First Life Intervention Program
A Second Chance for First Responders
The First Life Intervention Program (FLIP) stands as a testament to our commitment to Public Safety/First Responders and other employer groups. Recognizing the unique challenges and pressures faced by these professionals, FLIP is designed to offer a lifeline, especially for those who've encountered substance or mental health challenges that have put their careers at risk.
Values and Mission:
FLIP values and respects the needs of Public Safety/First Responders. Our program is committed to offering culturally knowledgeable services, ensuring confidentiality, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Our mission is to provide a system of services that help these professionals redevelop their relationship with work and family, ensuring they don't lose their career due to unforeseen challenges.
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Our mission is to provide a trustworthy environment for Public Safety and other employer groups, offering a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse continuum of care. This includes therapeutic services, CISM, and training and education. Our ultimate vision is to establish a mental health, substance abuse treatment, and training organization that fosters trust. By developing various programs for our clients, their families, and organizations, we aim to give employees the opportunity to retain their jobs and rebuild trust with their coworkers and families. If we achieve our goals, we hope to significantly reduce suicide rates and marital discord within the Public Safety/First Responder communities.
Who Qualifies for FLIP:
FLIP is tailored for a wide range of professionals, including:
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Federal Agents
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Law Enforcement Officers
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Firefighters
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Corrections Officers
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Dispatchers
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EMS/Rescue Personnel
The program specifically targets employees identified due to problematic workplace behaviors such as excessive absences, erratic behaviors, legal charges, potential investigations for misconduct, or those who self-report the need for our services.
Program Structure:
FLIP is modeled after successful professional monitoring programs like HIMS, FADAP, PHP (Physicians Health Program), LAP (Lawyer’s Assistance Program), and SAP (Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Programs). Participants engage in the program for a duration ranging from 1 to 5 years, based on individual needs and employer policies.
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Every participant undergoes an assessment by a culturally competent, licensed clinician. Our team, comprising peer support, case managers, trauma-informed clinicians, and community liaisons, ensures a holistic approach to recovery. We also offer a full continuum of care based on each participant's assessment.
Ways to Enter the FLIP Program:
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Self-Report: A Public Safety/First Responder can self-report to a peer support/chaplain or other internal personnel. This method offers more options during the FLIP program, including less accountability to their agency.
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Direct Referral: Agencies can directly refer individuals due to a violation of their workplace policy. These individuals undergo a thorough assessment, and their workplace safety risk factors are meticulously examined.
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Self-Referral: Individuals can also enter the program through referrals from colleagues, friends, or family members. These participants will not have the same monitoring or oversight as those in the FLIP program but will still benefit from peer support groups.
Success Stories:
Our program has already made a difference in the lives of many. From law enforcement officers regaining their credentials after battling alcoholism to firefighters returning to duty after facing PTSD, FLIP has been instrumental in turning lives around.