|
|
We allocate time for recreation, leisure and play time each week. These
activities are designed to aid the child in developing recreational skills and
help the family learn how to plan and participate in recreational and leisure
activities together.
The recreation program at Arlington House includes many activities which
are earned through the positive reward system.
Children also participate in an array of cultural, ethnic and general interest
activities found throughout the metropolitan area. Most children are from
families that are, or have recently been, in crisis. Many have histories of
abuse (physical, sexual and/or emotional), suicidal gestures and attempted
suicides. They run away and are truant. Other problems include aggressive
behavior, eating disorders, sexual acting out, theft, chemical abuse/
dependency, depression and other mental health issues. Virtually all of our
children have low self esteem.
We help children at Arlington House develop short-term objectives that they
work on regularly during their stay. These goals focus on self, family, education,
health and hygiene, appropriate use of leisure time, and in some cases,
spirituality.
Children in our care are in crises and need a therapeutic, structured
environment that offers opportunities to take risks and succeed.
|
|