Philosophy
Our program is committed to creating an environment where every girl and young woman feels safe, respected, and supported. We recognize that behavior and communication are influenced by emotions, experiences, and development. When challenges arise, our focus is to understand what is happening beneath the surface, support emotional regulation, and build skills for healthy expression and relationships.
Staff are trained to respond with empathy, consistency, and respect. We work to strengthen each participant’s sense of belonging, confidence, and leadership while helping them navigate challenges in a positive and empowering way.
Support Process
Step 1: Connection and Safety
When a concern arises, staff focus first on ensuring safety and re-establishing connection. The goal is to help the participant feel calm, supported, and heard.
Step 2: Regulation and Calming
The participant may take a brief pause, step away from an activity, or use a preferred calming strategy. Staff provide guidance and emotional support as needed.
Step 3: Reflection and Understanding
Once the participant is ready, staff talk with them privately to reflect on what happened, identify emotions, and explore possible solutions or next steps.
Step 4: Repair and Accountability
If someone was affected by the behavior, staff help the participant take restorative steps to rebuild trust or repair relationships in an age-appropriate way.
Step 5: Family or Guardian Partnership
If a younger participant (under 18) continues to experience challenges, staff will collaborate with the parent or guardian to create a support plan that promotes consistency between home and the program.
Step 6: Individualized Support Planning
For older youth and young adults, staff will work directly with the participant to develop a personalized support plan focused on emotional well-being, accountability, and skill-building.
Step 7: Team Review and Continued Support
If behavior concerns continue, a meeting will be held with the Program Director, relevant staff, and the participant (and family, if appropriate) to adjust the plan and identify additional supports. Suspension will be considered when prior interventions have been implemented consistently and with fidelity, yet the behavior continues to pose a risk to the safety, well being, or learning environment of the participant or others, and all reasonable supports have been exhausted.
Step 8: Safety and Crisis Response
If someone’s actions create a safety risk, staff will use calm, trauma-informed approaches to de-escalate and protect everyone involved. Families will be informed promptly for minors, and appropriate steps will be taken to review the incident.