ChristieCare and Serendipity Center, through a newly established affiliation, are delivering  therapeutic school services at the Clackamas River Campus.  The collaboration between the two agencies is built on a 27-year old working relationship, congruent missions, and shared fundamental values.

Program Description:

Specific aspects of the program include the following:

Assessment
Annual academic assessment is provided prior to the annual IEP development meeting using the Woodcock Johnson.  Statewide and district assessments are administered.  Assessment results are shared with families and other team members in annual IEP meetings.

School-based treatment
Each resident of the residential treatment program receives mental health treatment before, during, and after his/her school day.  Each community-based student enrolled in the therapeutic school is provided a Master’s Level therapist, who provides case management, family support, and mental health interventions.  A consulting psychiatrist is available to provide psychiatric assessment, as well as offering observation and consultation services with educators.  The psychiatrist will manage medication for students who are without community-based prescribers. 

Health Services
A part-time RN, contracted through the residential program, is available to work with school staff to ensure that preventive services, protocols for medically challenged students, and well-integrated health education programs are in place. 

Evidenced-based practices
Serendipity’s therapeutic school program at Clackamas River is based on the     Circle of Courage Model.  Four fundamental themes (Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity) form the structure of the school.  These themes are explored through a non-hierarchal and non-punitive level system, in which essential skills within each domain are identified and practiced. 

Related Services
Occupational therapy and speech/language services will be provided on campus to eligible students.  Since occupational therapy is an integrated component of the treatment, clinicians will be providing assessment, direct services, and consultation with educational staff.  Access to speech/language pathologists will be contracted.

Population Served:

The Therapeutic School program at the Clackamas River campus has the capacity to serve 36 students.  Up to twenty-four of these students will be residents in the residential treatment program operated by ChristieCare on this campus.  This treatment program is a culturally specific model, designed to provide effective and innovative care for Native American and Alaskan Native youth.  The remaining 12 students will be referred by surrounding school districts.  The therapeutic school is prepared to serve both middle- and high school-aged students in need of an individualized approach and school based treatment. 

Curriculum Objectives:

• To integrate essential skills across content areas, so that students maximize their learning time by exploring key concepts from a variety of perspectives and through a variety of modes.
• To align with state benchmarks, thus preparing students for academic success in future and possibly more traditional learning settings.
• To allow flexibility and individualization, so that students with a range of skills, learning styles, and interests can all experience successful achievement.
• To maintain a balance between rigorous academic expectations and the opportunities to apply skills and knowledge in ways that promote readiness for employment and adulthood. 
• To foster competence in all areas -- academic, social, behavioral, and citizenship.

Every classroom provides coursework in Language Arts, Math, Social Sciences, Environment Science, Health, Life and Vocational Skills, Physical Education (Therapeutic Recreation), and the arts.  A special emphasis is placed on reading and comprehension, since enrollment in this program is time limited and students must be as prepared as possible to continue to learn in less restrictive settings.