Residential FAQ's
A Message from The Executive Vice-President of Clinical Services
As we welcome enhanced sunshine and warmer temperatures, the DSYTC is moving forward with two very exciting initiatives: organizational integration and residential expansion. In March 2010, the LHIN Board of Directors approved our application to integrate with Alwood Treatment Centre (a 14-bed residential treatment facility in Carleton Place). This partnership will create economies of scale that will permit us to provide the level and quality of treatment care our clients require, desire and deserve. Our residential expansion and related integration will roll out in two phases. The first phase, to formalize around July of this year, will entail the DSYTC operating 3 sites: Bronson Avenue (current outpatient DSYTC site), Carp (new residential site – for 10 females, 13-21 years of age) and Carleton Place (current residential Alwood site – for 14 males, 13-21 years of age). Once sufficient capital funds have been raised (target 2013-2014), all 3 programs will then be centralized in a brand new facility, also likely to be situated in Carp, and will result in an increased residential bed count to 30+. We are very pleased with progress to date given the complexity of the undertaking and feel incredibly privileged to be leading this important initiative for our community. We thank you for your continued support and invite you to stay tuned for subsequent updates.
Warmest regards, Mike Beauchesne
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents & Clients
YOUTH RESIDENTIAL ADDICTION TREATMENT Issue #1 - March 3, 2010
The Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (DSYTC) is embarking on both an exciting and challenging journey. Over the course of the next few months, the DSYTC will be opening a youth residential treatment facility, as well as integrating with another treatment provider – Alwood Treatment Centre. This FAQ listing is provided to you in way of transparent information sharing, as well as to invite your invaluable input. Contact information for feedback provision is provided at the end of this document.
What is residential treatment?
Residential treatment is the most intensive form of treatment available. A sheltered residential setting offers a temporary escape from high-risk events and environments giving clients the opportunity to focus on their treatment needs.
Where does the operational funding come from?
In June 2008, Premier Dalton McGuinty committed 2.4 million dollars to help fund two new residential treatment facilities – a 15-bed facility for Anglophone youth and a 5-bed facility for Francophone youth. These funds are distributed through our local health representatives at the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).
How did we go from 15 to 30 beds?
A study commissioned by the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) determined that additional efficiencies could be achieved by integrating the operations of the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (DSYTC) with Alwood Treatment Centre (ATC). The combined forces of the two organizations supports a 30 bed facility based on a model of care that embodies the latest evidence based programming; something that would have been impossible at a 15 bed facility.
Why did the DSYTC and Alwood choose to integrate?
Ultimately, the DSYTC and Alwood decided to integrate their operations into one to ensure the best possible treatment for local youth and families. This integration helped create a critical mass that will permit the new DSYTC to offer the range and quality of clinical programming outlined in the approved residential Business Plan.
What was the original mandate of the two integrating organizations?
Both organizations have a long history of serving adolescents and youth with drug addiction issues. Alwood has been delivering residential treatment services to clients aged 16 -22 at its Carleton Place 14-bed facility since 1981. The Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre has been serving adolescents aged 13-18 by offering a variety of community-based services since 1993.
Where does the capital funding come from?
Capital funds have largely been raised through a collaborative campaign known as Project S.T.E.P. (Support Treatment Education Prevention). The goal of this campaign is to raise 6 million dollars, 3 million for youth residential and another 3 million to be directed towards school-based education, prevention and treatment (more information on Project s.t.e.p. can be located at http://www.project-step.ca/index.php). The $3 million capital S.T.E.P. campaign is expected to be achieved by September, 2010. Since the treatment complex is expected to cost $5.5 to $6 million, additional capital dollars have to be raised.
What happens between now and 2014 (Phase 1)?
Our friends at the ROHCG have made available the Meadow Creek facility located in Carp; a facility that offers 10 residential beds. Services at the Bronson Ave. site (Ottawa) continue with significant changes as will the residential services now offered by Alwood at Carleton Place.
Who will operate the new residential treatment facility?
The Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre will be the organization responsible. Employees of the ATC will become employees of the DSYTC.
Will there be any changes to the services offered during Phase 1?
