Chelsea Program

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Overview

• 9 Community-Based Homes: Augusta, Vassalboro, Pittston
• Ages Served: 5 – 20 years
• Diagnoses: A primary diagnosis of mental illness, developmental disability, major personality disorder and/or a combination of disorders that have put the child at risk in the community.

Services

• Residential Treatment
• Educational Services/Day Treatment
• Therapeutic Milieu Treatment
• Individual/Group/Family Therapy
• Evidence-based Practices
• Medication Management
• Behavior Modification
• Structured Recreational and Social Activities
• Occupational Therapy/Speech and Language
• Screening and treatment for co-occurring substance abuse disorder (for clients 11 years of age and older)

Residential Treatment

At Spurwink, we strive to meet the unique needs of each resident. In order to best meet individualized treatment needs, clients are placed with youth of similar ages, developmental issues and cognitive levels. Each youngster has his/her own room. Many children do particularly well in homes that utilize Therapeutic Couples, a staffing model that is unique to Spurwink. This model offers children consistency and the opportunity to grow within a family-like environment. Other homes utilize the shift staff model when that is determined to be more suitable or beneficial for the child.

Each child in residential services will be asked to participate in program planning, including expectations of behavior, household chores, community activities and menu planning. On a weekly basis, children will meet with their Generalist for individual therapy and to discuss progress towards meeting the objectives of their Individual Service Plans. Families are an integral part of each child’s treatment team.

Educational Services

Young people may come into the Chelsea program for residential treatment, day treatment (education) or both. Some children attend public school while living in a Spurwink residence. Others may live at home with their family but attend the Spurwink school. The sending public school system determines the appropriate setting for educating the child.

Small group instruction and specialized curriculum address the unique needs of each student and a variety of learning styles. At Chelsea there are six classrooms: 1 elementary, 1 middle school and 4 high school classes. The lower level classrooms are self-contained – students do not change classes for different subjects. The high school classrooms are separated by academic ability and rotate classes similar to a traditional public high school. The daily schedule is consistent and predictable and all services and staff follow an integrated plan.

Special features of the Chelsea School

• A very active Student Council that plans school-wide events such as dances and the annual talent show
• Elective classes that include cooking, art, music, digital photography, sewing and outdoor adventure
• Pre-vocational skill-building in small engine repair and woodshop
• Opportunity to engage in community volunteer work – supports the development of skills that will help students succeed in the work environment
• Snack Cart – students learn job skills by selling snacks at the school
• Clubs – Students have the opportunity to participate in the Gaming, Teen Issues or Social Clubs after school on Fridays