The very first program established by SHIELDS in 1990, the emphasis of the Genesis program is to promote family bonding and family reunification for substance abuse impacted families. We strengthen the family as well as the community by building skills through educational services, counseling services, child development, individual therapy, educational groups and case management. All services provided by the Genesis program are available in English and Spanish.

While working at Dr. Martin Luther King hospital, it was observed that there was a high percentage of families with drug exposed infants as well as a high involvement with the Department of Children and Family Services. In an effort to address these issues, the Genesis Family Day Treatment program was developed in 1990 to provide a new beginning for pregnant and parenting women and their families affected by drugs in South Los Angeles.

The target population for the Genesis program is pregnant women and/or women with children who have been assessed as having moderate to severe problems with drug and/or alcohol, but are still able to maintain some semblance of stability and support in their lives. Participants within the Genesis program receive educational services, counseling services, child development, individual therapy, educational groups and case management. In addition, participants build leadership skills through participation in Client Council and the SHIELDS Consumer Advisory Board.

In an effort to provide comprehensive services to our participants, the Genesis program collaborates with several other SHIELDS programs to deliver an inclusive treatment model that supports sustainability and self-sufficiency. These programs include: SHIELDS Vocational Services Center (VSC) which provides literacy skills, GED preparation, job development and computer training; Heros & Sheros youth program which provides services such as tutoring, physical Education, computer classes, mental health and individual/group therapy to participants’ school aged children between the ages of 6-17; SHIELDS Therapeutic Nursery which assists participants’ children aged 3 to 5 with behavioral problems; the Genesis Child Development Center which provides comprehensive services for children ages 0 to 5; and Naomi Village which provides housing and case management services.

While Genesis is a 12 – 24 month program with an average completion rate of 18 months, the time spent in each phase of the program and the actual length of program participation may vary from client to client since we treat each person as a unique individual who will progress in their treatment and recovery at their own pace

Program Highlights

• Completion rates for Genesis have remained at 70% or higher since program implementation in 1990.
• Family Reunification rates are 90% for families involved with the Child Welfare System.
• The number of drug exposed births in the community decreased by 75% within 2 years of the opening of the program, decreasing costs at Martin Luther King Hospital by $60 million.
• SHIELDS received the national C. Everett Koop Award for our work at Genesis.
• In order to address the Spanish speaking needs of our community, a monolingual Spanish track is available for participants.

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