Hillcrest Training School Programs and Services

Social Services Department

The Social Services Department functions within a system of coordinated care. The framework of service delivery focuses on continuous case management that identifies specific goals and desired outcomes from intake through residential placement and aftercare. The twelve social workers are assigned to multidisciplinary teams to address specific treatment needs including substance abuse, sexually abusive and disruptive behaviors. Additional responsibilities involve individual and family counseling as well as brokering on-campus and community-based services.

Activities Department

The Activities Department provides programs designed to develop and strengthen both physical and mental abilities through social, intramural, individual and competitive activities. Hillcrest is a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Programs include basketball, track, baseball, swimming, water safety, weightlifting, and various gym and recreation center activities. Individual programs are developed for students with special needs.

Residential Services

There are 10 cottage units with a capacity of 12 youth in each and two cottage units with a capacity of 11 units. The average length of stay for the general population is 7 months (youth who are assigned to the Sex Offense Specific program average between 14 and 18 months in residence). Services that are provided include individual counseling, group counseling and many developmental activities. Parental participation includes Sunday visits, parent nights, home visits by Social Service staff, family counseling and education and support groups. The primary treatment programs are research-based and cognitive-behavioral in nature. One cottage serves as a multidimensional assessment program (MAP). There are 12 beds for boys. Girls in the assessment program are housed at The Youth Center. These youth are in residence for 12 to 14 days and receive a complete psychological assessment. The results of the assessment are shared with the Court as an aid to dispositional planning.

Work Skills Department

Individual programs are designed to develop work interest and build effective work attitudes. Vocational assessments, work experience, classroom instruction and job placement assistance are provided. Supervised work programs are provided so that residents may fulfill their Court cost obligation.

Psychology Department

The Psychology Department conducts both standard psychological assessments as well as criminogenic assessments for each youth admitted. These assessments identify mental health, risk, need and responsibility, as well as psycho-educational issues, and provide recommendations for treatment and other services. The department provides staff training and consultation, individual and group psychotherapy, and crisis intervention. Assessments include suicide risk and assessment of appropriate level of suicide precaution, management of ADHD-diagnosed youth, liaison with area mental health agencies and the initiation of clinical case conferences to address the special needs of identified residents. A number of specialty/treatment groups are also available. The department staffing includes psychology assistants and a licensed psychologist who supervises all psychological services as specified by the Ohio State Board of Psychology.

Health Care Services Department

Services include health assessments, daily sick call, management of special needs cases, medication distribution, immunizations, substance abuse urinalysis, routine dental care and training. In-service training is provided for both staff and residents focusing on health and wellness. Health Services oversees the exposure control plan and assists in monitoring of certain health safety requirements throughout the facility. Hillcrest provides on-site medical and dental services. Additional health services are available through various community clinics and hospitals, as needed. The staff consists of LPNs, an RN supervisor, a visiting physician, a nurse practitioner and two dentists.

Training and Staff Development Department

The Training Department works in conjunction with the Hillcrest Training Advisory Committee to assist in the on-going professional development of our employees. The comprehensive training program that has been established meets or exceeds standards established by licensing and accreditation bodies. Employee knowledge and skills play an integral part in the delivery of quality service to the youth entrusted in our care and keeps staff current on the rapidly changing developments in our field.

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