Brunswick Staff Secure Program

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Overview

This program is designed to divert clients from a pending psychiatric hospitalization, or act as a step down following a long hospitalization, while detailed plans for treatment and longer-term placement are developed.

• Six Community-Based Homes: Located in Brunswick and Topsham
• Ages Served: 12 – 18 years
• Diagnoses: Clients have been categorized as “at risk,” or “hard to serve” and may be at risk for out-of-state placement. Many adolescents served have experienced significant traumatic events, such as prolonged periods of abuse (physical and/or sexual) and neglect. It is not uncommon for clients referred to this program to have diagnosed or undiagnosed language processing disorders or sensory disorders.

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

Upon arrival at Brunswick Staff Secure, youth reside in the Admitting Unit, a five-bed facility that uses a one-on-one shift staff model. Following stabilization and a consistent demonstration of safe behavior and following direction, clients are able to move to one of the four residential homes on campus or one of two nearby Spurwink community-based residences. These family-style homes are staffed by Therapeutic Couples, a unique staffing model at Spurwink. Therapeutic Couples offer consistent care and treatment, and enhance and solidify the stabilization achieved on the Admitting Unit. The “family like” couple model and neighborhood environment replicates the non-institutional environment children will be returning to and prepare them for transitioning to alternative living situations.
The over-riding approach at Brunswick Staff Secure is to help children regain their childhood and the positive adult-child and child-to-child relationships that have been put on hold as a result of multiple hospitalizations and frequent placement changes. This focus helps build self-esteem, trust and hope that their lives can turn around. Integral to this approach is an activity-based environment that meets the varied needs and interests of the residents.

Educational Services

The Brunswick campus offers educational services on site where students attend a full day of school. Small group instruction and specialized curriculum address the unique needs of each student and a variety of learning styles. Educational staffs are state certified special education teachers and educational technicians. Each student’s education plan is directed by his/her IEP. Modifications to the IEP are made as needed with the support and inclusion of the guardian and the local school district.

Special features of the Program

• Extensive grounds (including in-ground swimming pool) and wooded areas for activities such as: walking, hiking, biking, swimming, basketball, kickball, sledding and ice skating
• Opportunities to participate in a running group, cooking, bike repair and arts and crafts
• Enrichment Groups that explore hiking, cooking, crafts, music and art
• Part time Work Program – helps students develop skills that will help them succeed in the work environment
• Breakfast Shop – led by the Social Skills/OT Group, students are selected to participate in the “Breakfast Shop” once a week
• Local parks, beaches and the YMCA offer additional nearby recreational outlets
• A Transition Specialist helps older students clarify goals and work on objectives