Auburn Residential and Day Treatment

Overview

• Eight Community-Based Homes: Auburn, Lewiston, Lisbon Falls, Topsham
• Ages Served: 6 - 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 Auburn 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 Auburn, each classroom is self-contained – students do not change classes for different subjects. The daily schedule is consistent and predictable and all services and staff follow an integrated plan. Students are encouraged and supported in efforts to be involved – this is based on the assertion that every child has something to offer that can make the community a better place.

Special features of the Auburn School

• Enrichment Groups that explore hiking, cooking, music and art
• Student of the Week program
• Building and small engine projects
• Volunteer-to-Work Program – Helps students develop skills that will help them succeed in the work environment
• Sandwich Shop – Led by the Social Skills/OT Group, students are selected to participate in the “Sandwich Shop” once a week
• Peer Team – This team supports new clients, offers peer mediation and informal lunchtime chats
• A Transition Specialist helps older students clarify goals and work on objectives