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FAQs FOR PARTICIPANTS / LOVED ONES
Q: If I enter Safe Passage what can I expect?
A: The first step is to enter a participating law enforcement agency (Dixon, Lee County or Rock Falls), tell them you have a substance abuse problem and need help. Often you will be enrolled in treatment (Detox, Inpatient) within 24-48 hours. Drugs and paraphernalia can be turned into the police department you enter for help.
Q: What items do I bring with me to treatment?
A: General items that people normally take with them are the following:
– Shirts, pants, undergarments, socks
– Tennis shoes and slip on shoes
– Toiletries (disposable razor, shaving cream, deodorant (solid only), tooth paste and tooth brush.
– Laundry detergent
– Medications (7 day supply for detox, 30 day for in-patient)
– cigarettes (unopened)
Q: What if I have a warrant for my arrest?
A: Although we ask that you take care of this outstanding warrant prior to coming into the police department. Due to outstanding warrants we are not able to place individuals into treatment.
Q: How long is treatment?
A: On average, detox is 3-7 days in length. Inpatient can be up to 28 days.
Q: Can a loved one / relative transport me to treatment?
A: Yes. Safe Passage encourages family and friends to transport their loved one to treatment.
Q: What happens after I have completed treatment?
A: A Recovery Coach will be assigned to you. This individual will assist you in with getting you placed into outpatient treatment, education, health insurance and job placement, and in general hooking you up with community resources to assist you in staying clean and sober.
Q: What happens after I have completed treatment?
A: Safe Passage is aware that not everyone succeeds the first time they enter treatment. You are welcome to come into a participating law enforcement agency as often as needed and be placed back into the necessary treatment.
Q: I have a loved one who needs to be in Safe Passage, how can I get them into treatment?
A: Safe Passage is a voluntary program. The person who has the substance use disorder needs to want to get help. As a loved you can only encourage them to get help and then support them if they choose to do so.
FAQs FOR VOLUNTEER RECOVERY GUIDES
Q: What is the process of being a Recovery Guide like?
A: The Law Enforcement agency will put a call out to the Safe Passage group text line upon receiving notice of a potential client; with as much information as is known at the time. Volunteer coordination and logistics are managed through a Dixon Police officer. The volunteers will provide emotional support, rides to facilities and help with intake forms.
Q: Do I need to use my own car?
A: Drivers will use their own cars. If you don’t have a usable care you are welcome to ride along. Volunteers go in pairs.
Q: Who can volunteer?
A: Any concerned resident who wants to lend compassionate support. Dixon Police Department considers persons in recovery (in recovery for over a year) especially helpful to the Safe Passage program.
Q: Is there a background check?
A: Chief Steve Howell and Sheriff John Simonton will personally review applications and may request a background check.
Q: How long are the trips?
A: Generally, trips are 1 hour to 90 minutes each way. An additional hour should be expected for the “check-in” process.
Q: What services are volunteers expected to provide?
A: The volunteers are used to transport individuals to the treatment facilities while giving emotional support. Volunteers can either drive or simply ride along
Q: Should we bring anything?
A: No, everything is provided for the transport to the treatment facility
Q: What days and times are Guides needed?
A: Volunteers are needed at all times during the week and weekends, but generally during the weekdays from 8:00 a.m. -6:00 p.m.
Q: What if the client gets ill or anxious on the trip?
A: Guides should use their best judgment in stopping to seek help. Otherwise, do your best to provide comfort and care.
Q: Do we make stops along the way?
A: If the situation merits a stop, be thoughtful of stopping in a safe place and be mindful of your client’s disposition throughout the stop.
Q: What about food stops?
A: If the client and/or guide(s) need food, a drive-through option is recommended. Be mindful if a follow-up bathroom stop may be subsequently needed. Timing can be critical for check-in procedures.