
CRESTVIEW YOUTH ACADEMY

Program services include 30 slots with substance abuse treatment services, and 24 slots with BDD or DD services. With one building the program has an administrative space, a cafeteria, two living areas including youth dorms, classrooms, and multipurpose areas, as well as indoor and outdoor recreation space. The program has designated "man cave" activity rooms for earned privileges and socialization opportunities. The non-secure youth are separated from the high-risk youth at all times.
Crestview Youth Academy serves 30 males between the ages of 13 and 21 in a secure residential program which provides substance abuse treatment services, co-located with a non-secure residential commitment program serving 24 males, ages 13-18, providing services for boys who meet criteria for borderline developmental disability (BDD) services or Developmental Disability (DD) services. BDD youth typically have a full-scale IQ 70-79, while DD youth IQ 69 and under, where the youth's IQ and functional limitations have been documented by a formal psychological evaluation completed within the last twelve months. Services are provided 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY & GOALS
The program provides individualized mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability treatment services using a trauma-informed approach, Average length of stay is typically 3 to 12 months during which time youth participate in individual, family, and group therapy sessions, social and life skills training, victim impact awareness and restorative justice programming. The length of stay depends on the youth's pace of success in completing the individualized treatment plans and goals. The programs overall goal is to equip youth for successful reintegration into the community to live productive, pro-social, and crime free lives.
TYPES OF SERVICES AND TREATMENT
Crestview Youth Academy Substance Abuse provides clinical/treatment services including the Seven Challenges, and Impact of Crime ( a restorative justice and victim impact curriculum).
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Crestview Youth Academy BDD/DD provides clinical/treatment services including the skills-based Skill Streaming the Adolescent, and Impact of Crime. Additionally, youth in both BDD/DD and Substance Abuse Units receive individual and family counseling regularly, as is gender-specific programming.
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Medical and health services are provided by on-site nursing as well as a contracted physician and psychiatrist. Youth are provided breakfast, dinner, and snacks dailiy, which are managed by a licensed dietitian. Special medical diets and religious diets are provided as needed. Youth also receive nightly and monthly incentive activities and canteen. Incentives are suggested by the Youth Advisory Board.
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A contracted Board - Certified Behavior Analyst provides individualized behavior plans and staff training to assist in ongoing education and strategies in working with the population's specialized needs.
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The non-secure component of the facility is required by contract to maintain a 1:8 ratio of staff to youth during the day and evening, and a 1:12 ratio during sleeping hours. The high-risk secure component maintains a 1:6 ratio during the day and evening and 1:12 ration during sleeping hours. For off site activities, a mandatory staff to youth ratio is 1:5 for all youth in Crestview Youth Academy.
ACADEMIC/VOCATIONAL TRAINING
The Florida Scholars Academy provides all educational services for residential commitment programs within the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. It offers a tailored education system that accommodates the unique needs of each student by providing multiple pathways to success. The academy offers individualized support to help students achieve their educational and career goals. This includes obtaining a high school or equivalent diploma, earning valuable industry-recognized credentials, and/or enrolling in postsecondary education at a Florida college, university, or technical college. The ultimate aim is to equip students with the necessary skills and qualifications for a successful career.
REFERRAL SOURCES & FEES
Youth served have been adjudicated delinquent by the Court and committed to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. The program is contracted through the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, no additional fees are required from youth/families or insurance providers.
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