About the Stepping Stones Program
Program Philosophy
The Stepping Stones Program relies on the following philosophies and principles of practice:
- The Tennyson Demandments – Our core values and expectations of all employees
- Positive & Strength-Based Behavioral Interventions with Children
- Systems Approach to Services – Focus on the Individual, Family, and Community
- Respect for Each Family’s Unique Culture
- Use of the Least Restrictive Intervention to Meet Child and Family Needs
- Trauma-Informed Assessment and Treatment
Included Services
- 24-hour admissions access
- Strengths and needs assessment of youth and family
- Case management, dispositional planning, and community resource coordination
- Individual and Family Therapy provided as needed through Medicaid Fee-for-Service
- 24-hour on-call crisis support for parents and families
- Daily group therapy and life skills exercises
- Recreational activities and community events
- Psychiatric care provided as needed, including medication evaluation and management
- Medical and dental care
- Optional spirituality / faith development programming
- School transition planning and support
- Educational programming (on-grounds or in coordination with district or other facility)
- Expedited access to aftercare and outpatient services
Admissions Criteria
- Males age 11-18 in need of a short-term respite or residential care
- Youth has not been adjudicated of a juvenile sexual offense
- Youth is able to benefit from a cognitive/behavioral approach (generally a full-scale IQ of 65 or higher)
- Youth does not pose an imminent risk to seriously harm self or others
- The program does not utilize physical management as a behavioral intervention
Outcome Measures & Targets
- % of youth participation in treatment planning process (Goal = 90%)
- % of family therapy sessions attended by caregivers (Goal = 85%)
- % of youth who avoid police contact while in the program (Goal = 80%)
- % of treatment goals attained at time of discharge (Goal = 75%)
- % of clients & customers who report being “Satisfied or Highly Satisfied” on feedback surveys (Goal = 85%)