Residential Program
View our Residential Brochure
- An Open Residential Facility:
There are 4 living units with a capacity of eleven youth - two for males and two for females. The bedrooms are either semi-private or private. The units have activity rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and two living room areas. There is 24-hour staff supervision.
- Trained Child Care Counselors
Our Child Care Counselors are considered the primary care-givers for the youth. Staff is provided ongoing training in areas such as Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), First Aid and CPR, HIPPA & Confidentiality, Medication Administration, Emergency & Evacuation Procedures, and effective customer service. Our staff provide a safe predictable environment through regularly scheduled individual and group counseling sessions focused on developing appropriate coping skills, building healthy relationships, anger management, sex education, values clarification, self-esteem issues, and substance abuse education; This is created through a daily routine with clear expectations of socially appropriate behavior. The youth receive independent living skills in the area of training in meal planning, purchasing, and preparation; counseling in personal hygiene, general household cleanliness and clothing care; education in family life, sexuality, drugs, and alcohol; tutoring; recreation; and direction in money management of allowances.
- Family Treatment
Our commitment is to the youth in care and the entire family to promote reunification where appropriate. Treatment services are available to families with field offices in Buffalo, Rochester, and Jamestown. A strong emphasis on parental involvement permeates the program and is accomplished through family engagement, participation, and empowerment. Treatment goals are developed and implemented collectively with the family being a member of our Treatment Team. Frequent family contact is viewed as essential. Family Service Workers meet with families in their homes on a bi-weekly basis.
- Clinical Services
Evaluations, testing, and therapy are provided. All youth are assigned a Supportive Therapist for individual counseling sessions and is part of the treatment planning. Specialized services include the following:
Physically and/or Sexually Abused Treatment Program
Cultural Diversity Awareness ServicesGrief and loss issues
Psychiatric Consultation and Treatment –
Psychiatric evaluations are completed on all youth by a licensedChild Psychiatrist.
Monitoring of psychiatric medication, when prescribed, occurs regularly.
Psychological Testing, Evaluation, and Treatment –
Our psychologists administer a battery of psychological tests to residents and
offer treatment recommendations. In addition, individual and group therapy is provided.
- Behavior Modification Program:
We utilize a Behavior Modification / Level System to monitor and provide feedback to the youth, family and referring agency regarding the progress being made in the program. It also determines the level of privileges the youth is able to obtain based on his/her ability to meet the established treatment goals and the programs outlined expectations of socially acceptable behavior.
- Therapy Oriented Activities
Youth belong to special-interest clubs and groups which meet on a regular basis. The purpose of these groups is to assist with individual skill development, to teach youth to carry through with obligations, and to experience some measure of success or competency in a specific area. The groups are designed to be practical so that the youth can continue their interests after residential treatment.
- Full Medical Services
Routine physical examinations and medical care are provided. Emergency facilities are available at a local hospital. Facilities are available for the physical isolation of youth with contagious diseases. Speech, hearing, vision, and physical assessments are completed annually. Routine dental examinations are also provided. These services include orthodontia as needed. A full-time Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse are on staff. All services are overseen by a Medical Director.
- Religious Programming
Youth are encouraged to attend local churches of their denominational background. A weekly chapel service is held on the campus. Religious education/spiritual development groups are led by our Chaplain with attendance optional.
- Employment
In addition to paid chores, some of our youth may pursue paid positions with Lutheran Social Services or in the community. Youth also have the opportunity to volunteer in the community programs such as the SPCA, American Cancer Society, day care centers, hospitals and nursing homes. GA youth have regularly obtained paid positions at the Jamestown Jammer's.
- Community Involvement:
We utilize other community agencies such as the YWCA, YMCA, Jamestown Community College, and Boy's and Girl's Club, to provide services to youth. Youth are also involved in community sport leagues. Other community resources are also utilized such as theaters and various cultural events throughout the year. We also have volunteers involved in our program and services. The opportunity exists for select youth to join local families with some of their activities.
- Transitional Services/Aftercare
Transitional services are available for a minimum of six months to those youth and families who complete the residential program. Aftercare services are also offered with the approval of the Department of Social Services when the Department has ongoing custody of the youth.
- Independent Living Skills Training
All youth aged 14 and over have specialized training opportunities to develop skills in preparation for independent living.
- Permanency Planning
At admission, a permanency goal is established for each youth which provides a direction for treatment planning. This planning is documented in the FASP as mandated by the Office of Children and Family Services.
