Individual trauma informed psychotherapy sessions are provided weekly by the ACYFS Social Workers. The Licensed Psychologist (Ph.D.) is available if necessary for additional therapeutic needs. Group therapy sessions are held weekly.
Group therapy sessions are held weekly. Residents will in most cases participate in the full complement of direct services. However, for those residents involved in a vocational program, the number of therapy sessions in which they participate may be reduced. Residents who are not receiving the full complement of direct clinical services must be involved in ancillary programs, i.e., ROP, or similar vocational programs. Participation in bi-weekly sessions with the psychiatrist will be required. In addition to the conventional individual, group and family therapy, social skills development training will be held weekly and led by the social worker. The Direct Care Staff and/or Direct Support Staff will serve as adjunct social skills counselors during other activities.
ACYFS prides it’s self on our Sports and Recreation Therapy. This therapy will be provided by direct care staff and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Therapeutic recreation utilizes a continuum of care, which includes therapy, leisure education, recreation activities, exercise/physical activity, creative expression and active social groups. Leisure education examines daily activities and explores better ways to accomplish what is realistic and responsible in fulfilling their needs. This includes leisure skills development, knowledge of community resources, time management and various coping alternatives of daily stress. Therapeutic recreation is a modality that promotes wellness and improves the quality of life through leisure. Wellness is a concept of health that views the individual as a whole, balancing and harmonizing the mind, body and spirit with the environment. It looks at five core areas of well-being:
1. Fitness (Mental, Physical, Social and Spiritual)
2. Stress Control
3. Nutritional Awareness
4. Environment Regard
5. Self Responsibility
Residents will be given a pretest commensurate with their age level to determine their level of knowledge in various component areas, as well their comfort level with the process. A post test will be given to all residents at the end of the program and will be used as a measure of skill/knowledge acquisition to assess whether the program has met it’s stated goals and objectives. The residents will encompass a range from high to medium level of functioning to encourage group sharing and working together.
The primary goal of ACYFS is to ameliorate chronic or acute psychiatric symptomatology and to prepare each resident with activities of daily living skills for community survival and independent adult living. The ultimate goal is to empower and equip residents to take charge of their lives through informed decision making.
Preparation for adulthood and independent living within society is a life long process that begins at birth. The overall milieu will emphasize the virtues of perseverance, respect, integrity, determination and excellence.
The goals are further delineated as follows:
1. Increase self-esteem
2. Utilize internal controls
3. Increase empathy
4. Reduce stress
5. Education
6. Reduce recidivism
7. Enhance independent living skills
8. Teach problem solving
9. Promote overall self actualization
10. Promote job skill
