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ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM AT CONTACT INTERVENTIONS

The Abraxas Education Group’s Alternative Education Program at the Contact location was developed in partnership with the existing Abraxas Juvenile Residential Program at Contact Interventions and Wauconda Community Unit School District 118. The program is housed at the 32-bed residential program specializing in substance abuse treatment for adolescent females. We provide alternative education, counseling and social services to female adolescent students, ages 13 to 20, in the program.

CONTACT

26991 Anderson Road
Wauconda, IL 60084
630-824-4593 (phone)
630-810-9209 (fax)

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The highly structured alternative education program is based on the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) model developed by the IL State Board of Education. Our goal is to improve academic performance through diversified instruction, positive reinforcement and high expectations. These objectives are accomplished by implementing emotional and social support systems within a safe, nurturing and supportive academic environment that allows our students to learn and grow at their own pace. Our emphasis is placed on developing a strong relationship with the students’ residential treatment team and creating a strong transition plan that includes successful re-entry into their home school upon discharge from the program.

Students at the Contact Program participate in a full school day that includes social, emotional, and academic programming such as individual counseling, group counseling, character education, goal planning, and interpersonal skills training. When students are not in school, we strive to work together with the students’ residential treatment team as well as the students’ families to assist students in their recovery.

In this unique cooperative arrangement with Wauconda Community Unit School District 118, we are able to give our students a district-based curriculum which allows us to provide consistent and appropriate educational opportunities for the students in our care.

FAQs

1. How are students referred to this program?
   All students are referred to the residential treatment program through the courts, outside agencies or their parents/guardians. Once a student is placed in the program for treatment they participate in a full school day in conjunction with their treatment plan.
   
   - Day Treatment: Clients participating in the Day Treatment Program also have the opportunity to participate in the school program
   
   
2. How long is the student required to participate in the programs?
   There is a variable length of stay for students; however, most students remain in the program anywhere from 4 – 6 months. As long as a student is in treatment they are able to participate in school.
   
   
3. Can parents remove their children from the program at any time?
   Students should complete the treatment program expectations set forth by the courts to exit the program; however, student’s can be withdrawn at any time.
   
   
4. How will parents be involved in the child’s education while they are in the program?
   We have an open door policy for parents to contact us at anytime with concerns, communication regarding events or progress, and general involvement and support of their child’s education. We periodically hold special events for parents such as open house and ice cream socials.
   
   
5. Will students receive individualized support?
   Yes, each student receives individualized support that includes a complete school orientation and primary intervention specialist. This IS staff acts as a mentor for the child and provides guidance and structure during the educational program. The Education Director works with the IS, parents and treatment team to assist in the child’s transition back to their home school.
   
   
6. Will students receive a service plan or goals?
   Yes, each student has a written treatment plan which includes an academic summary. Goals are established and reviewed regularly with each student. The plan is also reviewed with the family and any outside agency involved with the student.
   
   - For students with special education needs, IEP’s are reviewed and developed to assure appropriate Education Services.
   
   
7. Do you collaborate with outside agencies?
   Yes, the majority of our students come to us from outside agency referrals. The school program works closely with each student’s residential treatment team and any outside agencies to ensure a successful recovery and return back to home school.
   
   
8. Who employs your staff?
   In our Contact alternative education program, all staff are employed by Abraxas Education Group, a subsidiary of Cornell Companies, Inc.
   
   
9. Can students earn credit?
   Yes, students can earn up to 2 ½ credit’s per trimester (84 days of attendance). Credits are based on days of attendance and how many classes are taken. These are recommended credits that are sent back to the student’s home school district.
   
   
10. Can students earn their GED?
    We are able to help student’s gain the knowledge to take the test off campus. We have GED curriculum and teacher guided classes that can help student’s reach this goal.
    

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