Methods of Treatment
The methods used to accomplish these goals involve a delicate balance between structure, and individualization. Each day will be highly organized by time. The children will get up at 6:30am, eat at 7:00, have their first group activity (e.g. school), at 8:00 and so forth. Scheduled times for recreation and socialization are included. Within the structured times, the activities may differ from child to child. The high staff to client ratio allows us to address each child’s needs individually. For example, during the 6:00am to 6:30am time; one child may be needing to work on problems with dressing himself, while his roommate may be needing to take responsibility for his enuresis (changing bedding and washing his sheets), while another may be working on severe dental hygiene problems. An oldfer child working on independent living skills might be in the kitchen assisting with meal preparation.
There is a significant focus on each child developing the adaptive living skills necessary to allow him to move on to his least restrictive environment and hopefully to function independently as an adult. The second key component to the treatment program is the emphasis on adressing the behavioral and psychological health of the clients.
A treatment team that is headed by a licensed psychologist will develop each child’s treatment program. Any relevant issues which arise from the bi-weekly group therapy sessions or the weekly individual and family therapy sessions will be communicated to all direct contact staff. Conversely, the direct contact staff will be communicating directly with the psychologist regarding the issues/concerns that they encountered during the daily activities with the clients as well as progress that is observed.
For those children who are able to return home, a focal point of treatment is to reintegrate them back into the family. Our psychologists are skilled at family therapy as well as individual therapy to assist in developing plans within the natural or prospective foster home for successful transitions. Observing the interactions between the child and the family may be the most important element in ensuring a positive future.
The recreation program is extremely important to the social, psychological, and physical well being of the children. Skilled staff has developed and will supervise this important aspect of the treatment program.
To further enhance the learning environment, we coordinate our efforts with the Bolivar school district to provide an on-site school environment.