Treatment Approach
A Cognitive Approach
Throughout all of our programs, our well-trained treatment staff employ the use of cognitive restructuring (using Truthought curriculum) which focuses on helping youth identify and change criminal or irresponsible thinking patterns. This approach is coupled with a behavioral approach which uses positive reinforcement for positive/responsible behavior and consequences for negative/irresponsible behavior. Our campus programs are "staff-secure" and are equipped with seclusion rooms. Locked seclusion is only used as part of an individualized treatment plan and only when a client is a danger to themselves or others. Once clients are able to make conscious, deliberate and constructive decisions, behaviors will change accordingly, resulting in a lifetime of positive decisions making.
Our programming is highly-structured, within a formalized atmosphere (i.e. clients respond with "yes, sir" and "yes, ma'am" to adults, clients walk in single-file on campus, etc.). All clients wear uniform clothing (polo shirts and navy pants) that reflects their level and status. Additionally, each program has some type of level system, which is designed to help clients, staff and others measure the client's progress.
Counseling
Caseworkers and individual skill counselors focus both on individual and group therapy needs. These professional staff also serve as case managers, coordinating all treatment and legal appointments for their clients, while they oversee the individualized treatment planning process. During the course of counseling, Caseworkers will utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy, paralleling the cognitive work done within the milieu. Their work will also focus on the clients thinking processes as well as the client's individual dysfunctional cycle. The Caseworkers are the main liaisons with the client's family and referral worker.
Daily Programming
Programming at RTC is highly structured offering a variety of treatment "opportunities" depending on the client's needs and the particular program. Some of the opportunities include:
- On-campus education
- Individual, family and group skill development
- Study-time
- Daily chores
- Substance abuse assessment and treatment
- Recreational activities
- Intramural sports
- Basic life and social skills
- Physical training
- Vocational opportunities
- Independent living preparation
- Community volunteerism
- Community restitution
