Residential Programs
Arrowhead Ranch is a 9 - 12 month program. The theoretical foundation at Arrowhead Ranch is a Strength Based approach that includes Positive Peer Culture, developed by Harry Vorrath and Larry Brendtro. The focus is on rehabilitative services aimed at human growth and development. Arrowhead Ranch's values and principles represent a partnership with children and families, using their strengths and resources to overcome obstacles and helping them on the way to live empowered lives. Arrowhead Ranch has long held the belief that children are competent and resourceful and have the potential to help others and their surrounding communities. Arrowhead Ranch advocates safe and humane treatment, treating children and their families with respect and recognizes that all human beings have a need for belonging. Arrowhead Ranch is committed to continuing the practice of being a strength-based practitioner and work from the belief that, children, their families and their communities have strengths and resources that provide them with the ability that they can recover and grow from adversity.
Arrowhead Ranch's environment is a group environment that encourages individual change within a structured group setting. There is an emphasis on the learning theories and their application to behavior and personality, as it relates to adolescent development. Those learning theories include Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Reality Therapy to accomplish this life-task of being responsible through care and concern requires total staff involvement, and Arrowhead Ranch staff exemplifies this involvement. The group program aims to enhance each individual's development so that the individual learns to be responsible. Upon eventual release from the program, it is hoped that a young adult will continue to be a productive individual and contributing member of society.
As part of its treatment program the Arrowhead Ranch utilizes a standardized set of personal values that are to be addressed by each adolescent. Focusing on these values is a central component of the group process in rehabilitating an adolescent and measuring progress in the program. Behavior management is an integral part of the strength based program, yet consequences of inappropriate behavior are not a focus of the program. Inappropriate behaviors are not viewed as reason for administering punishment, but an opportunity for developing self-control, self-responsibility, and self-direction. Since an adolescent is responsible for their own behavior, peers and staff assist him/her in assessing their inappropriate actions - why he/she did what was done: what he/she could have done differently.
The group structure is the key to the treatment program and groups functions as a close knit unit. They live together, eat together, work together and attend school together. A strong and structured group approach with similar clients who have like offenses lends itself to learning to care for others, and in turn for themselves. A therapeutic environment is then created to induce peer discussion, creating safe and trusting relationships with other children who have the same needs to change.
Arrowhead Ranch is actively involved as a member of the Illinois Interagency Athletic Association. Many trophies have been awarded to the Ranch over the years through their participation in basketball, soccer, softball track and field, swimming and volleyball. This competition allows the residents to have many positive, rewarding experiences.
Recreation is an integral part of the total treatment program. The main goal is to rehabilitate the residents or redirect their activities through group participation. This fosters positive interaction and problem solving through a group setting. Many of the activities center around social outings such as field trips, movies, circus, camping, community activities, sports events, and visiting artist performances. Constructive recreation activities are also planned for late evenings and weekends.
The Residential Programming at Arrowhead Ranch is offered on three different levels. While many aspects of the programs intertwine, they each possess individual qualities. Residents from all three programs participate in the same activities, receive the same services, and attend the same school. The treatment approach, however, is adjusted slightly for our shorter term residents to ensure that all residents receive the maximum benefits from their stay at Arrowhead Ranch. Arrowhead Ranch currently offers three different types of residential programming; 30-Day Assessment, Alternative to Detention, and Traditional Residential Treatment.