Navigating recovery and strengthening families
Supporting parents, caregivers, and families as they navigate recovery, strengthen family stability, and connect with essential community support.
The Substance Use Navigator program offers dedicated guidance across six to eight structured sessions tailored to each participant's current stage of recovery. Whether individuals are actively seeking treatment, managing daily stressors, or exploring community support options, our navigators meet families right where they are.
The program operates with funding support from Forsyth County and welcomes referrals from any resident, community partner, or local agency across the county, regardless of current Department of Social Services involvement.
Our navigators begin by assessing unique family needs, evaluating safety in the home, and identifying key goals. Children do not need to be currently living in the household to qualify for services.
When substance use is present in the home, navigators work directly with parents to establish safety plans, which includes ensuring that a designated, sober caregiver is present to protect the wellbeing of the children. For parents who may be using alcohol or who do not feel they have a substance use issue, navigators focus on providing education, risk reduction tools, and voluntary community resources rather than imposing mandated steps.
Throughout the program, participants:
- build practical skills to handle triggers
- work to manage daily stressors
- learn skills to maintain home stability
Navigators actively assist with logistics to keep parents on track, providing bus passes, transportation coordination, and hands-on help scheduling healthcare or counseling appointments.
While the program does not perform drug screenings or require clients to be drug-free to participate, navigators encourage formal clinical assessments and help parents follow through with professional recommendations.
Participants are also guided into parenting classes to build core caregiving skills before or during navigation services.
Program Service Includes:
- Assessment and initial screening - Evaluating current family needs, home safety, and individual goals to create a customized support plan.
- Safety planning and support - Assisting parents with safety strategies, including placing a reliable safe person in the home when active substance use occurs.
- Recovery education and stress management - Teaching participants about stages of change, identifying triggers, managing daily stress, and practicing harm reduction strategies.
- Appointment and transportation support - Providing guidance and support for scheduling and attending medical, behavioral health, and community appointments.
- Program transitions and follow-up - Connecting parents to parenting education classes and conducting a three-month post-completion check-in to support ongoing family stability.
To make a referral click here or call (336) 748-9028 for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you perform drug screenings? No. The Substance Use Navigator program does not perform drug tests or require proof of abstinence. Our focus remains entirely on providing supportive care, education, and resource connection.
Does my client or family member have to be clean to participate? No. Participants do not need to be drug-free or currently in treatment to enroll. Navigators meet individuals wherever they are in their recovery journey.
Who can refer someone to this program? Anyone residing or operating within Forsyth County can make a referral, including self-referrals, community organizations, healthcare providers, and local agencies. Services are open to the entire county community and are not restricted to social services cases.
Do participants need their own transportation? No. Navigators help remove logistical barriers by offering bus passes, helping arrange transportation, and assisting with appointment scheduling to ensure participants can access needed services.
Are children required to be living in the home to qualify? No. Parents and caregivers qualify for navigator services whether their children are currently residing in the home, living with relatives, or placed in alternative care.
Are program participants eligible for Parenting PATH respite services? Families involved with the Department of Social Services are not eligible for respite care through this program. However, navigators can connect families with alternative community resources and support networks.