Yes. Residential treatment services for girls aged 13-21 will be located at the Meadow Creek site while boys aged 13-21 will be served at Carleton Place. DSYTC (Bronson site) will implement program changes as system gaps and needs are identified.
What happens in Phase 2?
All 3 sites will be transferred to a single site (which is expected to be in a rural setting in Carp). The site will consist of a central administration building where services to families will be offered, as well as gender-oriented cottages. Cottages for the boys will be isolated from those for girls. Gender segregation has been shown to be necessary to prevent re-victimization, especially of young females.
How does someone get into the program?
Eligible youth will require a referral from an addiction treatment provider as well as a comprehensive assessment in advance of program admittance. Such an assessment helps ensure appropriate referrals, as well as accurate treatment planning and matching.
What are the entrance criteria?
Entrance criteria will consist of 4 key elements:
1. Symptoms or a diagnosis of substance abuse/dependency based on DSM-IV definitions.
2. Inability to control use in a treatment environment of lesser intensity.
3. Significant functional impairment as a result of substance use.
4. Drug use within past 30 days.
What are the exclusion criteria?
Exclusion criteria will include:
1. Actively homicidal/suicidal.
2. Significant intellectual challenges that would preclude meaningful participation.
What is the length of stay?
Youth will remain in residential treatment for a 3-month period. Upon discharge, intensive and assertive aftercare programming will go into effect so to help program participants adapt to their new lifestyle in their home environment and, in the process, reduce the risk of relapse.
What is the general program philosophy?
A holistic bio-psychosocial perspective of addiction will guide clinical practices and overall program delivery. Within this context, the broad spectrum of client needs and issues will be identified and incorporated into an individualized treatment plan. Individual therapy will be emphasized and the responsibility to engage and retain youth in treatment will be assumed by the treatment provider.
What are the key aspects of the program?
The chosen clinical approaches reflect up-to-date evidence-based practices, which are consistent with the positioning of this facility as a future Centre of Excellence.
There are 9 key program elements:
1. Assessment and treatment matching
2. Comprehensive and integrated treatment approach
3. Family involvement
4. Developmentally appropriate programming
5. Engaging and retaining teens in treatment
6. Qualified staff
7. Gender and cultural competence
8. Continuing care
9. Treatment outcomes
What clinical approaches will be utilized?
Clinicians will receive specialized training and be able to deliver the following clinical interventions as required by the adolescents:
· Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
· Motivational Interviewing (MI) / Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
· Assertive Community Reinforcement Approach (ACRA)
· Contingency Management (CM)
· Family Support Network (FSN)
· Assertive Continuing Care (ACC)
· Mentorship programming
For more information on clinical programming, please consult the Business Plan of 2008 and Volume I of the Residential Project Manager’s Report (Administrative and Clinical Infrastructure).
What is meant by Assertive Continuing Care (ACC)?
Active support is absolutely critical after discharge from residential care in order to reduce relapse rates and maximize the long-term success of program participants. Unlike traditional addiction treatment programming where the onus is on the client to engage in follow-up services, the Assertive Continuing Care (ACC) model places that onus on the treatment provider. As such, ACC counsellors will be mobile and will ensure regular contact with clientele – whether it is at their home, school or another agreed upon location. In short, they won’t need to come to us because we’ll go to them!
Will there be an Academic Program?
Yes. Educational services will be designed to foster an interest in learning, maintain the educational and intellectual development of the adolescent and provide opportunities to remedy deficits in the educational level of the adolescents.
How will the high prevalence of mental health issues be addressed?
In addition to enhancing staff competencies in this domain, the DSYTC will develop even stronger partnerships with the specialized mental health services at the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group and tertiary level services at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
What about detoxification/withdrawal management?
The need for detoxification services for adolescents and young adults is hypothesized to be relatively low. The collection and analysis of comprehensive data from GAIN assessments over the next three years will provide us with the raw data to confirm or alter that opinion.
How will you measure success?
The DSYTC will be accountable for program delivery and positive treatment outcomes. A comprehensive Quality Assurance protocol will be in place to assure adherence to manualized programming, and program fidelity at the organizational and employee level.
