Stetson School is meeting the needs of cognitively impaired young adult men who have engaged in treatment for sexually abusive behavior but who still require a rehabilitative, staff secure living environment and academic services.  The Youth Extended Services (YES) Program opened in 2004 and accommodates six young men, ages 17-22, in a "little yellow house" situated at the edge of Stetson School's main campus. The YES Program is structured to engage students in vocational education, on-campus paid employment, and reinforcement of practical self-sufficiency skills. The goal is to prepare students for a successful transition to adulthood in a manner that allows him to function responsibly, safely, and effectively in the community. YES Program students have the opportunity to experience the challenges of young adulthood with the support of a treatment team who can monitor potential sexually abusive behaviors.

Referrals to the YES Program are typically young adult males who are eligible for special education services and have yet to graduate from high school.  The student must require a residential level of care and have a history of sexually abusive behavior as a juvenile, and has participated meaningfully in sexual abuser treatment at Stetson School or another treatment center.  Most YES Program students have a history of poor social functioning, below average intellectual abilities, and may have a psychiatric disorder. As students reach age 18, they must agree to continue voluntary services through the referring agency, and must agree to receive services voluntarily at Stetson School.  Due to the high degree of community contact associated with the YES Program activities, students with a history of frequent restraints, or sexualized behavior into adulthood will be reviewed on a case by case basis.  Currently, Stetson School operates the YES Program as a stand-alone program with a rate separate from the conventional residential program in order to provide student wages and the additional services of a Rehabilitation Specialist. An Admissions Coordinator can respond to any questions that arise pertaining to the additional rate.

YES Program students attend Stetson's on-site special education school year-round and receive a full range of academic services. In addition, students receive vocational education in units such as Building and Grounds Maintenance and Wood Shop, and are able to participate in on-campus work projects such as building a shed or landscape construction. Students work with a Rehabilitation Specialist in a weekly individual session to set goals in a step-by-step method of skill-building.  For example, one student focused on learning to use the telephone properly, and practiced making an appointment, ordering take-out food, and leaving a voicemail message with coaching from the Rehabilitation Specialist. The Rehabilitation Specialist collaborates with the student to set goals, stage practice opportunities, and measure progress.  The periodic Individual Service Plan meeting includes a report from the Rehabilitation Specialist which outlines the goals achieved and methods for removing obstacles to success.  Students take two weekly classes that include Preparing for Community Living, Money Management,

Personal Relationships, and Self-Care and Health.  YES Program students apply for and hold on-campus jobs and complete on- and off-campus community service projects each month, demonstrating the ability to function well as a citizen of the community and to donate their time and talent to worthy local causes. The size of the YES Program allows treatment planning and goal-setting to be highly individualized and continuously reinforced.

Psychotherapy services are geared toward the young adult's needs to cope with freedom and to gain greater self-understanding, but still occur through the lens of Stetson's treatment model for sexually abusive behaviors. Individual therapy occurs weekly and group therapy is three times per week.  YES Program students work with a Clinician who helps students integrate and apply daily what they have learned about relapse prevention.

The Residential milieu of the Ryder House, where the YES Program is located, is characterized by student involvement in every aspect of house operations.  Students meet with staff to plan the weekly menus, and then shop and cook the meals.  Care of the interior and exterior of the house are normal parts of the student routine, in an effort to build skills and to simulate a typical home environment where all house members assume responsibilities. Young adults at Stetson School also require different approaches for behavior management and students are expected to maintain self-discipline and conduct suitable for frequent trips into the community and appropriate to the workplace.  Staff receives special training in strategies for effective communication with students who may have limited verbal skills or information processing problems, and, must recognize that young adults are capable of being active participants in their own behavior management process. A Team Nurse monitors the student's routine care and attends to urgent care needs in collaboration with the primary care physician.  The Team Nurse also monitors medications, advises the student and staff about anticipated changes, and discusses informed consent with the parent/legal guardian.  Stetson School provides the services of a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and a Clinical Nurse Specialist who manage psychiatric diagnostics and medication planning. The interplay of multi-disciplinary team members and the thorough training required of Stetson School's staff combine to produce high quality treatment services with fidelity to the program model.

Case Management services focus on coordinating student needs with service providers in the home community.  Many YES Program students make regular trips to visit family prior to moving back to the local community.  Stetson School provides staff support and transportation for this critical phase of preparation for community living and working.