The Invitation to Change model was developed by CMC: Foundation for Change and focuses on building communication skills, improving family relationships and self-care for families. Support groups can be facilitated by paid or volunteer community members, peer support specialists or clinicians. The Invitation to Change model and strategies are drawn from three evidence-based approaches—Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training (CRAFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
This is a joint project with the Great Lakes ATTC at University of Wisconsin, Northwest ATTC at University of Washington, Mountain Plains ATTC at University of North Dakota and University of Nevada Reno, Southeast ATTC at Morehouse School of Medicine, Mid America ATTC and the ATTC Network Coordinating Office at University of Missouri Kansas City.
South Southwest ATTC is engaged in a multi-year collaborative effort to provide family members of people with substance use challenges access to evidence informed, responsive and culturally appropriate resources. Our efforts began in 2022 in response to needs identified in the South Southwest ATTC’s service region – HHS Region 6, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
In 2022-2023, South Southwest ATTC partnered with the National Hispanic and Latino Addiction Technology Transfer Center, The African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence and local community representatives to conduct a review of existing resources for family members. In addition, we hosted consultations directly with family members and loved ones of people who use substances about their experiences and needs.The resulting report from the consultation indicated that family members are available and steadfast supporters of their loved ones. They are actively working to find treatment and recovery supports for family members facing substance use challenges. They are strengthened by extended family networks and faith communities, but they also experience significant isolation and shame, and frequently struggle to find effective resources.
To expand resources and support for families, South Southwest ATTC has launched a project to establish and nurture the growth of Invitation to Change Family Support Groups in Region 6. In July – August 2024 the South Southwest ATTC sponsored training for 13 facilitators at five community organizations to facilitate Invitation to Change Family Support Groups in the following communities:
Houston, TX
Weatherford, TX
Oklahoma City, OK
Shreveport, LA
Albuquerque, NM
The community organizations are offering their first Invitation To Change Family Support Groups in person and/or virtually between September and March 2024. CMC: Foundation for Change and the SSW ATTC are providing ongoing technical assistance and coaching for the new facilitators. SSW ATTC, participating community organizations and CMC: Foundation for Change are collecting data on implementation and impact of the project.
In late 2025, South Southwest ATTC will sponsor a second round of training and technical assistance for community organizations interested in facilitating Invitation to Change Family Support Groups in their communities. Organizations that participate agree to the following commitment:
Training Commitment:
Estimated time commitment: 40 hours
Support Group Implementation Commitment:
Estimated time commitment: 60 hours
Technical Assistance Commitment:
Estimated time commitment: 25 hours
If you would like more information about participating in the SSW ATTC Invitation To Change project or finding an Invitation to Change Family Support Group, contact the SSW ATTC at: [email protected]
