The CARES program offers specialized support through two distinct tracks, carefully designed to meet the varied needs of adolescents. These programs provide crucial assistance for teenagers facing emotional, behavioral, and substance abuse challenges, ensuring they receive tailored care within a supportive environment. Understanding the nuances of each track within the Cares Day Program is essential for families seeking the right support system for their children.
Understanding the CARES Day Program Tracks
To effectively address the diverse needs of adolescents, the cares day program is divided into two core pathways: the Adolescent Alternative Day Program (AADP) and the Comprehensive Addiction Program for Adolescents (CAPA). Each program is uniquely structured to focus on specific challenges and provide targeted interventions.
Adolescent Alternative Day Program (AADP)
The Adolescent Alternative Day Program (AADP) is specifically tailored for teenagers grappling with social skills deficits, anxiety disorders, and mood fluctuations. Recognizing that traditional high school settings may not always cater to these challenges, AADP offers a more individualized, secure, and respectful educational atmosphere. This track within the cares day program prioritizes creating a safe space where teens feel understood and supported.
AADP distinguishes itself by integrating education and therapy, providing a holistic approach to adolescent well-being. The program boasts particular expertise in supporting teenagers who experience significant emotional difficulties and issues related to school attendance, commonly known as truancy. By addressing both the academic and emotional needs, AADP aims to re-engage teens in their education and personal growth.
Comprehensive Addiction Program for Adolescents (CAPA)
The Comprehensive Addiction Program for Adolescents (CAPA) is a specialized component of the cares day program designed to support youth struggling with substance abuse. Working in conjunction with the Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, CAPA extends its services to both adolescents in recovery and those actively seeking treatment for addiction. This collaboration ensures access to comprehensive resources and expertise in addiction management.
CAPA is intentionally structured for teenagers who thrive in a highly organized environment. An important aspect of this cares day program is its ability to allow teens to continue living at home and remain part of their community while undergoing treatment. Beyond substance abuse, CAPA also addresses co-occurring issues that often accompany addiction, such as depression and other mood disorders, academic difficulties, and legal problems. This comprehensive approach ensures that all facets of a teen’s well-being are considered and addressed during their recovery journey.
Therapeutic Elements of the CARES Program
A cornerstone of the cares day program is its commitment to providing multidisciplinary therapeutic services. These services are designed to support students whose emotional and behavioral challenges have hindered their academic success and overall well-being. The clinical staff at CARES operates as a cohesive team, collaborating to develop personalized treatment plans for each student, ensuring that interventions are precisely tailored to individual needs. Importantly, all therapeutic services are accessible through both in-person sessions and convenient video telehealth options, enhancing accessibility and flexibility for families.
The comprehensive treatment plans within the cares day program encompass several key components:
- Individual, Family, and Group Therapy: Offering a range of therapeutic modalities to address individual emotional needs, improve family dynamics, and foster peer support and social skills through group sessions.
- Medication Management: Providing expert psychiatric assessment and medication management services when necessary, ensuring a balanced and thoughtful approach to pharmacological interventions.
- Substance Abuse Treatment: Delivering specialized therapeutic interventions and support for adolescents facing substance abuse issues, particularly within the CAPA track of the cares day program.
- Milieu Therapy: Utilizing the therapeutic environment itself as a tool for treatment, fostering a supportive and structured setting that promotes positive behavioral changes and emotional growth.
- Life Skills Training: Equipping students with essential life skills necessary for independent living, social competence, and future success, empowering them beyond their immediate challenges.
- Community Meetings: Facilitating regular community meetings to encourage open communication, shared problem-solving, and a sense of belonging among students and staff within the cares day program.
Educational Elements at CARES Academy
Complementing the therapeutic services, CARES Academy provides a robust full-time high school education curriculum. As a diploma-granting institution recognized by the New York City Department of Education, CARES Academy ensures academic rigor and credibility. Furthermore, recognizing diverse learning pathways, the cares day program also offers a High School Equivalency (HSE) curriculum option for students whose needs and preferences align better with this alternative route to graduation.
Adhering to the mandates set by the New York State Education Department, the diploma program at CARES Academy enables students to earn and accumulate credits towards graduation while preparing for Regents exams, essential for college admissions in New York State. Both the diploma and HSE educational programs are expertly managed through the Department of Education Re-Start Program, ensuring alignment with state educational standards and resources.
Students participating in the educational component of the cares day program attend daily academic classes taught by qualified Department of Education teachers. Crucially, the clinical staff maintains close daily collaboration with the education staff. This partnership ensures that students are not only attending their classes but also actively engaging with teachers and peers in a positive and productive manner, maximizing their learning potential. To enrich the academic experience and provide real-world context to classroom learning, field trips are occasionally integrated into the academic coursework, further enhancing the holistic approach of the cares day program.
