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Development of a Freestanding Adolescent Partial-Hospitalization Program in a Multimodal Integrated-Service System for High-Risk Youth

NCJ Number
128739
Journal
International Journal of Partial Hospitalization Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: (1986) Pages: 195-212
Author(s)
D C Droppa; P C Skorupka
Date Published
1986
Length
18 pages
Annotation
At Three Rivers Youth in Pittsburgh, a freestanding, partial hospitalization program is the primary force in a multimodal, integrated treatment system for high-risk adolescents.
Abstract
The current mix of agency services at Three Rivers Youth includes five residential and four nonresidential programs. Residential programs include two group homes, a teen parent program, a staff-secure intensive treatment unit, an apartment living program, and a program for runaway and homeless youth. Nonresidential programs include an alternative educational/vocational program; a day treatment program; an information, support, and referral service designed to assist expectant and young parents; and a partial hospitalization program called the Center for Therapeutic Services. The Therapeutic Services program maintains links with all other programs. A coordinated treatment planning system follows youth from program to program as necessary. Service barriers commonly encountered in referral across agencies are greatly reduced in the Therapeutic Services program so that youth do not fall through the cracks. The integrated design also serves to increase the accessibility of the Therapeutic Services program to potential clients. Youth served by the program primarily have adjustment, conduct, mood, or personality disorders, and group therapy is the primary treatment mode. Barriers encountered in program development are discussed, and strategies successful in overcoming these barriers are presented. Program features contributing to its success are noted such as scheduling, clinical structures, educational services, case management, and staffing. Case illustrations from clinical practice in the program are also offered. 8 references and 1 figure