HARPETH PRIMARY ASSESSMENT CENTER
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Program services include intake, assessment, and placement recommendations for male and female students ages 10-17 who have support needs that require temporary care in a secure, structured, supportive and trauma-informed setting. The campus has 2 housing units, with administration, classrooms, conference rooms, cafeteria, and 2 outdoor recreation spaces.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Harpeth Primary Assessment Center is an enhanced assessment center that provides observation and assessment services to assist the TN Department of Children’s Services (DCS) with better understanding your unique strengths and needs. The program serves both male and female students (separately) ages 10- 17 who have support needs that require temporary care in a secure, structured, supportive and trauma informed setting while their next placement is determined.
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Operating 365 day per year, 24-hours per day, the program provides for the intake, care and custody, structured multidisciplinary assessment, and support services appropriate to the student’s age, behavior, level of functioning, emotional needs, strengths and individual interests.
The program provides a variety of services that include daily care, education, physical and mental health care services, independent living skills, and social skills. Our care begins with a thorough screening, assessment and care planning process to determine the best placement, modalities, intensity, frequency
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY & GOALS
The majority of students we serve bear a reality that has exposed them to disappointments, instability in home and family life, direct or indirect trauma, violence, drug abuse, and a variety of factors that have contributed to their current situation. Our programming is designed to support the student’s intellectual, emotional and physical development needs with an emphasis on physical and emotional safety.
Every student in our care comes to us with their own unique histories, resiliency/strengths, risk factors, and individualized care needs. Our care begins with a thorough screening, assessment and care planning process to determine the best modalities, intensity, frequency and duration of care relative to the student’s level of need, and make appropriate placement recommendations to TN DCS to meet your unique needs.
Services are provided in caring environments that promote and ensure emotional and physical safety of all youth, at all times.
TYPES OF SERVICES AND TREATMENT
It is the policy of Harpeth Primary Assessment Center to provide trauma-informed assessment and care services to all students in accordance with mandated guidelines. The focus of placement recommendations based on comprehensive assessment emphasizes healing and working to make sure that students have stable and productive environments to which they can thrive.
The program is a highly structured, predictable, and accepting trauma-informed community that fosters personal growth, social development and responsibility through an array of comprehensive daily services. Staff led group interventions are utilized to motivate and teach while providing interventions that help students achieve emotional and behavioral stability.
All youth attend education services daily. Group service delivery includes social skills development, Independent Living Skills, and anger management and drug awareness education, which are part of the weekly schedule.
ACADEMIC/VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Educational services are provided to improve academic and social skills. Educational programs promote scholastic success by reinforcement of attendance, individualized instruction, and academic assignments. Educational services are provided on-site through and address each student’s individualized academic needs.
Each admitted student is assessed to establish and individualized education program. Educational services promote skill acquisition, which ultimately will yield benefits in behavior and social competence.
REFERRAL SOURCES & FEES
All student referrals to Harpeth Primary Assessment Center shall come from TN Department of Children’s Services (DCS) offices across the State of Tennessee. Each referral is executed in accordance with the placing agency’s (DCS’s) rate methodology.