Intensive Unit for Adolescent Males with Severe Behavioral Problems Functioning in the MR/DD Intellectual Range
Oesterlen Services for Youth, Inc. has been serving youth and their families since 1903. Located in Springfield, Ohio, on a 93 acre campus, the agency maintains a full range of residential and community based programs for youth experiencing emotional, behavioral or psychological difficulties.
Oesterlen was among the first in Ohio to develop staff and program intensive, self-contained, residential units for male and female youth with severe emotional and behavioral issues. Oesterlen also has extensive experience offering therapeutic programs for adjudicated juvenile sex offenders and non adjudicated youth with sexual behavior problems.
Oesterlen's Intensive Treatment Unit For Adolescent Males With Severe Behavior Problems, Including Sexual, Who Function In The Mr/dd Range
Oesterlen's Residential Intensive Treatment program for males functioning in the 55-79 IQ range accepts clients with difficult or inappropriate emotional and social behaviors, including sexual behaviors. This program features treatment specially designed to provide individual and group therapeutic activities at understanding levels commensurate with the abilities of this population.
The therapeutic program is designed to achieve three primary goals:
- Provide treatment in a highly supervised, well structured living environment conducive to the safety of the whole community and the safety of the residents living in the cottage. Each resident is housed in a single occupancy room.
- Assist these youth to identify, accept, and address their sexual and non-sexual behavior problems.
- Assist the youth in developing socialization and interdependent living skills to the full extent of their capabilities.
Specially trained staff members provide behavior management using techniques specifically designed to be effective with cognitively impaired residents. Residents are taught socialization skills and anger management techniques to help them effectively manage their own behavior.
Residents who demonstrate stable behavior may be escorted from the cottage to use Oesterlen's full size gymnasium, large recreation room, weight training and fitness center, outdoor fitness trail, softball diamond, soccer field and outdoor challenge course.
The residents attend an on-grounds school program taught by a Springfield City Schools teacher, which is designed to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities. The limited number of students in the classroom ensures individualized instruction and frequent one-on-one attention by the teacher.
The Therapeutic Program For Adolescent Males With Severe Behavior Problems Who Function In The Mr/dd Range
Under the leadership of licensed clinical therapists, trained in providing therapy to adolescent males functioning in the mild MR/DD range, the treatment team includes a cottage supervisor, specially trained youth leaders, recreation workers, a teacher, a registered nurse, a registered and licensed art therapist, and chaplains. A consulting, Board Certified Child Psychiatrist functions as the Medical Director/Supervisor providing medication management and treatment consultation.
Within the first seven days of placement, a clinical treatment plan is developed which includes a detailed diagnosis, and treatment goals and objectives with a target date for treatment completion. The clinical treatment plan also anticipates appropriate aftercare following the resident's discharge from Oesterlen.
The program is highly structured. The daily schedule may include individual, group and/or family therapy, educational activities, process groups, and interdependent and community living skills training. Youth are guided through Phases of Treatment, designed to assist them in recognizing their problem behavior, understanding it, and developing internal strategies to prevent relapse.
Admission Criteria
Referrals of prospective candidates for Oesterlen's intensive treatment program for adolescent males with severe behavioral problems who function in the MR/DD range are welcome. Referral information should include detailed information about any history of inappropriate sexual behavior, any previous psychological examinations including intellectual/cognitive functioning, previous therapeutic interventions, an educational history, and any history of previous agency placements are also requested.
For a preliminary conversation or to set an appointment, please call the Residential Intake Specialist, Angela Pumphrey, at 937-399-6101 or at 1-800-404-KIDS. Referrals may be faxed at any time to 937-399-6609.
Oesterlen's Range Of Program Services
Oesterlen Services for Youth, Inc. offers a continuum of residential and community services for boys and girls. Residents may move to a less restrictive living environment as their behavior progresses.
Oesterlen maintains transitional living, and specialized treatment foster care in addition to residential and outpatient counseling programs.
Oesterlen's outpatient counseling program may be used as part of an aftercare plan by clients who move to any of Oesterlen's less restrictive residential options (treatment foster home or independent living), or by clients discharged from Oesterlen who remain in the Springfield area.
Residents may also be mainstreamed into the community Springfield City Schools system, which includes the Clark County Joint Vocational School.
Oesterlen's Agency Credentials
Oesterlen is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and is a contract agency of the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Clark County. Oesterlen is licensed and/or certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Oesterlen is a full member of the Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies, the Child Welfare League of America, and Lutheran Services in America. Oesterlen is affiliated with the Northeastern, Northwestern, and Southern Ohio Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
