Treatment Respite at Kinark Bobbie Arthurs, Brad Hansen, Shellie McTague Kinark Child and Family Services SYMPOSIUM 2008 Working Together for Kids & Teens with Disabilities

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The TRAK Program TRAK stands for Treatment Respite At Kinark Overall objective is to increase child/youths self esteem as well as their empathy and respect for others Designed for children/youth between the ages of 6-12 who are experiencing social, emotional and /or behavioural difficulties Three Elements to the TRAK Program

The Childrens Program week after school program for 2 evenings a week, led by Child and Youth Workers. Children will learn new skills in a group setting (maximum 7 clients) with peers of their own age range using a variety of social skills lessons and activities. The social skills will include such lessons as: Listening and Following Directions, Dealing with Anger, Exploring Feelings, Dealing with Bullies, Friendship skills and Dealing with Stress, etc.

The Childrens Program Continued Children are also grouped according to their presenting behaviours. Externalizing groups could include children with symptoms or a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD and/or ODD and/or Conduct Disorder. Internalizing Groups could include children with symptoms or a diagnosis of Anxiety disorder and/or depression and/or Aspergers disorder Fall Cycle (Sept-Dec) Ages 9-10 Winter Cycle (Jan –March) Ages Spring Cycle (March –June) Ages 6-9

The Parents Program Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) Group Triple P (0-10) &Teen Triple P (11-12) Led by an accredited facilitator Commitment of seven sessions, 1 per week. Four sessions in a 2 hour office based/group setting with video, workbook exercises, overheads and discussion Two telephone consultations One final office based/group session for phasing out the program wrapping up and evaluations.

The Family Camp Weekend During each cycle of the after school program, each family is invited to attend a Family Camp Weekend to give families a chance to have a positive family focused weekend and practice their new skills in a fun, relaxed and unique way. This is done with the support of skilled and trained recreational staff as well as two Child and Youth worker staff from the TRAK program. The Family Camp Weekends are held at the Kinark Outdoor Centre in Minden.

The TRAK Program The commitment of the family are: Transporting their child to and from the TRAK program twice a week Attendance and Participation in The Childrens Program, The Parents Program and the Family Camp Weekend. Regular communication with TRAK staff and their case manager at Kinark

An Evening at TRAK 3:30-4:30pm – Arrival and Free time to enjoy a snack and play with their peers. 4:30-5pm – Homework/Quiet time 5pm – Chore Discussion and Dinner 5:45pm-6:30 -Chores and Free time 6:30pm-7:30pm- Group Time 7:30pm-8:00pm – Snack and Gift Shop 8pm – Parents pick up.

Program Incentives The TRAK program offers incentives to help keep the children motivated and focused while here, as well as positively reinforce their behavior. Individual Incentives - We use stamps in a booklet we call the PASSPORT TO SUCCESS. The children will receive stamps from the time they arrive until the gift shop opens based on good listening and following of direction, helping others and good manners. The children will also talk with a conductor about a personal goal they can work on while here. When the child earns 25 stamps they may spend at the gift shop. This is a bin with some dollar store items. Group Incentives - The group your child is in will decide on an special outing they can receive if the work together, co operate and participate during group each night. If the group works hard and earns six nights of good group sessions they will earn their reward. The outing occurs on the next day they are here after they earn 6 symbols/cars on their train. The group will discuss whether or not they get a car at the end of each group.

Summer TRAK Program The Summer TRAK Program is also grouped by age for 2 week cycles for each age group. We run groups in Midland and Barrie. We will have a ratio of five clients to two Child and Youth workers. There is no parent group for the summer program. The program will run Mon-Fri from 9:30-3:30pm for the month of July and the first two weeks in August. The program offers social skill lessons in the morning and an opportunity for recreation in the community in the afternoon. Lunch and snacks are provided.