Options Program

The Options Program is a short-term diagnostic and stabilization residential program designed for youth ages 5 - 18. Options serves youth with urgent placement needs and for whom there are unresolved questions regarding how their needs will be met. Developed in conjunction with the Maine State Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Options Program operates three community-based therapeutic homes in Chelsea, Gardiner and Waterville and provides placement of up to ninety days. The program is staffed by Spurwink Therapeutic Couples and supported by a childcare worker and a clinician.

In addition to responding to the need for urgent placement, the program helps stabilize the child, provides diagnostic assessments and develops treatment and service recommendations. During the assessment process, patterns in behavior are observed and recorded and referrals are made for specialized evaluations as needed.

Options utilizes a family model with added professional therapeutic support. Children are able to develop a healthy level of functioning while maintaining strong ties within the community.

At the end of the child’s stay with the Options Program, recommendations are made to DHHS regarding the needs of the child and appropriate subsequent placement. Typically, youth served by the program move on to less restrictive settings which most often include family and permanency.

Appropriate referrals for the Options Program include: children coming into care for which there are questions about their needs and mental health diagnosis; and children who are threatening to disrupt or have disrupted placements for unknown reasons and for whom more information is needed.

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