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SERVICES
Child
and Adolescent |
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THERAPEUTIC AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM ( TAP )
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THERAPEUTIC AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM ( TAP )
MISSION STATEMENT AND PRINCIPALS:
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The mission statement of the Therapeutic After School Program (TAP) is to improve the quality of life for children with serious mental illness and/or significant emotional disturbance by ensuring access to an integrated network of providers who promote consumer rights, responsibilities, rehabilitation and recovery. With DMH funding the TAP program operates out of the YMCA, allowing children to experience all the benefits of a natural community setting with the support of a highly structured, therapeutically based program. By virtue of this natural setting, the children are encouraged to interact and respond to the community at large. |
The TAProgram provides a safe and therapeutic atmosphere that encourages each child to reach his or her full potential and places special emphasis on addressing the following issues:
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Respecting self and others
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Building self-esteem
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Increasing repertoire of adaptive and healthy behavioral responses
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Taking responsibility for choices
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Recognizing and managing affect / emotions
The parents of the children enrolled in the TAProgram are also involved in the treatment. Each parent is expected to attend a mandatory Parent Support Group once a month. This group provides information, education, and peer support regarding the very difficult challenges of raising children with special needs.
ADMISSION CRITERIA: Although the TAProgram is funded by DMH, the program accepts referrals from children that are not serviced by DMH. Instead, the admission criteria is based on the following:
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Have a serious emotional disturbance
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Aged between 8 and 14
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Live in Andover, Lawrence, Methuen or North Andover
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Must have a Case Manager from DMH or DSS and / or be involved in psychotherapy with a local mental health agency or private practitioner
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Must be able to safely participate in a community based program
SERVICES: The TAProgram is a short term after school service with a duration of 6 to 12 months. Male and female children are accepted between the ages of 8 and 14. The program runs Tuesday through Friday all year long between the hours of 3 PM to 6 PM. Summer and vacation hours change to meet the needs of the children and are typically offered from 1 PM to 4 PM.
TAP is a highly structured, milieu program. The children receive group therapy twice a week, social skills training three times a week, and academic support three times a week. Weekly gym, rock climbing, racquetball, and swimming are also integrated into the program.
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