The Next Step Program

This is usually at the end of the first 12 months but can be earlier depending on each individual resident and his/her growth and changes. This can last 6 months to 12 months; again, depending on the needs of the resident.

A Different Environment

The residents move out of the wilderness and into a home on campus with 24 hour staff supervision. They are allowed more individual freedom and chances to make “right choices”. They also have the opportunity to gain back certain privileges they did not enjoy in the wilderness, such as TV and video games (in moderation and with supervision, of course). When counselors and staff feel the time is right, residents can earn the privilege of getting a driver’s license and/or acquire a part time job.

New Behaviors

The Next Step Program offers the teen a chance to exercise their new healthy behavior patterns while living in a safe and structured environment. Although they are still in a controlled environment, they have many more opportunities where they must choose the way they will act and/or react to any number of societal situations. They are assisted in practicing healthy social interactions and relationships with their peers of both genders in a supervised environment. In other words, they get to practice behaving appropriately in the real world. This is a “proving grounds”, so to speak, where mistakes can be expected and corrected.

Plans for Re-uniting with the Family after Program Completion