Oaklawn’s residential programs for children and adolescents offer a full range of intensive services for seriously emotionally disabled youth, including separate programs for males and females, a locked/secure/PRTF unit, a program for adolescent male sexual offenders, and a co-ed group home.  All programs feature activities designed to mainstream youth back into the community. Primary features of our residential programs include:

•  A family-centered emphasis, as we believe this provides the best opportunity for healing and successful reunification.
• A goal to provide the shortest length of stay possible, with an average six to nine months stay.
• 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 ages 6–18 and in need of a highly structured, therapeutic environment. Issues addressed in the programs may include substance abuse, anger management, physical abuse and/or neglect, sexual abuse, behavior problems, and medication management. Youth accepted into our programs have often been unsuccessful in traditional school settings and/or other treatment programs.
Those not appropriate for residential services are youth who pose a considerable risk to resident safety, have limited cognitive functioning, or who have a medical condition that exceeds Oaklawn resources/expertise to manage and/or treat.

Locked secure 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 intense 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 secure 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 or legal guardian, medical facility, or a physician can refer to the PRTF-funded 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. 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.

Treatment for sexual offenders

Oaklawn's sexual offender program provides a comprehensive residential program for youth with a history of sexual offenses and severe psychiatric, emotional, and/or behavioral issues. Click here for more information about this program.

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, ext. 755 or (574) 537-2755, for information about the admission process or questions about the screening packet.
 

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