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Life Skills Students advance in the program through a behavior grading program. Students are graded on compliance, attitude, personal hygiene, interactions, group participation, school, personal chores, and responsibility. Student’s behavioral levels and progress will be congruent with the therapy levels and progress of the program. We provide a consistent and effective balance of therapy and behavior management. There are 5 levels in the behavioral management system and 10 levels in the therapy model system. “Expectations are the only barrier between us and that which we are.” -T.S. Eliot Level 0 (Cave phase) “C itizens A gainst V irtually E verything.” This phase is when a student does not want to work the program and is against everything and everyone that is trying to help her. Insubordination, harmful actions, denial, justification, minimization, projection of blame are some of the thinking errors that are going on while on this phase or level. No privileges are available on this level. Bedtime is 9:00 pm Level 1 (Lunar Phase) “Listen, or your tongue will make you deaf!” This level is for the new student who arrives at Utah Achievement Center. This is the level where the student is oriented regarding Utah Achievement Center rules, expectations, boundaries, therapy commitments, schedule, structure, and rights as a participant in the program. This phase is similar to the “Cycle of the Moon.” Upon arrival to Utah Achievement Center, the student begins to reflect back on her past choices and actions. The thought of working the system for a short period of time often crosses her mind and produces what is called the “honeymoon phase,” A time where everything is just fine. This is also a time where the student reflects back on certain aspects of their lives such as: mental, emotional, spiritual, social and physical. It takes 28 days for the moon to complete a full cycle or phase. Each phase of the moon can represent the mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and physical aspect of the student’s life. It may take a month or two for a student to begin to identify areas in her life that may need some healing, mending, further development, and/or help. This level allows basic privileges. Bedtime is at 9:30 pm. Level 2 (Quest Phase) “I am learning to be an empty cup , so that when fresh water is poured in , I will be able to receive” This phase is where the student will begin the quest to better themselves as a person, family, community member, and productive citizen. Here they are beginning to catch the vision of who they truly are or could possibly one day, become. This quest aids in defining life goals, finding purpose, gaining power and clarity, connecting herself to a higher being, overcoming fears and self-imposed limitations, finding inner strength, healing abuse, identifying grief, anger relationship issues, and identifying consistent patterns in life direction. Here the student has earned more privileges such as, additional make up and jewelry, opportunities for an off campus activities, the honor of caring for an animal (pet therapy), and/or having pictures and limited decorations in her room. 10:00 pm bedtime. Level 3 (Sunset Phase) “When I participate in the ongoing creative process of my life, I have no time to judge how others participate” This phase is where true change takes place. Students begin to change for intrinsic reasons rather than external reasons. Here they find closure to the past, like a sunset, leaving inappropriate and unhealthy behaviors behind. Although, difficult and hard to let go of the past but ready to move on to new challenges and a new day. The student now has the courage to move forward on a new journey. They now become focused on what is right and what is wrong rather than who is right and who is wrong. There are opportunities for the student to practice what they have learned. Students have earned the right for a family visit, off campus opportunities, additional privileges and a 10:30 pm bedtime. Level 4 (Achievement Phase) “You don’t grow old, you get old by not growing” Here the student becomes pro-active in decision-making and problem solving. They become a role model for other students in the home and begin to assist others in their everyday choices. They take on leadership roles and responsibilities and are ready to face the day, rising like the sun. They have earned the trust of the community and staff and will have more opportunities to demonstrate their desire to return home and be successful. Bedtime is 11:00 pm. |
