Service Philosophy

Effective treatment is provided with two overriding tenets at the forefront of the BAC Service Philosophy.  The basis of our service is through:

Normalization and Unconditional Care

The basic premise of normalization is that people can best learn to become normal competent adults if they live in and learn from a “normal” environment.  Unconditional care extends the right of care to high-risk individuals who have been discharged from previous placements due to severity of behavior.  This premise further asserts that emotionally disturbed children and adults need loving care regardless of their behavior.  Rejecting them from care and treatment for misbehavior worsens their condition and society’s ultimate burden.

BEHAVIOR THERAPY

The behavior program is based on an eclectic, pragmatic prevention-based approach of utilizing positive interventions.  The program is individualized to meet the needs of each individual.  The overall environment is highly structured using some elements of the TEACCH model. Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis are used to identify the function of the maladaptive behaviors.  The primary focus of intervention is to provide positive behavioral supports to teach the clients appropriate behaviors to replace their maladaptive behaviors that led to placement.  A cognitive behavioral approach is inherent in the treatment philosophy.  This approach is strength-based. The clients are helped to understand how thinking errors influence their behavior.  They are taught to take responsibility for their behavior.  Clients are rewarded for appropriate behaviors.  Natural and logical consequences are utilized for inappropriate behaviors; no aversive interventions are used.

THE THREE PHASE CONTINUUM OF SERVICES
PHASE 1
Prevention Services (Preventive in the sense to prevent the need for residential services, to assist the parents and school in their attempt to serve the child in the home).

• Short-term Intensive Behavioral Intervention Training (S.T.I.B.I.T.)
• In-home Training, Parent Training, Parent Classes
• Teacher Training, Classroom Support
• Behavioral Assessment
• Day School Program - BAC is approved by the Texas Education Agency(TEA) to provide educational services in an innovative and individualized manner.
• Non-traditional Family Services

PHASE 2
Residentially-Based Interventive Services

• Intensive, Highly Structured, 24-hour Supervision
• Behavior Therapy
• Educational, Vocational, Social and Recreational Training
• Parent Training - While a child is in placement, BAC will strive to include the child’s family as part of the intervention and treatment process.
• Related Services - Psychiatric and psychological services, speech therapy and other related services are available according to the needs of the individual.
• Transition Services - In order to ensure a successful transition from residential placement back to the home and community:  Parent and In-home Training, Classroom Support, and Teacher Training may be provided.

PHASE 3
Reintegrative or Discharge Services

Upon discharge from residential treatment, the following services may be provided in an effort to assist parents and school districts in an ongoing manner. This type of follow up can prevent regression and loss of gains made while in residential treatment.

• Counseling
• Continued In-home Support, Parent Training
• Community-based inclusion, Church Groups, Teen Clubs, Volunteers
• Follow-up Teacher Training, Classroom Support
• Vocational Services, Job Coaching
• Non-traditional Family Services