Your comments and observations are important to us…
Please submit your input to:
Mike Beauchesne, Executive Vice-President - Clinical Services
Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre
(613) 594-8333 ext.109
mike.b@davesmithcentre.org
As we welcome enhanced sunshine and warmer temperatures, the DSYTC is moving forward with two very exciting initiatives: organizational integration and residential expansion. In March 2010, the LHIN Board of Directors approved our application to integrate with Alwood Treatment Centre (a 14-bed residential treatment facility in Carleton Place). This partnership will create economies of scale that will permit us to provide the level and quality of treatment care our clients require, desire and deserve. Our residential expansion and related integration will roll out in two phases. The first phase, to formalize around July of this year, will entail the DSYTC operating 3 sites: Bronson Avenue (current outpatient DSYTC site), Carp (new residential site – for 10 females, 13-21 years of age) and Carleton Place (current residential Alwood site – for 14 males, 13-21 years of age). Once sufficient capital funds have been raised (target 2013-2014), all 3 programs will then be centralized in a brand new facility, also likely to be situated in Carp, and will result in an increased residential bed count to 30+. We are very pleased with progress to date given the complexity of the undertaking and feel incredibly privileged to be leading this important initiative for our community. We thank you for your continued support and invite you to stay tuned for subsequent updates.
Warmest regards, Mike Beauchesne
Frequently Asked Questions for Parents & Clients
YOUTH RESIDENTIAL ADDICTION TREATMENT Issue #1 - March 3, 2010
The Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (DSYTC) is embarking on both an exciting and challenging journey. Over the course of the next few months, the DSYTC will be opening a youth residential treatment facility, as well as integrating with another treatment provider – Alwood Treatment Centre. This FAQ listing is provided to you in way of transparent information sharing, as well as to invite your invaluable input. Contact information for feedback provision is provided at the end of this document.
What is residential treatment?
Residential treatment is the most intensive form of treatment available. A sheltered residential setting offers a temporary escape from high-risk events and environments giving clients the opportunity to focus on their treatment needs.
Where does the operational funding come from?
In June 2008, Premier Dalton McGuinty committed 2.4 million dollars to help fund two new residential treatment facilities – a 15-bed facility for Anglophone youth and a 5-bed facility for Francophone youth. These funds are distributed through our local health representatives at the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).
How did we go from 15 to 30 beds?
A study commissioned by the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) determined that additional efficiencies could be achieved by integrating the operations of the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre (DSYTC) with Alwood Treatment Centre (ATC). The combined forces of the two organizations supports a 30 bed facility based on a model of care that embodies the latest evidence based programming; something that would have been impossible at a 15 bed facility.
Why did the DSYTC and Alwood choose to integrate?
Ultimately, the DSYTC and Alwood decided to integrate their operations into one to ensure the best possible treatment for local youth and families. This integration helped create a critical mass that will permit the new DSYTC to offer the range and quality of clinical programming outlined in the approved residential Business Plan.
What was the original mandate of the two integrating organizations?
Both organizations have a long history of serving adolescents and youth with drug addiction issues. Alwood has been delivering residential treatment services to clients aged 16 -22 at its Carleton Place 14-bed facility since 1981. The Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre has been serving adolescents aged 13-18 by offering a variety of community-based services since 1993.
Where does the capital funding come from?
Capital funds have largely been raised through a collaborative campaign known as Project S.T.E.P. (Support Treatment Education Prevention). The goal of this campaign is to raise 6 million dollars, 3 million for youth residential and another 3 million to be directed towards school-based education, prevention and treatment (more information on Project s.t.e.p. can be located at http://www.project-step.ca/index.php). The $3 million capital S.T.E.P. campaign is expected to be achieved by September, 2010. Since the treatment complex is expected to cost $5.5 to $6 million, additional capital dollars have to be raised.
What happens between now and 2014 (Phase 1)?
Our friends at the ROHCG have made available the Meadow Creek facility located in Carp; a facility that offers 10 residential beds. Services at the Bronson Ave. site (Ottawa) continue with significant changes as will the residential services now offered by Alwood at Carleton Place.
Who will operate the new residential treatment facility?
The Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre will be the organization responsible. Employees of the ATC will become employees of the DSYTC.
Will there be any changes to the services offered during Phase 1?
Yes. Residential treatment services for girls aged 13-21 will be located at the Meadow Creek site while boys aged 13-21 will be served at Carleton Place. DSYTC (Bronson site) will implement program changes as system gaps and needs are identified.
