Specialized Residential Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) Program
The Specialized Residential Intensive Treatment Units (ITU) provide a structured therapeutic setting to 18 biological females, ages 11-18, who are adjudicated dependent and/or delinquent.
Intensive Treatment Units (ITU) provide a structured environment staffed around-the-clock with highly trained, trauma-informed, caring, and competent staff who encourage youth to take ownership in their treatment process. A master’s level clinician works with each youth to create an individualized and strength-based treatment plan; they can also provide individual and family therapy. Youth participate in evidence-based therapeutic treatment groups daily and can obtain psychiatric and medical consultations as necessary.
The program follows a daily clinical schedule and the youth work to complete the program by progressing through our trauma-informed Step System known as FUTURE. As the youth progresses through the Step System, they earn more privileges and opportunities within the campus setting that involves free time, additional phone calls, off-campus outings, and the opportunity to serve on one of our youth committees where they can suggest and set-up unique youth-lead activities such as holiday dances, changes to the current privilege night options, and weekend off-campus activities. In addition, each day, youth have the opportunity to earn privileges that allow them to attend daily campus incentives, such as the ice cream sundae bar social, movie nights, arts & crafts, special recreation events, and many more! In addition, youth who reside in the Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) programs also can focus on completing any court-ordered requirements such as community service and/or restitution.
All youth, and minimally their Caseworker/Probation Officer and Bethesda assigned clinician, must attend the youth’s Initial Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and then every 30-Day ISP Review afterwards in order to remain in compliance with the Specialized Programming Requirements. All representatives of the youth’s team are welcome, and encouraged, to attend this meeting to include, but not limited to their GAL, Parents/Guardians, IL Workers, etc.
Specialized Group Home Program
The Specialized Group Home provide a structured therapeutic setting to 7 biological females, ages 14-21, who are adjudicated dependent and/or delinquent.
The Group Homes offer a home-like living environment, while focusing on independent living skills. Youth in group homes learn money management and are encouraged to gain employment. Youth also learn to meal plan, grocery shop, create and adhere to a budget, basic home maintenance, and many other independent living skills. A master’s level clinician works with each youth to create an individualized and strength-based treatment plan; they can also provide individual and family therapy as needed. Please note, if the youth is transitioning from the ITU side of Residential, the same clinician typically follows the youth to continue working with them as needed. Youth also continue to participate in evidence-based therapeutic treatment groups daily and can obtain psychiatric and medical consultations as necessary.
The Group Home youth follow a two-track system.
1. Employment/Education Track for youth old enough to work.
2. Pre-Employment/ Education Track for youth not old enough or eligible to work.
While there are two tracks, both follow the same group home step system that allow them to begin working on their own goals within their designated track program. The step system begins with Orientation, then progress through Steps 1-4. In order to progress, the youth’s daily behavioral progress must be maintained along with individualized treatment that must be completed prior to the youth requesting to transition to the next step. The goal is to set the youth up for the best possible outcome for each youth and to assist them in meeting their treatment needs and goals.
The Group Home is staffed around-the-clock with highly trained, trauma-informed, caring, and competent staff who encourage youth to take ownership in their treatment process. Youth and staff work together to prepare meals and foster a “family-like” atmosphere which allows the youth to feel comfortable and safe. Youth who reside in the Group Home setting can also focus on completing any court-ordered requirements such as community service and/or restitution.
All youth, and minimally their Caseworker/Probation Officer and Bethesda assigned clinician, must attend the youth’s Initial Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and then every 30-Day ISP Review afterwards in order to remain in compliance with the Specialized Programming Requirements. All representatives of the youth’s team are welcome, and encouraged, to attend this meeting to include, but not limited to their GAL, Parents/Guardians, IL Workers, etc.
Right Start Program for Young Mothers Program
The Right Start Program for Young Mothers provides services to pregnant or parenting young women ages 12-21 with their accompanying infant, toddler or young child. A skilled team of staff work with the young women to assist them in becoming strong, confident, and independent mothers using strategies and techniques aimed at enhancing parenting knowledge and skills, continuing education, and developing independent living skills. Program staff provide child care and age-appropriate developmental activities for infants, toddlers and young children residing in the program.
The young women participate in evidence-based therapeutic treatment groups to include evidence-based parenting classes a minimum of two times a week. Young mothers are offered mental health therapy from our skilled clinicians, and obtain psychiatric, psychological, and medical consultations, as necessary.
This program also partners with the New Life Unit at Meadville Medical Center, Early Intervention, WIC, Early Head Start and Project ELECT.
All youth, and minimally their Caseworker/Probation Officer and Bethesda assigned clinician, must attend the youth’s Initial Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and then every 30-Day ISP Review afterwards in order to remain in compliance with the Specialized Programming Requirements. All representatives of the youth’s team are welcome, and encouraged, to attend this meeting to include, but not limited to their GAL, Parents/Guardians, IL Workers, etc. In this Program, the infant/toddler will also have an ISP and 30-Day Review Meetings in which minimal representation is required from the mother and the Caseworker/Probation Officer, if the infant/toddler is adjudicated. The infant/toddler’s biological father is also strongly encouraged to participate.
Emergency Shelter
Emergency Shelter services are provided to biological female youth, ages 11-18, who are either adjudicated dependent and/or adjudicated delinquent. These youth can remain in Shelter care for up to 14 days – at this point the youth must be removed from the program or Court Ordered to transition from the Shelter Status to the ITU Status.
The Emergency Shelter provides youth with a safe, secure, and structured environment. Youth also participate in our education program. The youth will be scheduled for an initial medical, vision, and dental appointment. No other services are provided with the exception that if the youth were to arrive with psychotropic medications or, in the case of AWOL, were prescribed psychotropic medications; in this case the youth will be seen by a psychiatrist to ensure continuation of prescribed medication.
