Valley Lake Boys Home


Program Services The Valley-Lake Boy's Home, Inc. is a private non-profit residential treatment facility for boys with severe behavior problems. It is licensed through the Minnesota Department of Corrections for up to fourteen boys between the ages of 12 and 17. The goal of the Valley-Lake Boy's Home, Inc. is to provide a safe and secure environment in which a youth can work through the conflicts connected to his inappropriate and negative behaviors. The program is designed to facilitate attitudinal and behavioral changes that will allow these adolescents to function in their own community. Point/Level System In order to earn release from the traditional program, residents must earn a minimum of 1,500 points. Each resident begins the day with ten points. Positive behaviors that exceed expecations earns plus points. Negative, disruptive rule breaking behaviors earn downgrades. The points are tied into a four level system. Each level has certain privileges designed to help the residents see the long term consequences of their behavior. Education The education program is built around a concept of individualized instruction. The residents attend a self-contained classroom located at the Breckenridge Middle School taught by EBD/LD teachers. Valley Lake staff help supervise the classroom and also provide tutorial assistance. Residents can also earn mainstream classes based upon behavior and school progress. They have the opportunity to make up classes or credits that they may have missed. Students may also work towards GED completion. Summer school sessions are held each summer. Valley Lake students have classroom access to accelerated math, reading, and writing programs. Family Valley Lake recognizes the importance of family involvement. Family involvement serves as a motivator, source of information, support for staff and son, and a part of the discharge planning. Positive family involvement is encouraged and appreciated. We encourage calls, letters, and visits. Sunday afternoons are designated as family time at Valley Lake. Residents in the traditional program with acceptable behaviors can earn home visits every other weekend. Group Weekly group sessions are held in which residents work on various topics from decision making to interpersonal skills. An integrated cognitive behavior change curriculum is used to address and identify problem behaviors and attitudes. The concept is integrated into the every day living practices at Valley Lake. Counselors Each resident is assigned an individual counselor, who will be responsible for maintaining contact with referring agencies and parents. The counselor will work to develop an individualiezed program that is responsive to the needs of each resident. Cognitive behavior curriculum is worked on with each resident on an individual basis. Staffings are held after 30 days of placement to evaluate progress. Medical/Mental Health Needs Medical service is supplied by area physicians and the St. Francis Medical Center located in Breckenridge. Psychological evaluations, psychiatric treatment, chemical dependency and other outpatient needs are available through both local agencies and facilities in the resident's home community. Valley Lake provides transportation when necessary. Recreation & Leisure Time The daily schedule includes structured and supervised recreation time. Our recreation building provides year round indoor recreation. Seasonal outdoor activites are also enjoyed. School and community resources are also utilized when possible. Various activities include basketball, sports events, roller skating/blading, volleyball, swimming, softball, arts and drama, crafts, football and weight lifting. Program Enhancements 90 day program (contact us for details) Cognitive behavior curriculum Short term care available from 1 to 30 days Community service worksite Title 4E Eligible Program DHS Consolidated Chemical Fund Provider Transportation provided Individual bedrooms for each resident