Residential Services
Our residents enjoy the safety, privacy and comfort of single bedrooms, spacious activity and leisure time areas, and outdoor play areas so critical to skill development. ODTC provides a cozy and caring home-like environment, so the children and young adults can relax and feel a sense of contentment, key to their growth and success.
When it comes time for school, the teaching staff at Genesee Lake School is second to none. They provide academic instruction in a sensory-rich learning environment, pre-vocational and vocational education, and adaptive physical education. Speech and language, occupational, art and music therapies are also integral parts of the educational program.
Having fun is important. With an array of structured and leisure activities to choose from, our children and young adults have many opportunities to socialize and build friendships. From nature walks, sports activities, arts and crafts and field trips to participation in Special Olympics, and other fun events, our residents learn self-expression and teamwork, gain confidence, and realize their own unique abilities and talents.
Our Quality Staff – Clinical and Youth Care Services
ODTC staff recognize that families and guardians place a tremendous amount of trust in us when they turn to ODTC for help with their child or young adult. We pride ourselves on having top-notch professionals that not only possess the clinical expertise necessary to provide appropriate treatment, but also demonstrate genuine concern for the individuals entrusted to them.
Clinical Coordinators, many with Master’s degrees, serve as the primary counselors and case managers ensuring that the people we serve are happy and reaching their full potential. They are responsible for developing, coordinating and monitoring all aspects of the Individual Treatment Plans, providing individual, group or family therapy/counseling, and recommending appropriate behavioral intervention strategies. They coordinate discharge planning, participate in staff training, and maintain family, county and court contact. They are supported by two psychologists and an on-staff psychiatrist.
Youth Care staff is responsible for teaching and supporting our children and young adults in learning independent living skills, including personal hygiene, eating, dressing and bathing, as well and recreational and interpersonal skills. They act as a guide for residents throughout their day from classes to meals and everything in between, providing compassionate care and consistency. They encourage involvement in special activities and also strive to assist each child in improving their self-image and confidence.
Health Care Services
At ODTC, the physical, emotional, and psychological health of our residents is a priority. Our Health Services Department is staffed by Registered Nurses, LPNs, a consulting psychiatrist, and is complemented by weekly physician visits and bi-weekly visits from a neurologist.
Diagnostic and Assessment Services
If a child or young adult is experiencing behavioral problems in their current environment, ODTC can provide a short term residential Diagnostic and Assessment program. ODTC works closely with families and the referring agency in providing this program. The goal is to complete a comprehensive assessment which may include psychological, psychiatric, medical, educational, behavioral and psychosocial evaluation, and provide realistic treatment recommendations upon its completion. During the assessment, which is completed within 90 days, the child or young adult resides at ODTC and benefits from cutting-edge programming and treatment.
At the end of the stay, ODTC staff discuss the findings and recommendations and facilitate the transition, with the goal of returning the child or young adult to the least restrictive environment possible.
Community Services
Residential Respite Care – A Well-Deserved Break
Caring for a child with special needs can be time-consuming and exhausting. If you are looking for care to cover family illnesses, special events, vacations or other times when you need a break, ODTC is here to help.
ODTC creates a structured and calming environment for special needs children. Respite visitors receive the same level of care provided to our residents. ODTC’s program is designed to meet the needs of children who, due to severe behavioral problems, may not be able to be served in other respite programs.
In-Home Services
ODTC provides in-home services to children and young adults who are not placed residentially. These services include individual, family and group counseling/therapy, parent training, mentoring, independent living and social skills training, transitional services, case management and Individual Treatment Plan development and coordination between other agencies, providers and the school district involved with the child.
Community Social Skills Group – Creating Lasting Friendships
When children or young adults improve their social skills, they will raise their self-esteem and increase the likelihood that others will respond favorably to them. For that reason, ODTC has created a Social Skills Group made up of children that have similar life challenges. Participants learn how to build relationships, start and develop conversations, and cope with stress that they may encounter in a social setting with a chance to practice these skills in a community activity. Each group reviews and builds on previously acquired skills.
Resources
Performance Quality Improvement (PQI) Information Packet for Stakeholders