Elk Island Child & Youth Ranch is an accredited Group Care, Intensive Treatment Program treating children/youth covered under the Child, Youth Enhancement Act from the age of 10-24 years old. We deliver specialized treatment and clinical services to improve the lives of children/youth living with complex behavioural and emotional needs. We deliver our services in a way that involves and supports families and stakeholders.
This overall philosophy is based on the view that we optimize the functioning of the children/youth by teaching, coaching, and counselling in a supportive and caring milieu. In cases of very high risk behaviour one to one staffing is arranged. The youth then receives individualized attention to ensure safety. It is from this foundation of safety that youth are taught grounding techniques to manage the accelerated emotions that accompany trauma. We utilize a variety of methods and theory models to support our youth such as Strength Based, Solution Focused strategies, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as well as many others models that fit with specific youth. Elk Island Child and Youth Ranch believes in the importance of individualizing services to meet the specific needs of the youth we support.
Treatment goals are established by the treatment team in collaboration with the child/youth, guardian and other supports that will help with the child/youth’s specific needs. The child/youth will participate in psychiatric care shortly after intake, to review the child/youth’s clinical history and medications.
Elk Island Child & Youth Ranch has an onsite school with a full complement of core and optional classes delivered by a team trained in special education. The team consists of a school principal, vice principal, behavioral consultant and three teaching personnel. The facility offers small class sizes, and the ability to individualize educational programming.
The treatment team works collaboratively with the child/youth and guardians to ensure all essential needs of the youth are met and that they receive the treatment they need to stabilize and progress. The goal is to have the youth discharged from intensive treatment and re-enter the community equipped with a skill set for effective decision-making and for maintaining optimal behavioural control and functioning in a less intrusive placement. Progress and discharge planning are discussed at case conferences.