Ada County Juvenile Court Services

Relapse Prevention
Curriculum adapted from:
Matrix Model, Bloomington Outpatient Curriculum
Relapse Prevention Methodology: Relapse prevention techniques from the Matrix
model and the Bloomington outpatient curriculum that is presented in a Solution
Focused Brief Therapy model for groups which provides the adolescents to implement
skills based on their goals for success in their recovery.
Relapse Prevention Group Goals: To provide a foundation of skills from evidenced
based practice models for the adolescents to assist them in preventing relapse episodes
in their recovery.
Relapse Prevention Interventions: Multiple skills are provided from evidenced based
practice models using cognitive based techniques to assist in gaining adaptive coping
skills. These skills are taught using client words, SFBT, and are focused on what the
clients ultimate goal of treatment.
Relapse Prevention Implementation: Groups meet for 90 minutes once a week at the
Benjamin office for 12 to 16 week minimum for Outpatient, Intensive Outpatient and
Drug Court, twice a week at the Denton Office for a minimum of 8 weeks. A solution
Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is utilized in when facilitating Relapse Prevention group.
Matrix Model and Bloomington Curriculums are listed on NREPP as an Evidence-Based
Program/Practice for use with adults and we have adapted for use with juveniles. SFBT
is also listed on the NREPP website for adults.
Rational: ACJCS has chosen to implement Relapse Prevention, in conjunction with
SFBT because CBT has been proven to be effective with adolescents as has SFBT. By
joining the two approaches clients can get the Recovery skills with the overarching
critical thinking skills provided by SFBT.
Client progress review is done in weekly staffing and there are no exclusionary
criteria. Discharge criteria are completing 8 week minimum at Denton and 12 to 16
week minimum at Benjamin as well as an ability to implement symptom management,
coping and relapse prevention skills.
The curriculum is adapted to fit with a Solution Focused Brief Therapy for group practice
model. Staff is trained in this curriculum by clinical supervision and curriculum
research.