Acupuncture and Yoga
- On-site medical assessment
- Mental health and psychiatric evaluation and referrals
- HIV/AIDS testing, education, support, and referrals
Intensive Case Management
- One-to-one counseling sessions
- Individualized Treatment Plans
- Comprehensive assessment and discharge planning
- Referrals and additional follow-up with entitlements, housing, child welfare, and mental health agencies
Employment/Vocational Services
- Screening and assessment
- Educational services and referrals
- Employment readiness and job retention groups
- Job placement, internships, and referrals for vocational training
- Computer skill building groups
Criminal Justice Reporting
- Client specific plans
- Written report reflecting client progress on a monthly basis
- Immediate notification of any non-compliant activity
- Representation and advocacy at scheduled court appearances
One Crossroads graduate who gained employment, regained custody of one of her children and is attending college part time described her experiences as follows:
"Crossroads gave me the foundation that I need when I was discharged from the detoxification program and met life on life's terms head on. I was totally lost at that point in my life after living as an addict for twelve years. The staff as well as the other clients there became my anchor."
Crossroads operates from CCA's Manhattan office, Monday through Friday.
39 West 19th Street, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10011
212-691-1911
Services funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Substance and Mental Health Services Administration; New York City Council; New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services;
New York City Office of the Mayor/Office of the Criminal Justice Coordinator; New York State Department of Probation and Correctional Alternatives.