Cummings Program

Overview

• Six Community-Based Homes: Portland
• Ages Served: 14 – 20 years
• Diagnoses: A primary diagnosis of mental illness, developmental disability, major personality disorder and/or a combination of 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

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. All the homes in the Cummings Program utilize Therapeutic Couples, a staffing model that provides consistency and a family-like environment and is unique to Spurwink.

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 Cummings 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 Cummings, there are six classrooms; placement in a specific class is determined by a student’s ability and needs. Students with high needs benefit from a classroom focused on life skills development while other students require a classroom that provides greater academic challenges. The daily schedule is consistent and predictable and all services and staff follow an integrated plan.

Special features of the Cummings School

• Model music program that offers group and individual lessons and participation in a community concert
• Exposure to new technology including a laptop for each student, digital cameras, scanners
• A school newspaper – students contribute and participate in the design and content
• Art classes and exposure to unique artists through an Artists-in-Residence Program
• Vocational Department with three full-time staff who assist with the development of workplace skills and behaviors necessary for success in the world of employment
• Breakfast/Sandwich Cart – a school-wide activity that helps students develop social and job-related skills
• Opportunity to participate in the Compass Project, a cooperative boat-building program