PROGRAM

Program Overview
Treatment Approach
Specialized Therapeutic Groups
Medical Services
Educational Services
Vocational Services
Resident Goals
Facility Features

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Impact's program is designed to provide residents with a "real life" experience, including being personally accountable for one's actions and behaviors. Program curriculum includes individual and group therapies, providing insight into a range of relevant issues, from mental health to social and independent living skills.

Residents are required to participate in all aspects of the program including facility housekeeping, personal hygiene, laundry, daily chores, money-management, and budgeting.

The agency has cooperative agreements with The Department of Labor and Atlantic Technical School, providing those who choose with vocational training and assistance, as well as the opportunity for job placement upon completion of a trade certificate.

The program is a permanent long term placement setting, serving males ages 13 through 18 years with a primary Axis diagnosis, including conduct and oppositional behaviors. The average length of stay in the program ranges from one to three years.

TREATMENT APPROACH

Impact Community Services, Inc. believes the following treatment models to be highly successful in treating adolescents:

Bandura's Social Learning Theory

A re-orientation and restructuring of learned behaviors toward more effective behavioral responses.

Positive Peer Culture Milieu

A treatment model that promotes positive social norms designed by the residents. The model assists residents in defining their own social structures, program rules, responsibilities and accountability to the program and their peers.

Token Economy System

Based on positive reinforcement, residents learn to take responsibility for their behaviors as well as learn new mechanisms of self-control and are rewarded for their efforts. The system motivates residents by the increased opportunities for self-gain. Residents can earn "script" money up to $21 per week 50% is put away, the rest is given to the residents each week.

SPECIALIZED THERAPEUTIC GROUPS

Provided by a Master's level therapist on a daily basis, these psycho- educational groups address core themes such as loss, trauma, interpersonal conflicts, drug and alcohol use and abuse, human sexuality, anger management, communication skills, employment issues and independent living.

MEDICAL SERVICES

The program provides residents with all their medical needs including a psychiatrist consultant, ARNP and a working relationship with the local community hospital and other medical providers.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Provided by the Broward County Public School System, the facility also provides on site tutoring.

VOCATIONAL SERVICES

Provided by the Vocational Rehabilitation Office at the Department of Labor and Atlantic Technical School.

RESIDENT GOALS

Impact consists of a multi disciplinary ream of Mental Health Associates, Therapist, Director, and Psychiatrist who work together to help each resident learn how to attain the following goals:

• Become self-sufficient and independent.
• Cope more effectively with feelings, such as frustration, depression, hopelessness, social isolation and inadequacy.
• Internalize behavioral controls over anger.
• Understand the dangers and risks associated with chemical dependency and the benefits and importance of being drug and alcohol free.
• Complete a vocational skill in an area of interest.
• Obtain Part/Full time employment.
• Refrain from engaging in illegal activities.

FACILITY FEATURES

• Located close to shopping, employment opportunities, public transportation, community schools, The Department of Labor, and Florida Medical Center.
• 24-Hour resident supervision
• Large outdoor recreational area, including a basketball court, recreational activities, and field trips.
• On-call clinicians and medical and psychiatric services.
• Kitchen and dinning area.
• Group rooms.

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