Module 1: Overview of the Juvenile Justice, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Treatment Systems

7D. Exercise: Culturally Competent Treatment Systems

Please read the following description of the Evergreen Mountain Holistic Living Program and indicate which goals for a culturally competent treatment program are in place in this facility.

Evergreen Mountain Holistic Living Program
The Evergreen Mountain Holistic Living Program is a community-based intervention program for youth involved with the juvenile justice system. The multilingual and multiethnic team of highly trained mental health professional consists of case managers, therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The treatment team provides a Multi-Systemic Treatment (MST) approach to treating 12- to 17-year-old youth who have had at least two admissions to detention, have a history of serious emotional or behavioral problems and violent or aggressive behavior in the past two years, or meet DSM-IV criteria for substance abuse.

The family works with an MST therapist to identify their strengths and areas of need. Before discharge, families are connected with churches, schools, local businesses, and community centers to develop positive, productive community activities, such as jobs, recreation, and community service. Families also work closely with probation counselors to identify potential roadblocks to success and to build the probation plan.

Family counseling usually takes place in the home. Focus is placed on reducing conflict, supporting the role of parents and caretakers, and improving communication at home. Individual counseling addresses the mental health and emotional needs of the youth. Anger management, interpersonal communication, and impulse control are addressed to help youth stay out of trouble. Complete drug and alcohol screening is provided to determine the role of substance use in the problems experienced by the youth. When needed, psychiatric consultation and psychological testing are available. To provide continuous aftercare support, youth are offered group support programs such as skills building, recreation, and prevention of drug and alcohol abuse.

Throughout the year, MST therapists participate in continuing education programs conducted by members of the community who provide information about the cultures and resources of the diverse communities that surround Evergreen Mountain. Continuing education sessions include topics such as religious practices, family customs, occupational hazards, and recreational and academic opportunities.

The Evergreen Mountain Holistic Living Center is an active participant in the Coalition for Understanding, a multicultural organization created to educate the population about the various cultural traditions that support strong family relationships and connections with the rich traditions of the diverse communities throughout the State.

Culturally competent treatment system goals
(Please check all that apply.)