Youth Development Services
Program Components
ACADEMICS
YDS emphasizes academic achievement whether the youth is working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. All youth are required to attend school in Douglas. Youth who have already graduated may be enrolled in community college classes or vocational studies. Tutors are available for all subjects.
Extracurricular activities are strongly encouraged. Every resident may participate in sports and school clubs as long as they maintain satisfactory progress in school. YDS believes that positive growth comes about by facilitating physical as well as emotional well-being.
FACILITY
YDS is a ten bed facility. There are 4 long term beds and 2 crisis. 2 beds are saved for overflow. Boys and girls bedrooms are located in seperate halls. They are divided by the commons area and staff desk. Bathrooms are located at the end of each hall. Every bedroom has it's own sink and mirror. Bedrooms are double occupancy, but when census allows, we prefer to give each youth their own room.
RECREATION
Resident's participate in planned activities while at YDS. They range anywhere from going to the library and recreation center to fishing and watching movies in the park.
THERAPY
YDS utilizes local mental health providers from private practice and the local mental health center. Each youth and their family's treatment needs are identified and referrals made to the appropriate provider.
Youth that are court-ordered to the group home program are required to attend counseling. Their family's may also be ordered to attend counseling. Private pay and Title XIX pay for the costs of therapy.
If the youth/family is already seeing a provider located outside of the Douglas area, YDS will work with the provider to continue services via Zoom.
