Adolescent Development and Preventative Treatment

(A.D.A.P.T.)

​Mission

ADAPT is committed to meet the diverse needs of adolescents who have sexually offended, or otherwise are displaying difficulties with their sexual behavior. With each youth who is reached, dividends are paid in terms of prevention, victim trauma reduction, alleviation of suffering, and in most cases, family restoration. 

 

A.D.A.P.T. Program

ADAPT was established in 1989 to address the therapeutic needs of the adolescent exhibiting sexual issues.  Residential group care for youth ages 13-20 is offered in two male units within our main campus. Unit One works with individuals with special needs to include cognitive functioning issues, mental health, and those on the spectrum.  The formal program is a 12-month cycle with continued programming for those remaining in care.  Advancement to the Transitional Living Apartments may be an option if the youth is unable to return home or is in need of independent living services. Youth exiting an RTF or more-secure setting would benefit from this setting as a transition to family or reentry to the community. 

 

Rehabilitation

We believe that patterns of maladaptive sexual behavior begin in the formative years of youth. If poor patterns are not interrupted, youth may continue to reinforce and ingrain them well into adulthood. In the case of sexually offending youth, a small percentage who become “career” offenders are at risk of having hundreds of victims throughout the course of their lifetime, and therefore are responsible for a high percentage of all reported sex crimes. Treatment for adolescents has proven to be an effective intervention for sexually offensive behavior. It is our conviction treating the adolescent displaying sexual misconduct is a must! A dual benefit exists in treatment. Struggling youth can be “reclaimed” to become productive members of our society, and a huge opportunity for preventing future new victimizations is evident.

​​Core Program Components

  • Assessment

  • Residential Care

  • Group Process Counseling Sessions

  • Psycho-Educational Materials

  • Individual Sessions

  • Family

​

Treatment Goals

  • Review of youth's comprehensive developmental history

  • Interpersonal cycle of offense constructs

  • Completion of victim letters

  • Community Accountability and Resitution

  • Development of a comprehensive relapse prevention/life plan

Sexual Offender Assessment

  • Provides identification and evaluation for youth who are exhibiting sexually inappropriate behaviors or symptoms within this area. ​

  • Assessing the origin of sexual misconduct, extent of continued risk, and appropriate treatment can be a complex task. Although it is reasonable to surmise intervention is needed when a youth is experiencing sexual behavior problems, the form it should take, and level of continued risk posed to the community is not always easily known. In such cases the Program ADAPT offers a sixty day assessment service wherein clients undergo a comprehensive evaluation. Upon arrival all relevant documentation is secured including police reports, previous evaluations and counseling service notes, education records, available social history, medical records etc.  Individuals who qualify for assessment services are those who are admitting to sexual misconduct, or have a sustained charge through the juvenile system. Assessments are considered to be therapeutic in nature and must not be utilized for the purpose of gathering evidence or clarifying guilt. Rather the assessment seeks to clarify treatment need, direction and environment treatment should take place within.

Acceptance Criteria

  • The program accommodates youth ranging in age from thirteen to twenty, who either have an offense on record charged through the juvenile justice system, or admit to the sexual misconduct referred for and are being handled by Children and Youth Services. Since our program is not a detention secure center, youth who have been particularly violent or are actively aggressive may not be suitable. Other youth who may not qualify are those demonstrating an active psychosis, experiencing other severe mental health problems, or are demonstrating on-going indiscriminating and/or impulsive sexual behavior and pose a risk to other clients' safety. 

  • Although it is a very rare occurrence within the program, youth who remain in a state of blatant denial over their charges are considered for removal after a reasonable period of time. All efforts to avoid such cases are taken prior to requesting a client's removal.

Additional Program Information for JPO's and Caseworkers

Do you know of abuse?

  • Notify a Hermitage House staff person

  • File a report with Childline: 1-800-932-0313

  • Contact the resident's county worker

  • Contact Crawford County Children and Youth Services: 814-724-8380 (or weekend/after 4:30 p.m. at 814-724-2548) 

  • Contact the Pennsylvania State Police: 814-332-6911

  • Contact Women's Services: 814-333-9766

Serving Youth Since 1974