Treatment Programs
Adobe Mountain School provides all secure care youth with treatment that addresses criminogenic and non-criminogenic factors that are identified during the initial intake assessment, which is grounded in the Risk-Need-Responsivity Model. All programs are evidence-based and proven effective with delinquent juveniles. Group treatment is facilitated by trained clinical and unit staff.
In the group setting, youth encounter a shared therapeutic experience, a collaborative process of healing, and a positive problem-solving approach that allows them the opportunity to learn and practice specific skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. These skills involve identifying distorted thinking, modifying beliefs, relating to others in different ways, and changing behaviors. In addition to groups, youth also attend individual sessions and supportive counseling with psychology or youth program staff. Family therapy and support are provided whenever feasible and appropriate.
AGGRESSION REPLACEMENT TRAINING
This is a cognitive behavioral intervention that seeks to reduce aggression and violent behavior. It is a structured program that breaks skills down into simplified “steps”. It is a 10 week closed group which is comprised of three components: Social Skills Training, which targets behavior; Anger Control Training, which targets emotions; and Moral Reasoning, which targets values. It is designed to address criminogenic factors to reduce the youths’ risk to recidivate.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
This program is designed for individuals who have difficulty controlling their emotions and behaviors. It helps them replace problematic behaviors with more appropriate ones, allows them to experience emotions in a healthy and effective way, and teaches them how to create and maintain positive relationships. There are four components to DBT: Mindfulness, which teaches them to focus on the present moment; Distress Tolerance, which gives them the ability to experience pain skillfully; Emotion Regulation, which helps them understand and manage intense negative emotions in a healthier, more productive way; and Interpersonal Effectiveness, which teaches them to effectively advocate for themselves and others, set healthy boundaries, and cope with interpersonal conflict.
SEVEN CHALLENGES
This is a comprehensive program designed to address substance abuse problems by using motivational interviewing and empowerment strategies. It encourages honest and open communications about themselves and how their behavior and substance abuse has affected not only themselves but also those around them. It uses a holistic approach by addressing substance abuse issues, co-occurring problems, and life skills deficits.
STAGES OF ACCOMPLISHMENT
This program is a set of four inter-related workbooks that assist in the treatment of sexually abusive or sexually troubled adolescents. They are completed in individual therapy and are supplemented by the group programming mentioned above. It is designed to address thinking errors, behavior cycles, victim empathy, and promote healthy relationships.
Sex Trafficking Awareness & Recovery
This is an 11-week program that is designed to provide group support and education for female juvenile offenders who have been victims of sex trafficking. It focuses on the physical, emotional, mental, and relationship health of each participant.
Victim Offender Dialogue
This is a victim-initiated service that prepares victims to meet with the offender in their case to discuss the impact of the crime or have questions answered. A Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD) is an opportunity for a victim of a crime to meet with the offender in a controlled environment and to engage in a purposeful discussion. A VOD requires intensive assessment and preparation for both the victim and the offender, and is completely voluntary by all involved parties.
Temporary Stabilization Unit
Youth who are having difficulty complying with expected programming may be placed in the Temporary Stabilization Unit (TSU), which is a short-term crisis intervention management unit led by a qualified Mental Health Professional known as the Mental Health Team Coordinator. Strict criteria exist for a youth to be considered for admission, to include: danger to self, danger to others, and self-referral. Once admitted to the TSU, the youth works with staff and their own housing unit staff to process the concerns that resulted in admission to the Unit, with the goal of a safe and speedy return to normal programming. Due Process occurs for any extensions to a youth’s time in TSU exceeding 24 hours.
