Oaklawn’s residential programs for children and adolescents are based on the belief that the responsibility for healing and the possibility to live together again must be placed directly on the family. This family-centered emphasis provides the best opportunity for successful reunification. Our staff will determine what problems prevent family involvement and work to resolve them through family therapy and home-based services.

Primary features of our residential programs include:     

• A goal to provide the shortest length of stay possible, with an average length of stay of six to nine months.
• 24-hour awake staff and a staff to resident ratio based on the intensity of the program (1:3, 1:4, 1:5).
• A highly structured daily and weekend schedule which includes time for daily chores and laundry, homework, community and daily living activities, structured recreation, social skills training, group therapy and education.
• Daily intensive group therapy sessions covering topics such as grief and loss, anger management, relationships, team building, and social skills.
• A Sunday worship service for those who wish to participate.
• Expansive outdoor and indoor recreational facilities.
• Dorm-like bedrooms with private baths, common areas, laundry facilities and a dining/snack area.
• A state-of-the art Education Center where youth can continue their school work while in residential treatment.

Admission criteria

Children and adolescents appropriate for a residential program include those who are:

• 6-18 years of age and in need of a highly structured, therapeutic environment;
• in need of medication management;
• exhibiting multiple, self-defeating and unmanageable behaviors, including violence or sexual acting out;
• not actively suicidal or homicidal, although pose a danger to themselves or others if in less structured settings;
• victims of physical or sexual abuse and/or neglect;
• unsuccessful in traditional school settings;
• recipients of frequent inpatient care and require a more restrictive setting;
• in need of more active involvement with their parents to prepare for reunification;
• not responsive to outpatient, partial hospital, or in-home services, and have experienced multiple failed placements.
• Those not appropriate for residential are youth who pose a considerable risk to resident safety, have limited cognitive functioning, or who have a medical condition that exceeds Oaklawn's resources/expertise to manage and/or treat.

Locked/secured services

A locked secure residential program is available for children and adolescents who have chronic psychiatric issues and can benefit from the security of a locked environment. This unit features the same programming and clinical services as other residential units with more intensive staffing.

PRTF

Oaklawn is a designated Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) as defined by the Indiana Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA). Male and female adolescents accepted into the locked and secured residential treatment program must meet specific criteria, including exhibiting behaviors that are determined by a physician to require residential treatment in a secure environment as well as eligibility for Medicaid. A parent/legal guardian, social service agency, court agency, medical facility, or a physician can refer youth to the PRTF unit.

Comprehensive school program

A comprehensive school program under the direction and administration of Goshen Community Schools is a key component for residential children and teens, all of whom have unique educational needs. The on-site program features a fully equipped Education Center and teachers certified in special education who emphasize and strengthen academic skills while further developing behavioral self-control. Special testing and other therapies are available through the school. An integral part of the treatment team, teachers are actively involved in admission, treatment and discharge planning. Students may have the opportunity to meet graduation requirements or receive help in obtaining their GED.

Substance abuse treatment

The residential program offers a special track of clinical care that addresses the unique challenges faced by adolescents who are dually diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder as well as substance abuse. In addition to the clinical services offered within the residential program, these dually diagnosed youth receive individual and family sessions with a certified addictions counselor and intensive addictions group therapy. They participate in a twelve-step program (AA & NA) and cases are staffed with a board certified addictions psychiatrist.

Prompt screening and admission

Upon receipt of a completed screening packet, a placement decision will be made as soon as possible. If Oaklawn’s residential program is deemed to be inappropriate for a youth, alternative placement recommendations may be suggested.

To make referrals

Referrals are welcomed from caseworkers from the Indiana Department of Child Services, juvenile probation officers and those seeking school placements. Parents, therapists, pastors or other caregivers may also make referrals.

Please contact the Intake Coordinator at 800-282- 0809 or (574)533-1234, ext. 510, for information about the admission process or questions about the screening packet.

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