Treatment Programs
Epworth Village provides a continuum of care that utilizes an intensive, highly structured program of therapeutic services to respond to the identified needs of families and children. The services are family-centered, culturally competent, and community based, focusing on the return of the client to their home community as quickly as possible.
Children between the ages of 8 and 21 years and grades 1-12 may be placed for treatment provided that they meet the criteria for the specific level of treatment. Youth at the following levels must meet medical necessity: Residential Treatment Center, Treatment Group Home, Day Treatment, Outpatient Service.
An example of this is having a disorder of sufficient duration to meet diagnostic criteria specified within the current Diagnostic and Statistics Manual of the American Psychiatric Association. A disorder results in functional impairment substantially interfering with or limiting a person's abilities to function within the family, school, or community. Youth admitted to residential levels of care most often have seen limited success with less structured interventions.
Epworth Village utilizes a treatment program style including an incentive system emphasizing positive client growth and change. The incentive program is designed to motivate clients to practice responsible behaviors. The program operates from the concept that children want and need limits and positive reinforcements that meet their level of functioning. This incentive program has two distinct dimensions. Levels regulate the amount of autonomy a client earns outside the living unit, and frequent evaluations regulate privileges the client earns. Late in 2002 a revised behavior incentive program was implemented on a trial basis. Minor modifications were made and the program will officially begin April 2003.
Psychotherapy
Epworth Village psychotherapy services are based on the family systems approach, which includes the whole family in the treatment process. Even though only one family member is in residence, the focus is on affecting change within the entire family system. During the pre-placement interview, the members of the Identified Family Resource receive orientation to the therapy service provided and the requirements for participation.
Acceptance for placement depends, in part, upon the willingness of the family to participate in treatment. Psychotherapy services include, but are not limited to family therapy twice a month, individual therapy once each week, and group therapy daily. A Board Certified Adolescent Psychiatrist is on campus on a weekly basis and oversees the Inter-disciplinary Team. The psychiatrist interviews each client at the time of placement and at least once each month thereafter, unless otherwise determined.
Life Skills
Life Skills training is the residential component of the program. Concerted effort is expended to provide a safe, positive, reliable, consistent and structured environment. There are Life Skills trainers on duty and awake 24 hours each day. A Primary Life Skills trainer is assigned to each client. The purpose is to encourage the development of a trusting relationship. Life Skills classes will be attended by all clients and involve skills which will improve the client's independent living needs such as relationships, substance abuse issues, cooking, laundry, job search, reading, etc.
Education
Epworth Village, Inc. provides Level III Special Education and regular education to clients following the guidelines of the Nebraska Department of Education, Rule 18. Verified educational handicapping conditions follow guidelines of Nebraska Department of Education, Rule 51. Course work is coordinated with a client's home school to facilitate a smooth transition into and following treatment. Class work is individualized and teaching is provided in small group settings. Classes in all academic subject areas are available and a hands on approach is utilized whenever possible. Learn more about the Epworth Learning Center and the Enrichment Center.
