Youth treatment in South Mountain, PA

Residents learn to take responsibility for their behaviors, develop a thorough understanding of their offense cycle and deviant arousal patterns, explore the life experiences that may have contributed to their behaviors, increase their awareness of others and the impact of their behaviors, and develop a relapse prevention plan as they prepare to transition from the program.

Due to the age range of the population served in the Specialized Treatment Program, as well as the fact that residents are treated in an open environment, special consideration is paid to the potential risks to other residents and to the community and is a significant factor in determining the appropriateness of placement.

The treatment process at Abraxas is designed to address these issues with youth in an individualized manner. We work with each youth to develop healthy boundaries, establish appropriate attachments, cultivate age appropriate social skills, expand coping strategies, process trauma, and develop an understanding of and correctives for their behaviors. Residents are provided with numerous age-appropriate and experiential learning techniques to express themselves in more socially appropriate ways. This includes community service events, field trips and challenge course activities.

Different firesetters require different treatment approaches; This is NOT a ‘ONE SIZE FITS ALL’ clinical population. The below listed juvenile firesetter typology can be used to help recognize behaviors and begin to identify treatment needs. Effective outcomes are even more frequent when we carefully match treatment intensity to the seriousness of the juvenile firesetter’s problems.

The Intensive Services Track is designed for youth who identify with the following issues: neglect, abuse, disruptive attachments and various mental health disorders. Until these issues are adequately addressed, youth may work to process trauma or manage stress in unhealthy ways. This can result in children displaying acting out and significant behavioral issues. It’s because of this that Abraxas has started to work with these youth in its new 6 month track.The treatment approach is in part determined by the etiology of the behavior. Residents learn to take responsibility for their behaviors, develop a thorough understanding of their behavioral cycles and explore the life experiences that may have contributed to their behaviors. Additionally, they increase their awareness of others and the impact of their behaviors, and develop a relapse prevention plan as they prepare to transition from the program. Residents learn about and are required to maintain appropriate boundaries, learn to develop a sense of healthy masculinity, as well as establishing and maintaining healthy attachments. Residents also develop an understanding of their triggers, high risk situations and seemingly unimportant decisions. Due to the age range of the population served in the program, as well as the fact that residents are treated in an open environment, special consideration is paid to the potential risks to other residents and to the community and is a significant factor in determining the appropriateness of placement. The treatment process at Abraxas is designed to address these issues with youth in an individualized manner. Therapeutic staff works with youth to develop healthy boundaries, establish appropriate attachments, cultivate age appropriate social skills, expand coping strategies, process trauma, and develop an understanding of and correctives for their behaviors. Youth are provided with numerous age-appropriate and experiential learning techniques to express themselves in more socially appropriate ways. This includes community service events, field trips and challenge course activities.

The on-site school is a private elementary and secondary school licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Residents attend school daily and can earn credits that can be transferred. The program has certified Special Education teachers on staff and is overseen by our Education Director, Melissa Kennedy, M.Ed.

Upon arrival, students are assessed and placed in the elementary/middle school or the high school classrooms depending on their age and ability level. Both classrooms are designed to closely parallel public school practices to ensure positive academic performance upon discharge from the program. Cooperative learning and hands on manipulatives are commonly used to supplement lessons. Students visit the on-site library to encourage reading and literacy improvement outside of the classroom. Students are consistently rewarded for academic accomplishment, achieving honor roll and maintaining positive behavior in the classroom. For older or more academically advanced students, preparation programs are offered along with PSAT and SAT testing to prepare for post-secondary education.

Experiential education opportunities are available through our Leadership Experiential Adventure Program (LEAP) which provides experiential learning opportunities, adventure-based programming, community service, restitution, vocational programming an workforce development opportunities.

The program has numerous community partnerships which provide educational opportunities, community awareness/ engagement, and community service hours. In 2018, residents completed nearly 1000 hours of community service. Residents and staff of the Specialized Treatment Program support the local and surrounding communities by participating in service leaning projects at: Knick Knack Pittie Pack Animal Shelter; Antietam Animal Shelter; East Coast Exotic Animal Rescue; and local Therapeutic Riding Center.

The Abraxas Specialized Treatment Program recognizes the value of having families involved and informed throughout admission and the treatment process. Family engagement at the facility can be achieved in a variety of ways to strengthen the family relationships and build a stronger foundation for the child's return home. Families are encouraged to stay involved through visitation, conferences and regularly scheduled phone contacts. Assistance for families is provided as needed and includes video conferencing, transportation, overnight accommodations and financial gas assistance. Upon a youth’s arrival at the program, families will be contacted and provided information on how they can stay involved throughout their child's time in treatment.