Connections named as Dane County MARI assessment hub

Dane County Human Services Dept named Connections Counseling as the AODA assessment hub for an innovative program in partnership with the Madison Police Dept and Dane County. The project is originally funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The program, conceived locally by the Madison Addiction Recovery Initiative (MARI), a community coalition, and administered by Dane County following a competitive bid process, provides a diversion to treatment instead of legal consequences for suitable low-risk offenders apprehended by Madison Police. Connections will provide clinical assessments, treatment plans, referrals to treatment agencies and pair individuals referred to the MARI program with peer recovery coaches to help guide individuals through the challenging but rewarding recovery process.