The county programs CSAC recognizes with our Challenge Awards all have one thing in common: they represent the best practices counties put to use every day serving the people of their community. The award given to Stanislaus County is a little different. It recognizes a truly great program—and also the extraordinary effort made to save the program in the face of severe budget cuts. This is the story of the Stanislaus County Clean and Sober living program.

The program is designed to let mothers who are going through alcohol and substance abuse treatment live with their children in a safe and supportive environment. Keeping these families together is usually far better for the children, and the prospect of keeping their kids often provides moms with the extra incentive they need to complete the program successfully. It saves money for the County because the alternative is often foster care for the kids and incarceration for the moms.