What happens in Phase 2?
All 3 sites will be transferred to a single site (which is expected to be in a rural setting in Carp). The site will consist of a central administration building where services to families will be offered, as well as gender-oriented cottages. Cottages for the boys will be isolated from those for girls. Gender segregation has been shown to be necessary to prevent re-victimization, especially of young females.
How does someone get into the program?
Eligible youth will require a referral from an addiction treatment provider as well as a comprehensive assessment in advance of program admittance. Such an assessment helps ensure appropriate referrals, as well as accurate treatment planning and matching.
What are the entrance criteria?
Entrance criteria will consist of 4 key elements:
1. Symptoms or a diagnosis of substance abuse/dependency based on DSM-IV definitions.
2. Inability to control use in a treatment environment of lesser intensity.
3. Significant functional impairment as a result of substance use.
4. Drug use within past 30 days.
What are the exclusion criteria?
Exclusion criteria will include:
1. Actively homicidal/suicidal.
2. Significant intellectual challenges that would preclude meaningful participation.
What is the length of stay?
Youth will remain in residential treatment for a 3-month period. Upon discharge, intensive and assertive aftercare programming will go into effect so to help program participants adapt to their new lifestyle in their home environment and, in the process, reduce the risk of relapse.
What is the general program philosophy?
A holistic bio-psychosocial perspective of addiction will guide clinical practices and overall program delivery. Within this context, the broad spectrum of client needs and issues will be identified and incorporated into an individualized treatment plan. Individual therapy will be emphasized and the responsibility to engage and retain youth in treatment will be assumed by the treatment provider.
What are the key aspects of the program?
The chosen clinical approaches reflect up-to-date evidence-based practices, which are consistent with the positioning of this facility as a future Centre of Excellence.
There are 9 key program elements:
1. Assessment and treatment matching
2. Comprehensive and integrated treatment approach
3. Family involvement
4. Developmentally appropriate programming
5. Engaging and retaining teens in treatment
6. Qualified staff
7. Gender and cultural competence
8. Continuing care
9. Treatment outcomes
What clinical approaches will be utilized?
Clinicians will receive specialized training and be able to deliver the following clinical interventions as required by the adolescents:
· Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
· Motivational Interviewing (MI) / Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
· Assertive Community Reinforcement Approach (ACRA)
· Contingency Management (CM)
· Family Support Network (FSN)
· Assertive Continuing Care (ACC)
· Mentorship programming
For more information on clinical programming, please consult the Business Plan of 2008 and Volume I of the Residential Project Manager’s Report (Administrative and Clinical Infrastructure).
What is meant by Assertive Continuing Care (ACC)?
Active support is absolutely critical after discharge from residential care in order to reduce relapse rates and maximize the long-term success of program participants. Unlike traditional addiction treatment programming where the onus is on the client to engage in follow-up services, the Assertive Continuing Care (ACC) model places that onus on the treatment provider. As such, ACC counsellors will be mobile and will ensure regular contact with clientele – whether it is at their home, school or another agreed upon location. In short, they won’t need to come to us because we’ll go to them!
Will there be an Academic Program?
Yes. Educational services will be designed to foster an interest in learning, maintain the educational and intellectual development of the adolescent and provide opportunities to remedy deficits in the educational level of the adolescents.
How will the high prevalence of mental health issues be addressed?
In addition to enhancing staff competencies in this domain, the DSYTC will develop even stronger partnerships with the specialized mental health services at the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group and tertiary level services at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
What about detoxification/withdrawal management?
The need for detoxification services for adolescents and young adults is hypothesized to be relatively low. The collection and analysis of comprehensive data from GAIN assessments over the next three years will provide us with the raw data to confirm or alter that opinion.
How will you measure success?
The DSYTC will be accountable for program delivery and positive treatment outcomes. A comprehensive Quality Assurance protocol will be in place to assure adherence to manualized programming, and program fidelity at the organizational and employee level.
Your comments and observations are important to us…
Please submit your input to:
Mike Beauchesne, Executive Vice-President - Clinical Services
Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre
(613) 594-8333 ext.109
mike.b@davesmithcentre.org