Rep. Carney Advocates for Recovery High School Legislation

HARTFORD – At an Education Committee public hearing, State Representative Devin Carney (R-23) offered testimony in support of section 1 of HB 5466, “An Act Concerning Assorted Revisions and Additions to the Education Statutes.” This particular section of the proposed legislation would task the State Department of Education to conduct a feasibility study regarding the creation of a recovery high school.

Recovery high schools are specially created secondary schools for students recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. The primary goal of these schools is to meet state requirements for graduation, help students through recovery programs, and be available to any eligible students in recovery.

“With the rise of addiction and substance abuse in our state we need to explore options for our students in recovery,” said Rep. Carney. “There is still stigma attached to substance abuse disorder, especially among our youth. A recovery school would provide a supportive space for students away from peer pressure and allow them to focus on their recovery and academics. The sooner an addiction is caught and treated, the more likely the person is to fully recover and live a life free of the demons that come with one.”

Rep. Carney first proposed this concept as a stand-alone bill to the Education Committee. During the “short” legislative session, Representatives cannot introduce their own legislation and must have concepts raised by the committee of cognizance.

“The state should act swiftly this study and give students suffering from addiction the best opportunities to succeed,” concluded Rep. Carney.

Currently there are over a dozen states with at least one recovery high school, including neighboring states, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York.

For more information visit the Association of Recovery High Schools at www.recoveryschools.org.