Therapeutic Center Bill
FAQ
What is a Therapeutic Center Bill ?
This proposed legislation will mandate States to place Therapeutic Centers where there are vulnerable populations, sick, low-socioeconomic communities and where there is a propensity for violence, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, gang enrollment, incarcerations, mental health and psychosocial disorders.
What is the “Therapeutic Center " ?
- Provide best practices, different approaches and solutions to deal with family dysfunction, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, mental health, truancy, conduct disorders, and violence, abuse, crime, substance abuse, incarceration, recidivism seen in minority communities.
- The Pro-Social Approach- aimed at helping struggling communities, set a pattern of acceptable, social behaviors while embracing diversity.
- Create opportunities for personal growth through vocational classes, trade school, performing arts, fitness, an aquatic center, indoor playground, pool, gymnasium, competitive sports, party and meeting rooms, support groups, clubs (books, sewing, knitting) or just socialize.
- A Multi-functional therapeutic facility which offers struggling communities a host of programs and services aimed at helping families and individuals maintain stability, learn effective strategies for dealing with stress, life changing events, behavioral and mental health management, economic, social structure, and crisis situations.
- Work to redirect, build strong community relations, family stability, positive self- image, long and short term goals, and path to success.
How will the Therapeutic Center be funded?
States today are redirecting a portion of their funding towards prevention and early intervention services and community-based programs. In addition, the centers will rely on other sources of funding which include but not limited to fundraisers and private donations.
What will be the benefits?
Parents who need assistance keeping their children on track will be able to visit the center and work with qualified staff members. Teachers will be able to make appropriate referrals to the center to help student’s improve academics and overcome personal challenges. At-risk children and youths experiencing difficulties, will be able to participate in goal-oriented programs and activities tailored to meet their specific needs. Parent-child development classes will help with discipline, behavioral challenges, home management, in addition to follow-up visits, and ongoing phone contact with staff member at the center.
Who will benefit most from Therapeutic Centers?
Individuals, at-risk youths and their families would benefit from visiting a therapeutic center.
With the budgetary constraints and spending cuts, how can you justify the need for a Therapeutic Center?
Many communities in the US are facing a violence epidemic. It cost more to fix a problem than to prevent it. States spend $5.7 billion dollars each year imprisoning youths, (Justice Policy Institute; The Costs of confinements). Multi-systemic and Functional Family Therapy are one of the few cost-effective programs which yield better results than traditional programs.
Who decides when and where to put a Therapeutic Center?
A committee made-up of Members from the community such as, the local government, school officials, law enforcement, health professionals, judicial courts, businesses, organizations and residents.
What kinds of services can I expect to see at the Therapeutic Center?
Each center will be designed in accordance with the needs of the community. But, all centers must have a core staff composed of a social worker, recreational therapists, case-managers, counselors, pastoral care, educational and administrative staff. They will be responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and understanding the dynamics behind youth violence, family dysfunction, prevention and early intervention.
