Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP)

Our Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) provides care and treatment for abused, neglected, traumatized, and emotionally disturbed males age 6-19.

Without the intensive, 24-7 residential treatment for children that our residents receive from residential counselors and mental health specialists, these children would be at risk for institutionalized, long-term group care, because of their risk of causing harm to themselves or others.

  • Strength-based Treatment
  • Structured Living Environment
  • Recreation Activities
  • Community Engagements
  • Therapy

The Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) gives children the support, treatment, and tools they need so they can once again thrive in a family home.

24-Hour Residential Care

Our Short-Term “Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP)” provides 24/7 therapeutic services for up to 30 children at a time. Typically, the youth admitted to the Residential Program have failed multiple foster homes and school placements due to parental abuse and neglect, while others suffer from extreme emotional and behavioral disturbances. Our program’s goal is to help each child work to change the behaviors that prevent them from finding a permanent family home.

  • Each child remains connected to their community
  • Focus is on making significant and lasting behavioral changes
  • Children in the Residential Program are engaged in normal daily activities in order to create structure and stability
  • Children attend school in their community
  • Encourage and facilitate family engagement/relationships

Therapeutic Treatment

The SCH Mental Health Program supports the emotional and behavioral needs of each child. In collaboration with the child, their family, school, community, and other SCH programs, staff are able to create and apply focused and targeted treatment plans.

  • Intensive therapy for each resident that incorporates their family
  • Functional behavioral assessments and intervention services
  • Group treatment to address aggression, social skills, problem-solving, independent living, living in the community and other related topics
  • Psychiatric medication monitoring services by a licensed psychiatrist, if necessary
  • Family involvement

Recreation & Community Activities

Recreational activities are an important part of each child’s treatment plan. Children are encouraged to participate in community activities and recreational opportunities, like snow days and camping trips. We recognize the importance of recreation in a successful treatment plan and understand it is a critical element in improving children’s overall quality of life. Our Residential Counselor team is aided by Recreation Therapy interns. SCH is equipped with:

  • A full-size gym
  • A music room
  • A game & art room
  • Intramural sports

Success Story

“Fred” It is not uncommon for children in the “Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP)” to have difficulty interacting with others. “Fred” was no exception. When he began living in the East Cowell Center Cottage, he kept to himself, always choosing solitary activities over opportunities for interaction with his peers. Residential Program staff assigned a Recreation Therapy Intern to work with Fred and help him learn to engage with other children. At first, Fred would attend meetings with his assigned Intern, but he still refused to join in any activities. The Intern was patient and did not give up, constantly brainstorming new ways to spark Fred’s interest in group activities and help him learn to interact with his peers.

Thanks to the Intern’s persistence, Fred has shown great progress. Gradually, Fred began showing an interest in art, and he would ask to join in and help his fellow residents with art projects. Now, he is much more likely to talk to and interact with his peers, and he has begun to explore other interests such as basketball.

The key to Fred’s growth was not to force his participation in group activities, but to provide him with many opportunities for interaction, and most of all, to be patient and caring as he gained the confidence he needed to join in.