Bonnie Brae Explains the Importance of a Routine for Children at Risk
As a “home” and safe place for boys and young men in crisis, we are experienced in providing treatment to at-risk youth that have experienced trauma: 67% of the boys that have come to Bonnie Brae have been abused, neglected or witnessed violence inside or outside the home; 70% were taking psychotropic medications; 95% had school problems including multiple suspensions, expulsions, and truancy; and 64% had been runaways, averaging 5.8 out of home placements.
We provide the most comprehensive care for these at-risk children, and as a result of this care, after about 12-18 months: 67% of the boys either stopped or decreased their psychotropic; 85% graduate successfully from our program; and 64% are reunified with their families.
Treatment at Bonnie Brae is tailored to meet each individual’s health care needs while also establishing ongoing, trusting therapeutic relationships with caring, knowledgeable staff. While there are many treatment facets that contribute to each young man’s success, the importance of establishing a routine cannot be underestimated. Immediately after arriving on our campus, boys are placed in a cottage and a treatment team is assigned to them that includes staff from our residential, clinical and educational teams.
Each day, the boys wake up to conduct chores, clean, and get ready for the day. They meet for a group day plan and breakfast, then head to school. Once school ends, treatment and skill building begins for the boys. We have covered a full day in the life of a Bonnie Brae boy in a recent blog post.
The importance of establishing a routine for Bonnie Brae boys is:
- We mentioned above that the boys arrive to our campus after experiencing traumatic situations. Implementing a routine helps bring stability into these boys’ lives, which in turn starts to make them feel safe in their environment.
- After we meet and ensure that the boys’ basic needs are met, we can begin to help them discover new strengths and build confidence in their capabilities. When the boys can stick to the routine we have created for them, they start to feel as though they are capable of anything else that will arise during their recovery.
