About

Nationally and in Connecticut, the development and implementation of statewide systems for youth substance use recovery support has historically lagged behind recovery support systems for adults with substance use or mental health disorders. The Connecticut Recovery Oriented Support System for Youth (CROSS) initiative is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2020 State Opioid Response to the Opioid Crisis grant (SOR) through the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). DMHAS has contracted with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) to develop and implement a statewide substance use recovery support system specifically oriented to the needs of youth aged 16-24 years.

The goal of this initiative is to design, develop, and implement a youth recovery support network in Connecticut. DCF has contracted with Wheeler Clinic to administer this initiative. Wheeler has convened a statewide CROSS Steering Committee that includes youth, families, and people in recovery to guide all phases of this project.

The goals of the Statewide Youth Recovery Support Network are to increase involvement of youth and families in addressing substance use disorders in Connecticut, reduce stigma associated with substance use problems, and increase options and access to recovery supports for young people in Connecticut and their families.