Therapeutic Intervention
Aggression Replacement Training (A.R.T.)
Aggression Replacement Training is an evidenced based program consisting of three parts: Skillstreaming, Anger Control and Moral Reasoning.
Skillstreaming is facilitated in the unit with your peer group. There you will practice role-playing various pro-social interaction skills. Skillstreaming has between 50 and 60 skills to practice, depending on the version your unit has been assigned.
Anger Control is a 10 week group. In Anger Control you will learn to recognize personal triggers and cues and practice of positive anger reduction, reminders and thinking ahead skills as well as making self-evaluations for managing anger better next time. The goal is to role-play positive skills to help you manage yourself better in anger provoking situations.
In Moral Reasoning you will have the opportunity to discuss various moral and ethical situations with your peers. The goal is to consider what the many possible positive and negative consequences might be and determine the best course of action. There are more than 40 scenarios available for discussion. (www.aggressionreplacementtraining.com)
Seeking Safety
Seeking Safety is a research based group that addresses both substance abuse problems and trauma, since the two often happen together. This group is 25 sessions in length and focuses on teaching safe coping skills. Group discussions are designed to encourage healing and the building of positive supports to begin and maintain sobriety.
Balanced and Restorative Justice is a PA juvenile justice program which focuses on accountability, understanding victim impacts and empathy building. The program can be in an individual and/or group setting depending on the needs of the client.
Individual BARJ sessions involve a disclosure of offenses to both therapist and caregivers; completion of victim impact lists and court ordered apology/accountability letters; understanding and education on the client’s offense dynamics; and completion of a “Life Management” plan to address high risk areas and coping skills for returning to the community.
Group BARJ sessions are focused on the Victim Impact Listen and Learn curriculum. This group is 13 units in length and focuses on how victims are impacted after various types of crimes as well as the importance of making amends.
Balanced and Restorative Justice (B.A.R.J.)
Interactive Journaling
The Forward Thinking Journal series is recognized by SAMSHA as an evidence-based program which uses a cognitive behavioral approach to cognitive skill building, criminal thinking, and behavior change. It is a structured and experiential process designed to motivate and guide participants to develop a personalized plan for realistic change and to achieve their goals for responsible living.