Abraxas Youth Center

Overview

At Abraxas Youth Center they treat many of the co-morbid features of the juvenile firesetter effectively. When they treat the whole person, the risk for recidivism can be significantly reduced. Thus, attention disorders, depression, conduct disorders, and other disorders are treated concurrently with specific firesetting issues. There is a growing body of clinical research on the underlying foundations out of which the most serious and pathological juvenile firesetters arise. These children frequently have developed with issues of early neglect and abuse. Healthy attachment processes are impeded as are the development of more functional self-regulatory abilities. With therapeutic work, the juvenile firesetter can develop more functional patterns and coping strategies. Upon admission and prior to discharge, every youth receives a psychiatric evaluation. Various evidence and competency based curricula are utilized throughout the course of treatment. They recognize that every juvenile fire-setter requires different treatment approaches, therefore, they offer diagnostic evaluations and long term treatment options. At the Center, they use the Sanctuary Model as a framework for treatment through the active action of a trauma-informed community. Some of the therapies they offer are Aggression Replacement Training, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Thinking for a Change, Teens on Target - Violence Prevention, and Ansell Casey Life Skills. Abraxas Youth Center provides service tracks such as Psychiatric Evaluation, Restitution and Community Service, Discharge Planning / Reintegration, Educational Services, and Career and Technical Education. All residents attend school year-round at our private, licensed on-site school. The Center offers a full range of Special Education services. Many residents are able to make up education deficits (credit recovery) and progress more quickly than they have in the past. Residents are strongly encouraged to set and meet high academic standards. Additional tutoring is available from the teachers for those who need it.