- About RSS |
- Client Choice |
- Client Eligibility |
- Vouchers |
- RSS Services |
- RSS Service Providers |
- Contact Info
About PRSS
What is PRSS?
RSS, or Peer Recovery Support Services, provides clients with access to services that can help them break free from their use of alcohol and other drugs. These services include Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS) that have not been traditionally funded in the past.
How is PRSS different from other programs?
One of the key components of PRSS is that clients are allowed a genuine, free, and independent choice of a provider that will best meet their recovery needs. PRSS also offers clients the ability to choose from an array of providers that include licensed clinical treatment agencies as well as grassroots, community, and faith-based organizations.
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Client Choice
How Does Choice Work in PRSS?
PRSS is designed to provide choice to clients wishing to participate in clinical treatment and/or Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS). Clients that meet criteria for PRSS are given an assessment at enrollment. Clients are then allowed to choose the agency they would like to attend by looking through a selection of PRSS provider profiles that match their service needs and their program priorities.
Every PRSS provider fills out a profile that outlines the services that they provide through PRSS, as well as a description of their program, location, hours of operation, language(s) spoken, and special services offered. Pictures of each facility are also available in order to assist clients with making a decision about which facility the client would like to attend.
Can I go to any provider?
Not every provider in Illinois is a part of the PRSS program. Agencies apply to be a part of the program, and PRSS approves agencies that are able to provide quality services to clients in a safe environment. However, a client can attend services at any PRSS-enrolled provider of their choice.
Even among enrolled PRSS providers, no single program, service, or approach will be right for every client. While the final decision is up to the client, PRSS's goal is to assist the client with finding a provider that is well-matched to meeting the client's individualized service needs in order to aim for his or her ultimate success.
What if I don't like the program that I chose at enrollment?
Because choice is the cornerstone of the PRSS Program, PRSS has designed a way to provide choice to clients in the most informative way possible. However, sometimes even the most informed choice may not lead to the best match for services. If you find that the program you selected at enrollment is not a good fit for you, you can request a change by contacting the PRSS Project Director at (312) 814-3701, who will schedule an appointment for you with your enrollment provider for a re-evaluation.
What should I do if I am not offered a choice of provider at the time of enrollment?
If you find that you are being coerced or forced to choose a particular provider, or if the person enrolling you into RSS does not offer you a choice of alternative providers, please contact the PRSS Project Director, Rex E. Alexander, at 312-814-3701 to report the issue.
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Client Eligibility
How do I know if I am eligible for PRSS?
You are eligible for enrollment into the RSS program if you meet the following criteria:
- You are 18 years of age or older
- You have a history of alcohol and/or drug dependence, abuse, or use
How long can I participate in PRSS?
Clients are given a voucher at the time of enrollment which is good for 90 days of service at their agency of choice, starting with the day of enrollment. Also, each service has a cap for the number of times the service can be redeemed through PRSS. Each client is allowed to use the voucher up to the service cap, or for 90 days, whichever comes first.
If you would like to participate in services at an agency beyond the service cap or past the voucher expiration date, it will be up to you to work with the agency to arrange it.
Can I enroll in PRSS more than once?
No. Clients may only enroll into the PRSS program one time.
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Vouchers
What is a voucher?
A voucher is an electronic record that serves as the Illinois PRSS Program's agreement to pay an RSS provider for authorized services provided to an Illinois PRSS client. Vouchers tell an agency what PRSS services the client needs, how many sessions can be redeemed, and the length of time the client can participate in the program. Vouchers are issued based on the availability of grant funds.
How do vouchers work in PRSS?
After a client selects an agency of their choice, the client is given a voucher, which is created electronically, in order to redeem services. Services are added to the voucher, and each service has a cap on the number of sessions or usages which can be redeemed by the agency. Each voucher lasts for 90 days, and the client can redeem services up to the cap or up to 90 days, whichever comes first.
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PRSS Services
How do I sign up for services?
Enrollment agencies will complete a face to face eligibility screening/assessment of individuals seeking services from Illinois PRSS. If clients are deemed eligible for services, the enrollment specialist will make a referral to the PRSS provider the client chooses. Determination of the appropriate level of care is completed using the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) peer recovery support services criteria. If you would like to schedule an appointment for enrollment into the PRSS program, contact an PRSS provider in your area.
What does PRSS pay for?
PRSS offers a wide array of services to clients in need, including:
- Employment Training
- Employment Coaching
- Peer Coaching
- Recovery Coaching
- Recovery Skills
- Spiritual Support
- Transportation Assistance
What kind of transportation assistance does PRSS allow?
Transportation assistance may be used to pay for transportation costs associated with commuting to and from an individual's treatment and/or recovery support program and job searches authorized by the provider. Agencies may issue public transportation fare cards or drive clients to and from services. Transportation costs must be preauthorized on an individual basis.
Can I participate in more than one program at a time?
It is possible for clients to attend services at more than one agency throughout their involvement in PRSS because each agency does not offer all of the same services. If one agency is not able to meet a client's full array of service needs, more than one agency may be chosen at the time of enrollment. However, clients cannot receive PRSS funding to attend the same service at more than one provider. For example, a client can receive recovery coaching from Agency A and vocational training from Agency B, but a client cannot receive recovery coaching from both Agency A and Agency B.
Can I join a new program after I finish one?
After receiving and completing services from one PRSS provider clients may not then choose to go to another provider. If clients have not completed services or if problems or difficulties will not allow the client to continue services at the first provider, a request to choose another agency may be evaluated. Requests for program changes can be made by contacting the PRSS Project Director, Rex Alexander, at (312) 814-3701.
What if I don't like or am not happy with the services that I received?
All PRSS providers must have a system in place for clients to file complaints and grievances. We ask that you first contact the agency you have a complaint against to attempt to resolve your issue. This is the best way to get a direct response and work out a resolution for your concerns. If you are concerned that a complaint will affect the availability of services, or that you may be retaliated against, you may contact the PRSS Project Director, Rex Alexander, at (312) 814-3701 to report your complaint.
Who should I call in case of an emergency or crisis?
For immediate assistance in all crises:
- Call 911 for emergency services
- Go to the nearest hospital emergency room
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PRSS Service Providers
Where can I find a list of PRSS Providers?
You can find a list of all current PRSS Providers on the Peer Recovery Support Services page.
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