The Cornerstones of Care Substance-Use Treatment Program offers a comprehensive, family-centered approach to help youth and families overcome substance abuse and related challenges. Serving children and youth ages 6 to 23, the program aims to prevent or reduce drug use and equip participants with the skills needed to maintain a healthy, drug-free life. Many of the youth served have faced trauma, neglect, or violence, and often come from families struggling with substance use and instability.

Cornerstones of Care has partnered with COMBAT for over 20 years, working to interrupt cycles of substance abuse and support positive futures for children, youth, and families. Through trauma-informed care, education, therapy, and community support, the program helps participants heal, grow, and succeed.

Who The Program Serves

Most youth in the program have experienced adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence. Many are involved with the child welfare or justice systems, and some are homeless or awaiting foster care placement. Behavioral and emotional disorders are common, often alongside co-occurring mental health and substance use issues. Substance use typically begins early, with marijuana, alcohol, prescription drugs, and tobacco being the most prevalent.

Youth in residential treatment often exhibit behaviors that put themselves or others at risk. Older youth in transitional living programs prepare to age out of care with limited adult support. Others attend the Therapeutic Day Treatment Program because behavioral challenges disrupt their success in traditional schools.

Families frequently face challenges such as disordered relationships, poor communication, substance use, and ineffective parenting skills. The program also engages families in therapy to support healthier home environments and help prevent future substance abuse or delinquency.

Program Goals

The Cornerstones of Care program focuses on:

• Preventing or interrupting substance use among youth and adults in the household.

• Building skills for maintaining abstinence from drugs and alcohol.

• Improving family relationships and parenting skills.

• Enhancing educational engagement and reducing criminal behaviors.

• Supporting youth in developing positive social connections and life skills.

• Promoting long-term recovery through community support and relapse prevention.

Evidence-Based & Trauma-Informed Care

Cornerstones of Care uses proven, research-supported methods tailored to each client’s unique needs:

• Sanctuary Model®: Creates a trauma-informed environment that prioritizes safety, emotional regulation, and healing, ensuring participants and staff are not retraumatized.

• Project ALERT: An interactive drug education curriculum for youth ages 12–18 that prevents drug initiation, discourages escalation, and promotes healthy, drug-free attitudes.

• SMART Recovery: A science-based abstinence support program that helps individuals build motivation, cope with urges, manage thoughts and feelings, and live balanced lives.

• Motivational Interviewing: A collaborative counseling style that empowers youth and families to take responsibility for change and overcome resistance.

• Expressive Therapies: Art, music, and movement therapies help youth express emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

• Functional Family Therapy (FFT): An evidence-based, in-home family intervention that reduces risky behaviors by strengthening communication, parenting, and family bonds.

Program Services

• Comprehensive Assessments: Clients complete detailed evaluations covering substance use, mental health, trauma, family history, and cultural background to tailor individualized treatment plans.

• Individual Therapy: Up to three hours weekly focusing on motivation, coping skills, and personal growth.

• Group Education: Four types of groups address drug education, abstinence support, sober lifestyle skills, and provide rewards for maintaining sobriety.

• Family Therapy: Weekly in-home FFT sessions help families improve dynamics, set clear boundaries, and support youth recovery.

• Case Management: Helps clients access community resources, coordinate care, and maintain treatment engagement.

• Relapse Prevention: Incorporates creative therapies and education to help clients avoid relapse and build positive leisure habits.

• Drug Testing: Regular urine analysis promotes accountability and monitors progress.

Cultural Competency & Inclusion

Cornerstones of Care is deeply committed to respecting and responding to the cultural identities of its clients. Services are adapted to fit diverse backgrounds, and interpreter services ensure access for all. The program fosters a respectful, strengths-based environment where every participant can engage fully.

The agency also actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion internally and within the community through initiatives that review policies, provide cultural training, and enhance workforce diversity.

Outcomes & Success Measures

The program aims to serve 200 youth and their families annually, achieving the following outcomes:

• At least 60% of residential clients maintain abstinence during treatment and at discharge.

• 90% of families receiving Functional Family Therapy avoid arrests within 30 days of discharge.

• 80% of youth are enrolled in school or employed upon program completion.

• Significant reductions in pro-drug attitudes among participants in drug education groups.

Clients gain skills to identify triggers, resist substance use, and make positive choices. Family involvement improves parenting effectiveness and creates a supportive home environment, enhancing youth success in school and the community.

Professional Standards & Oversight

All counselors and therapists hold relevant Missouri certifications and licenses, including Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, and certified Functional Family Therapists. The program is accredited and regularly reviewed for adherence to evidence-based practices.

Staff participate in ongoing peer reviews and supervision to ensure quality care. Client feedback and satisfaction surveys inform continuous program improvement.

Commitment To Lasting Change

Cornerstones of Care understands the complex challenges faced by youth impacted by trauma and substance abuse. By combining trauma-informed care, family involvement, evidence-based treatment, and community support, the program provides a pathway to healing and recovery.

Youth leave with stronger coping skills, healthier relationships, and the motivation to build a brighter, drug-free future—empowered to contribute positively to their families and communities.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.