There may be times in a child’s or teen’s life when daily activities and relationships become too difficult to manage, sometimes because of trauma experienced, sometimes due to mental health issues, sometimes due to cognitive processing difficulties, sometimes due to the pull of substance use.
Residential treatment allows youth to focus on understanding themselves and making life changes that haven’t previously been possible. Intensive intervention provided by staff on a 24-hour basis can succeed when other options have failed.
Youth at Wedgwood will explore the emotions behind their behaviors, address their impulses by learning new coping skills, and learn about healthy choices. They will receive continuous support and guidance from trained and qualified staff. There is an emphasis on grace-based treatment, showing kindness and compassion while training, guiding,
and directing.
Our Approach
TRAUMA INFORMED TREATMENT
Wedgwood emphasizes Trauma Informed Treatment that focuses on understanding the physiological, psychological, emotional, and spiritual effects of trauma. Evidence-based practices such Relationship Trauma Repair (RTR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and other treatment modalities may be incorporated into treatment.
COORDINATED CUSTOMIZED TEAM APPROACH
Through our dedicated staff, Wedgwood offers a wide variety of mental health resources in each child’s treatment, including:
- Masters-Level Therapist
- Home Supervisor
- Goal Worker
- Education Specialist
- Recreation/Activity Therapy Specialist
- Registered Nurse
- Physician Assistant
- Psychiatrist
The Clinician oversees the development and implementation of the Treatment Plan, which is coordinated through daily communication across the interdisciplinary team. Regularly scheduled team meetings focus on progress and stabilization in treatment, reviewing safety plans, and developing resources for discharge planning. Clients, parents/guardians and referring workers are involved in this planning process. Quarterly Case Review meetings, including parents/guardians and referring workers, are held for clients whose placement in Residential Treatment extends beyond three months.
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES
All clients have access to on-site psychiatric service and receive a psychiatric evaluation if indicated. Psychotropic medication may be used, with consent, and can prove to be an effective component to assist with treatment. Arrangements are made for monthly reviews with our psychiatrist if additional psychiatric services are required.
LENGTH OF STAY
Length of stay is dependent upon factors such as family involvement, support services available in the family’s community, severity of client’s symptoms, and funding source.
DISCHARGE PLANNING
Discharge planning begins at admission and continues through care, transitioning to after care services at discharge. This collaborative process includes, but is not limited to identifying the community supports coordinator, psychiatrist, or other health care provider.
REFERRAL PROCESS
Referrals are made through an agency that will provide funding for services, such as Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) or Juvenile Courts. In general, insurance does not pay for residential treatment at Wedgwood.
Who Receives Services?
We provide treatment and care for children and teens, ranging in age from 6-17 years, who have experienced:
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Trauma
physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; neglect; family relationship and adoption issues; emotional impairment; reactive attachment disorder
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Behavioral Challenges
conduct disorders; impulsivity; sexual offenses; adjustment disorders; aggression; running away; substance abuse; self-injurious behaviors
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Mental Health Issues
hyperactivity; attention deficit disorder; learning disabilities; depression; affective-disorders; mood disorders; developmental disabilities; cognitive impairments.
Specializations
Additional Services
- Wedgwood offers additional services that provide holistic care that restores the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being, while supporting their behavioral and mental health.
Wellness & Recreation
Wedgwood offers additional services that provide holistic care that restores the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual well-being.
View our Wellness Policy Assessment Plan
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About Our Program
- Each Residential Home has a Recreation/Activity Therapist that uses a variety of tools, activities, and opportunities, including life-skills classes, expressive arts classes, intramural sports and group games, exercise classes, and animal therapy.
- Wellness and Recreation services are donor-funded.
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Why It Matters
Diverse therapeutic experiences help address the emotional, mental and physical well-being of our residential clients, help build healthy leisure skills, and encourage self-confidence. Wellness activities help create a sense of wholeness for kids who have missed out on many “normal” childhood activities and better prepare them for success in the community
Chaplaincy & Youth Ministry
Wedgwood offers distinctly Christian care, and the Chaplaincy team is available to provide spiritual support and guidance. While we view this as an important benefit for their treatment, we let the client decide whether or not they choose to participate.
These optional programs can work in tandem with mental health treatment to provide a more well-rounded approach to restoring wholeness.
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About Our Program
- As a part of Wedgwood’s distinctively Christian care, there are optional opportunities for youth to participate in various faith-based activities such as: Pastoral counseling, Youth Groups, Worship Services, Bible Studies, Devotions, Coffee House Ministry, Service Projects, and VBS.
- Chaplaincy services are optional and donor-funded.
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Why It Matters
- Wedgwood’s Chaplaincy Programs give youth a safe space to ask big questions, and an opportunity to find hope.
Employment Training Program
Youth have the opportunity to participate in Wedgwood’s Employment Training Program which teaches valuable life skills.
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About Our Program
- Wedgwood’s Employment Training Program (ETP) is an optional program for teens in Wedgwood’s Residential Program to gain valuable life and job skills. Student employees work for community clients offering services such as car detailing, landscaping and lawn services, upholstery, and building wood shop products.
- Wedgwood’s Employment Training Program is donor funded.
- Wedgwood’s Employment Training Program (ETP) is an optional program for teens in Wedgwood’s Residential Program to gain valuable life and job skills. Student employees work for community clients offering services such as car detailing, landscaping and lawn services, upholstery, and building wood shop products.
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Why It Matters
- Teens who participate in ETP gain job experience and learn vital skills including: how to fill out a job application, interview with confidence, developing consistent work habits, teamwork, respect for authority, punctuality, professionalism, problem-solving, accepting feedback, handling responsibility, and pride in their work. From these, self-worth and confidence begin to grow as they realize they can be productive young adults in the community workforce.
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Services & Customer Information
- Wedgwood’s ETP products and services are available to community customers.
- Fill out this form or Contact Jackie at jbrewster@wedgwood.org or (616) 831-5575
- Visit the Wedgwood’s ETP Etsy Shop
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy plays an important role in Wedgwood’s holistic treatment approach.
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About Our Program
- Occupational Therapy (OT) is an individualized adjunct service which is available for youth who meet certain criteria and where there is a funding source identified. OT assists youth in reaching their greatest level of functional independence.
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Why It Matters
- OT assists each client in succeeding in their day to day activities including managing the emotions and sensory processing difficulties that are often the result of trauma. This is achieved through sensory activities and the learning of basic fine motor, gross motor, visual perceptual, and daily life skills for overall functioning.
Educational Support
Wedgwood provides educational support for youth, helping them to develop and meet goals in their education and schooling.
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About Our Program
- Education is provided by Lighthouse Academy which provides a holistic, individualized approach to goal-setting with each student. Each Residential Home has an Educational Specialist that provides academic and personal guidance with a support team, student-tailored curriculum, blended learning options and up-to-date technology.
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Why It Matters
- Youth are able to receive extra support in areas where they struggle, get credit recovery, experience success, and gain hope for their future.
Our Campus
Wedgwood Christian Services is located on a lovely 20 acre campus on the southeast side of Grand Rapids. Wedgwood offers an on-campus school, wellness center, gymnasium, coffee house, Kid’s Club, Chapel, and walking trail around Wedgwood’s spacious, private grounds. Each residential program has a common area to build community, and youth have their own rooms. Residences are locked so youth must be able to demonstrate safe behavior before they are allowed to engage in on-grounds and off-campus activities.
Referral and More Information
Referrals are made through an agency that will provide funding for services, such as Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) or Juvenile Courts. In general, insurance does not pay for residential treatment at Wedgwood.