Adolescents come into the Daytop program with many kinds of behavioral issues with family, school, social, some of which were compounded by substance use. Because of this wide range of problems, adolescent clients may receive treatment in either a daycare or residential setting, short or long-term, according to an in-depth assessment of their needs. These services are available for youngsters ages 12-21.

Education and family issues are crucial in any program for young people. All adolescents without a high school diploma continue their education while at Daytop. Families of clients are encouraged to be involved in the treatment process, and attend family support groups and activities.

Our adolescent treatment programs are based on the therapeutic community concept, which combines the elements of a family-based structure and positive role models with individual and group counseling, family therapy, art feelings workshops, informational seminars, medical and mental health services, relapse prevention support, and recreational activities.

Outreach centers are located in the communities they serve. Adolescents may go there for day and after school programs. If they go during the day, the teens continue their education at the centers Monday through Friday. School runs from 9 until 3, and clinical activities run from 3 until 5 in the afternoon. At our New York centers, Saturday mornings are used for facility responsibilities, sports, and other activities. Outreach centers include all the counseling services of a therapeutic community.

When they are ready, adolescent daycare clients move on to an Aftercare phase. In this phase they may return to their neighborhood high schools, begin college, or start working, and go to the outreach in the afternoon or evening. This can be a stressful time as they return to the responsibilities of a complete life, and practice the mature behaviors they have been learning. Daytop counselors support them through this stage, and encourage them in setting and reaching for new goals.

Residential centers provide in-depth, full time exposure to a structured lifestyle and positive peers. The curriculum integrates educational, clinical, and social activities, and is designed to teach responsibility and life management skills.

Residential treatment can range in length from 3 to 12 months, depending upon the assessment of each adolescent. For specifics of Adolescent Residential treatment in New Jersey, visit www.DaytopNJ.org.

An Aftercare plan may include a return to the Outreach center in their home area, further schooling, counseling, and support groups as needed. The adolescents can take on new responsibilities in stages, knowing that their counselors and all the resources of Daytop are available to help them adjust and continue to set new goals for themselves.

If an adolescent needs to complete the program at a residential site, there is an adolescent Re-entry unit at our facility in Far Rockaway, Queens, with a complete complement of counselors, a branch of The Daytop Preparatory School, and provisions for further academic or vocational training.

Adolescents usually enter the program through their local Outreach center, but those living in upstate New York may apply directly to our Duchess County Adolescent Intake & Assessment component. For more information about New Jersey intake, visit www.daytopNJ.org.