Foundations For Living

A residential treatment center, Foundations for Living, is based in Mansfield, Ohio. Focusing on adolescents aged 11 to 17, the center offers programs for substance abuse as well as co-occurring disorders.

Accommodations

The two Foundations for Living buildings resemble schoolhouses. The single-story structure houses administrative offices while the three-story structure acts as residential units for clients. The residential units can accommodate a total of 84 clients. Four units are set aside for girls, while boys are housed in two units, with each unit accommodating 12 kids. While boys occupy the third floor, girls stay on the second floor.

Even though exteriors look very homey, the interiors resemble a hospital setting, complete with linoleum floors and long corridors. The rooms are brightly decorated, and walls have artwork. The facility offers double-occupancy rooms furnished with bulletin boards, dressers, twin beds, a desk, and individual closets. While each unit has four bathrooms, they are locked and usage monitored since many kids tend to harm themselves. Clients are responsible for doing their laundry and cleaning the rooms.

Though computers can be used for school purposes, Internet access is denied. Phone calls are allowed when the client reaches phase three of the treatment.

Food

Clients are served three dietitian-prepared meals in the cafeteria situated on the first floor. They are also served salad bar and fruit for an afternoon snack. Special dietary requests are accommodated. The use of sugar and caffeine is prohibited.

Treatment Program

A typical residential program at Foundations for Living lasts for four months, but some adolescents can stay for at least two years. Even though the facility provides a 45-day program, it focused on specific cases determined during the assessment. If necessary, the facility can offer a Valium detox under medical supervision. The treatment team specializes in adolescent care and uses the CBT-based approach along with biofeedback, neurofeedback, and trauma therapy.

Since the clients are school-going, Foundations for Living does provide an on-site curriculum along with certified teachers for every essential subject, both middle and high school. This allows the clients to stay current with their studies and recover any credits lost due to truancy. Classes are designed with live instruction, computers, smart boards, and small class sizes.

The typical weekday at the center starts with breakfast at 6:00 am. School starts from 7:00 am until 2:00 pm, with a noon break for lunch. Upon completion of classes, kids enjoy 30 minutes of down time before group sessions start. Kids attend three group meetings every day, and even though the schedules vary, these focus on addiction studies, substance abuse education, process group, peer pressure, and goal groups.

Kids also attend twice-weekly music and art therapy as part of their treatment program. Each adolescent client also undergoes a weekly once individual therapy for 60 minutes, and meet psychiatrist, monthly twice. Evening hours are reserved for either TV or game nights. Tuesday evening, however, is reserved for AA meetings.

When clients start their treatment, they are placed on the first level. They progress through various levels based on responsibility and good leadership. Once they reach level four, clients get a pass to go out for three hours with family members, after getting approval of the treatment team. Clients in the fifth and sixth levels get an eight-hour day pass on either a Saturday or Sunday. Special outings are arranged for clients in fourth to sixth levels. These can include day trips to movies, theme parks, restaurants, miniature golf, and bowling.

Staff

The facility ensures the presence of nurses 24/7 on the units. An MD, psychiatrists, and Master’ s-level therapists, are present on the weekdays.

Each unit has youth care specialists (akin to technicians) who are responsible for ensuring that clients attend groups, get meals, and follows protocol. The facility’s staff-to-client ratio is 1:6.

In Addition

A unique feature of the program offered by Foundations for Living is the points given to kids for doing things properly. These points can be redeemed at “Incentive Store,” for CD players, make-up and t-shirts. Foundations for Living also arrange an awards banquet once a month, which is attended by all units. This banquet honors those clients who have accumulated most incentive points and have achieved goals.

Foundations for Living offer various incentives and amenities to enrich the client’s treatment period. Some of these include on-site schooling, a fitness center, a beauty/barber shop, a library, a recreation center, music production, and creative arts. Clients can also take part in off-site activities like going to movies, the zoo, visiting local parks, and community events. Costs for all these services are included in the treatment cost.

Cost

Approximately $16,400 (45 days).