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CARES Program

Peer Recovery Support Services

CARES Academy 

CARES Academy 78

Academy Dates December 8th-12th, 2025

Applications Open Monday, September 22nd, 2025

Applications Close Friday, October 17th, 2025 

RCO CARES Academy 79

Academy Dates January 12th-16th, 2026

Applications Open Monday, October 27th, 2025

Applications Close Friday, November 21st, 2025 

CARES Academy 80

Academy Dates February 9th-13th, 2026

Applications Open Monday, November 24th, 2025

Applications Close Friday, December 19th, 2025

 MAR CARES Academy 81

Academy Dates March 16th-20th,2026

Applications Open Monday,December 29th, 2025

Applications Close Friday, January  23rd, 2026 

CARES Academy 82 

Academy Dates April 20th-24th,2026

Applications Open Monday,February  2nd, 2026

Applications Close Friday, February   27th, 2026 

DHH CARES Academy 83 

Academy Dates May 18th-22nd,2026

CARES DHH application deadlines are flexible.

CARES Academy 84 

Academy Dates June 22nd-26th,2026

Applications Open Monday,April  6th, 2026

Applications Close Friday, May 1st, 2026

CARES Academy 85 

Academy Dates August 17th-21st,2026

Applications Open Monday,June 1st, 2026

Applications Close Friday, June 26th, 2026

CARES Academy 86 

Academy Dates October 5th-9th,2026

Applications Open Monday,July 20th, 2026

Applications Close Friday,August 14th, 2026

CARES Academy 87 

Academy Dates December 7th-11th,2026

Applications Open Monday,September  21st, 2026

Applications Close Friday,October 16th, 2026

CARES MISSION

The mission of Georgia CARES is to promote long-term recovery from substance use disorders by providing experienced peer support and advocating for self-directed care.

CARES VISION

We envision a recovery-oriented system of care that supports self-directed pathways to recovery by building on the strengths and resilience of individuals, families and communities.
Empowering people in recovery to live meaningful and rewarding lives.
The Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist Academy was developed by the Georgia Council for Recovery to create a workforce of peers to provide recovery support services to the communities of Georgia. Funded by Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the CARES Academy is the first of its kind in the country to be Medicaid billable.

 
Upon completion of the CARES Academy, peers are able to:
  •  Advocate for recovery for themselves, the peers with whom they work, their recovery community, and for a Recovery Oriented System of Care.
  • Run recovery groups using “Partners for Change Outcome Management System”, an evidence-based practice found on the SAMHSA’s “National Registry of Evidence Based Practices and Programs (NREPP)”.
  • Conduct individual recovery check-ins by supporting peers in self-directed care and assessing a peer’s ‘recovery capital’ using Motivational Interviewing (also on NREPP) skills to enhance the relationship.
The Academy’s many strengths are evidenced in its three core components: Training, Examination, and Continuing Education.
Applying for CARES
ROSC/CARES TRAINING

ROSC/CARES Training is a resource designed to provide resources and support for peers interested in enrolling in CARES Academy.

ACADEMY

CARES Academy is a 40 hour training consisting of informal lectures and interactive workshops, which focuses on developing skills that enable CARES to provide quality peer recovery support services.

EXAMINATION

A final examination will be administered to participants. Participants will be issued a CARES Certification after completion of examination with a passing score.

CONTINUED EDUCATION

The CARES Continuing Education program is designed to provide ongoing education in established and emerging techniques for providing exceptional peer support services while providing opportunities for personal growth and professional development.

FAQ

Click to learn more about the Georgia Council for Recovery CARES Program.

CARES MEMBERS AREA

Are you a CARES Member? Click to sign in for more all up to date CARES information and resources.

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