FAMILY COUNSELING CENTER (FCC) as a whole provides a plethora of services, both in the chemical dependency and mental health  areas.  In Cape Girardeau, there are two programs:  Women’s C-STAR Program and Adolescent C-STAR Program. 

Women’s C-STAR provides drug and alcohol treatment to women 18 years and older, emancipated minors or pregnant teens. Depending on their individual needs, FCC offers residential treatment as well as out-patient treatment.  Women that come into our residential program are allowed to bring their children if they desire, as FCC understands this is a major treatment barrier for many women.  We do provide the children with shelter and food and the women choose a local daycare to provide supervision of their children  during the day, Monday through Friday, so they can attend groups.  While in treatment, we discover that our women often have a number of  community support needs such as housing assistance, clothing assistance, HIV, STD, TB and Hep C screening needs, medical needs, dental needs, mental health issues, etc.  FCC works to help women network in the community to get these needs met and satisfied. 
 
The Adolescent C-STAR  program provides alcohol and drug treatment through two programs:  Day treatment and Outpatient treatment.  Our Outpatient program is Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 3:30-6 p.m.  During this time, our adolescents participate in group counseling and group education.  Adolescents are also provided with individual counseling once a week; more if needed.  Family therapy is provided to families willing to participate.  Our typical program is three to four months in length and services taper down as a client makes progress.  FCC also does random UA screening on all clients.
 
The Day Treatment Program is for the client who is not able to stay sober in out-patient treatment buts wants to stay in the community.  Clients come to FCC five days a week, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  This allows for more intense treatment, structured programming and more thorough monitoring.  While in Day Treatment, clients are provided with educational programming so they do not miss school work and are not counted absent.  Day Treatment consists of group education, group counseling, educational programming, individual counseling, family therapy, 12-step meetings and social skills building.  If a client is unable to stay sober in this environment, they are referred to the residential programs in either Kennett or West Plains, Mo..

THE FIELD EXPERIENCE FOR THE BSW CANDIDATE: 

Opportunities for the BSW level student in the Women’s C-STAR treatment program are:

• Observation of intakes, diagnosis and group treatment.
• Facilitating groups.
• Assisting client network with community programs for needed services and referrals.
• Attendance at and input during weekly staff meetings.
• Writing treatment plans and conducting treatment plan meetings.
• Leaning basic chart documentation .
• Working one-on-one with clients for support, life skills and discharge plans.
• Learning the Disease Concept of Addiction Treatment.
• Observe 12-step meetings.
• Providing support to clients who have experienced the devastating power of addiction.
• Observe and participate in Cape Girardeau, Scott and Mississippi Counties Drug Court Services.

Opportunities for the BSW level student in the Adolescent C-STAR program are similar to the opportunities listed above with the addition of the following:

• Conducting open discussions regarding topics related to sex and birth control .
• Providing life-skills training such as budgeting, cooking, laundry and other independent living skills.
• Exploring career topics with clients.  Acting as a role model for adolescents regarding formal education and it’s benefits.
• Providing academic assistance to clients in Day Treatment during the academic hour.
• Assist staff in providing constant supervision for the adolescent.

Students will have experience in both of the above programs as similarities and differences are important learning concepts. 

In addition, the BSW-level student will be exposed to the administrative side of FCC through the following: 

• Observation of quality assurance meetings.
• Review of FCC policy and practice manual.
• Tour of Adolescent Residential Facility in Kennett, Mo.
• Complete new employee paper work and orientation.
• Exposure to state regulations.
• Participation in preparation and working a state audit and contract compliance review.

WHAT STUDENTS SAY:   “Doing my field education at the Family Counseling Center was challenging and fulfilling.  I worked with substance abusing adolescents either in day treatment or outpatient treatment.  The adolescents proved to be a difficult and testing population to work with but at the same time stimulating and fun.  My group skills were further developed by leading and observing group sessions.  I was able to use the skills and knowledge I learned in the classroom as well as develop many more.  I learned a great deal about mental illnesses and drugs and alcohol.  The supervision is extremely laid back but always available. I was able to do things on my own.  I learned a lot through observing others, for example, observing my supervisor during intakes and assessments and observing counseling sessions.  The Family Counseling Center works closely with Drug Court; this gave me a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the drug court team which consists of a juvenile officer, drug court administrator and a judge.  Overall, the Family Counseling Center is a great place for a field education.  It has many things to offer!"  

"If you are interested in working with drug and alcohol abuse, Family Counseling Center is the place to be.  I worked, first hand,  with women and adolescents who experienced this problem.  There was really not a dull moment at the Center.  Something was always going on.  The supervision was readily available but they allowed me the space to do my job without standing over my shoulder.  I learned how to do so many things that social workers do, such as assessments and the whole planned change process.  The staff was so friendly and I really think I'll have the contacts that I made for the rest of my life.  My overall experience was truly something I'll always remember and the knowledge that I gained will carry me for the rest of my social work career."

"Family Counseling Center is a wonderful place to do field education.  The staff is very  welcoming to students and you are treated as part of the team. They include you in all aspects the the planned change process.  Following clients from intake to graduation is an eye opening experience.  It gives you the opportunity to witness clients changing and growing through the treatment process.  The clients are wonderful, caring people who have made some bad decisions in life and are trying to find the tools and support they need to change to another path.  You have the opportunity to work with other agencies in the community.  All of the skills taught in the social work classes are used during the semester.  For me the most exciting part was the opportunity to facilitate groups on  treatment, recovery and life skills." 

"The Family Counseling Center is a great placement.  I really enjoyed being there. As a student you are allowed to attend drug court, administer UA's, participate in staffing meetings, lead groups and more. You will work closely with both the women's program and the adolescent program. There is always an opportunity to advocate!"

"Being at the FCC was a great experience.  I felt priviledged to be able to work with both adult and adolescent populations and compare and contrast them. Having so much experience with groups really fine-tuned my public speaking skills. The field instuctor is excellent and really makes herself available for the students. She is a great example of how a social worker should be. " 

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