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El Centro de Libertad provides a variety of services to youth 18 and younger:
In addition, we collaborate with many other agencies to ensure that youth are appropriately served.
PREVENTION EDUCATION — S.M.A.R.T.
S.M.A.R.T. educates youth on the dangers of drugs before they become addicted. The program:
S.M.A.R.T is used in the court and community schools, and other programs serving high-risk youth. El Centro also offers the S.M.A.R.T program in the community.
S.M.A.R.T is a 12-18 week program. Youth who attend all class sessions receive a certificate of completion.
YOUTH TREATMENT
Primary Treatment
El Centro's outpatient treatment for youth ages 13–18 provides basic information on addiction and recovery, with special attention given to relationship problems and family issues. The program requires attendance at weekly group and individual sessions. The former provide general information on the disease model of addiction, the recovery process, family issues and friendships, problem-solving and decision-making skills, anger management, and school and work-related issues. The participants are encouraged to recognize the underlying patterns of addiction in their own families. Sessions explore the relationship of substance abuse to violence, gang involvement, and promiscuity. Role-plays are used to develop coping and resistance skills.
The individual sessions are used to personalize and further explore the topics presented at the group meetings, including referring youth to appropriate community resources.
Because family involvement is key to the youth's recovery, El Centro expects parents to attend six parent education/support groups and two multifamily groups.
In addition to meeting the above requirements, the youth are also required to pass random alcohol and drug screens, and to complete counselor-assigned homework. This is a 90-day program; treatment is extended for youth who cannot meet the program requirements.
After Care
The youth aftercare program assists program graduates in continuing their recovery. Group sessions address the daily problems that place the youth at risk of feeling overwhelmed and thus increasing their risk of relapse. Like the adult aftercare program, the youth program provides transitional support until participants have developed a strong foundation in the recovery community.
Youth attend one weekly 90-minute support group, one monthly 1-hour individual session — with additional individual sessions are scheduled as needed — and two 12-step meetings per week. They are also required to pass random drug and alcohol screens.
Both the primary treatment and aftercare programs are available in English and Spanish.
Anger Management
The youth anger management program is designed to help young people recognize the sources of their own anger and stress, and develop more acceptable ways of expressing these emotions. Youth learn strategies for managing high-risk situations and for gaining better control of themselves. In addition to practicing stress management skills, they learn the importance of active listening and effective communication. Although the teaching strategies and discussion topics vary from those used with adults, the two programs share the same goal: developing honest, productive relationships.
Participants are referred by the courts, probation, police, the schools, and other family members.
This is an 18-hour program. Youth are expected to attend twelve 90-minute anger management groups. El Centro offers gender-specific anger management groups for youth.
Available in English and Spanish.
Call for fee information.
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