Residential Therapeutic Programs for Boys, Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc.

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Residential Therapeutic Programs

Eckerd Youth Alternatives (EYA) is a leading provider of residential therapeutic programs for delinquent youth, under contract through the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

Eckerd Youth Alternatives’ four Residential Therapeutic Programs in Florida have a proven record of success serving delinquent boys ages 13 – 18. In addition, the American Correctional Association ranks the Eckerd Youth Development Center in Okeechobee, FL, in the top one percent in the country.

Eckerd’s approach is unique in its extensive use of the group process and the positive, trusting relationship counselors establish with youth. Our comprehensive treatment programs are based on choice theory and reality therapy, as well as anger management and conflict resolution training. The programs include individualized treatment plans that combine formal and experiential education, vocational training, community service, behavioral health services, family counseling and intensive group work.

The Eckerd Youth Academy, located in Christmas, FL, serves court-committed boys. Youth go to school on-site, and live and work together in small groups of about 8 to 12 members with assigned counselors and mental health professionals. Through a group process model, group members help each other with problem solving and work together to reach individual treatment plan goals.

The Eckerd Youth Challenge Program in Brooksville, FL, is an intensive residential therapeutic program for court-ordered boys ages
13-18 years. In a structured, caring environment that emphasizes positive alternatives, youth address behavioral changes through intensive small group therapy, experiential education and extensive community service work. Youth go to school on-site and live and work together in small groups with assigned counselors and mental health professionals. Through a group process model, participants help each other with problem solving and work together to reach individual treatment plan goals. The program also features family counseling, community transition and aftercare services.

The Eckerd Intensive Halfway House in Okeechobee, FL, serves committed male delinquents, ages 13 – 18, in a carefully designed and secure residential rehabilitative environment with 24-hour staff supervision. The program features intensive residential treatment and on-site education, followed by community supervision designed to smooth re-entry to law-abiding and responsible community living. Treatment activities include educational services; vocational education; individual, group and family counseling; mental health services; community services; drug education and counseling; on-site employment; and structured recreational and leisure activities. Each youth also has a transition plan that addresses educational, employment, peer relationships and family living skills upon completion of the program.

The pioneering Eckerd Youth Development Center in Okeechobee, Florida, was privatized under contract with the state of Florida in 1982. An American Correctional Association accredited facility, the Eckerd Youth Development Center includes a 113-bed secure campus and a 30-bed non-secure transitional program. The program offers a multi-disciplinary team approach to the treatment, training and education for some of Florida's most serious 13- to 18-year-old male delinquents. The American Correctional Association ranks the program in the top one percent in the country.

The Eckerd Family Focus on Rehabilitative Treatment Program (EFFORT) is a 36-Bed secure residential therapeutic program located in Eagle Springs , North Carolina that serves boys ages 13 – 17 years of age. It was designed in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

With an average length of stay of between 6 – 9 months, the EFFORT program provides a comprehensive range of strength-based services including:

individualized treatment plans
case management
educational and pre-vocational services
recreational services
substance abuse education
individual group, and family counseling

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Testimonials Graduates talk about EYA Juvenile Justice Programs Youths’ names may be changed to protect their privacy. Carter — Eckerd Youth Development Center “Being at Eckerd Youth Development Center has helped me to become a success. When I first arrived, I had a serious anger management problem. Now due to staff and my peers’ help, I have learned to deal with my anger appropriately. I have improved my education. My grades are higher now that they’ve been in years. I have learned to take ownership whenever I make a mistake instead of being dishonest. I’ve been taught how to respect myself and others. My use of foul language and profanity has decreased greatly. I’ve realized that I need to stop blaming everyone else for my mistakes. But above anything else, EYDC has taught me that crime does not pay and my freedom is not worth losing. In conclusion, EYDC has made me a better person.” Jeremy — Eckerd Youth Challenge Program Jeremy is a shining example of a youth poised for success thanks to his own hard work, encouragement from his counselors at Eckerd Youth Challenge Program and a scholarship from the Eckerd Family Foundation. After Jeremy graduated from Challenge he became a student at a military academy. In a note to EYA, Jeremy wrote: “I represent Eckerd Youth Alternatives, and I will make you proud.” Casey — Eckerd Youth Development Center “Eckerd Youth Development Center has helped me become successful by helping me change my attitude and teaching me how to identify my core problems. When I first arrived at EYDC, I was going through a bumpy road and not taking things seriously, but with the help of my treatment team, I was able to change my actions before they became big problems. I was also able to take my GED test and pass, earning my high school diploma. If I were on the street, I would not have been able to do this. When I had gone home for my home visit, I was able to put everything I learned at EYDC into practice making my mom and others in my family and community proud. I would like to thank everyone at EYDC who helped me become a successful young man. I hope to make you proud of my achievements.”