Treatment
Introduction
There are numerous programs out in the world dedicated to
treatment. They treat everything from emotional, social and educational issues.
They use various treatment methodologies such as cognitive behavioral therapy,
interpersonal therapy, problem-solving therapy, group therapy, family therapy
and psycho-pharmacology. They deliver these therapies in many forms such as
wilderness camps, residential homes, boarding schools, boot camps and equine
farms. Further, these treatments can get very specific and deal with alcohol,
drugs, and sex issues.
So treatment can and is a good thing.
This now leads use into the issue of Gang Safe House
Treatment program.
Gang Safe House Treatment Program
First we provide a safe place
to reside. This in it self will take time as we learn about their gang and any
fears they might have and why and how to cope with them. This will entail some
real-time open communication that will no doubt lead to strategies to keep
everyone safe. Their kinship relationships will be an integral part of this
process. These kinship relationships will carry on throughout the entire
program.
Next comes the hard part - Resistance to Treatment.
Introduction
Once the residence and safety
components are accomplished then comes the notion of personal change. People in
general are comfortable with the problems they have and change is
difficult. In this way then treatment
is difficult. So our first focus will be on the notion of resistance to change
or treatment. By breaking down the resistance to change we open the door to
treatment.
Here is what our program will
be looking at from each individual resident perspective:
Social Stigma - they
are here and they do not want to be thought of as providing information on
their gang members.
Defiance - some young people
are openly rebellious to adult assistance due to past negative adult
interactions.
Poor insight –
there is due to the gang life style a limited capacity on their part to look at
themselves realistically. They also feel unworthy of anyone outside of the gang
life liking them for themselves.
Fear - young people
from gang life sometimes fear that they are “crazy” or have serious mental
problems or addictions and they cannot change. They will hold on to their
problems as they can understand them. In this way they believe they have
control of their lives and the fear subsides.
Embarrassment - some
have shame that they cannot help themselves and must seek others support.
Denial - some will
have an inability to face their problems.
Misconceptions - some
will have a total misunderstanding of their reality.
Concealment - some will
try to hide their issues.
So What Do We Do
House program
-
up every day at a set time
-
set routines in the morning
-
but we add the mandatory daily focus group before school/work/treatment
School/Work is looked
upon as therapy.
End of every day there is Mandatory
Goal reviews with each resident.
Evening - mandatory
leisure, recreation and/or spirituality.
The Third Step
Once some insight has been
gained then we will look at programs for special issues such as alcohol, drugs
and sexual problems.
