"Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside of you as a result of what happens to you." --Dr. Gabor Maté
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services refers all of the children in Secret Harbor programs.
Residential treatment facilities provide a positive and structured environment...
The young men referred to the program have experienced significant trauma due to abuse or neglect, and they have usually been in multiple unsuccessful placements. They need a structured setting and adults who won’t give up on them as they heal, grow and learn.
Each home has six beds and operates with a 24-hour trauma-informed care staff. Their treatment team collaborates to teach emotional and life skills that help youth self-regulate their emotions and behaviors. They learn to identify the triggers for behaviors and work on coping strategies. Interventions are designed for use in a home setting, at school, and in the community.
Community-based treatment encourages long-term success
While receiving treatment services, all of the boys attend public school and participate in community and household activities with the support of program staff. With the ability to apply what they learn in community settings, the program makes a lasting impact on their lives. Youth are encouraged to take part in day-to-day activities in the home like meal preparation, shopping, daily chores, and positive interactions with the other boys in the home. Boys are also encouraged to participate in recreation, community service, and work programs outside of the home.
Family-focused and trauma-informed treatment creates lasting change
Youth are actively involved in their treatment, and their families are meaningfully engaged whenever possible from the beginning to the end of their treatment. With treatment, youth develop the emotional stability plus social and life skills they need to progress to a permanent placement in foster care, with their family or living independently.
Residential Treatment Priorities
Behavior-Focused
Our program highlights individual behavioral needs and customizes treatment for each young man. It is both youth-guided and family-driven.
Age-Appropriate
The two homes are divided by age, allowing for development to be age-appropriate.
Family-Driven
We work to include family in all capacities- whether it be foster parents, biological parents, kin, or guardianship we value the relationships and keep them involved and engaged.
Interconnected
Secret Harbor works seamlessly with the State social workers, teachers and educators, parents, family, and therapists to ensure, each youth is getting what they need.
Residential Treatment Services
24-Hour Supervision
Our two residential facilities are staffed by qualified professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Mental Health Specialists
Our program includes target mental health services, including counseling, psychiatric services, medication management, and alternative therapies.
Life Skills Training
We incorporate life skills in every capacity, including offering a summer work experience program.
Mentoring
Our dedicated staff encourage mentorships and are part of a long-term process of healing, support, and encouragement for the youth.
Recreation
Healing isn’t always done in the house- we offer recreational activities and encourage our youth to get out and enjoy life as much as possible.