SUMMIT Program

The Summit program is a highly structured program providing services to adolescent males. “SUMMIT” is an acronym for Success Using Motivation, Morale, Intensity and Treatment. The SUMMIT methodology is divided into five components of treatment; Therapy, Education, Community Service, Physical Training, and Military Model.

We believe a youth's family is an integral part of treatment. We believe healthy family relationships enhance a young person's sense of support. Staff encourages family involvement by engaging families in the treatment process.

The Five Components of Treatment

I. Therapy

Group Therapy - Residents attend a variety of groups while at SUMMIT. Qualified staff provide a minimum of 1 hr. of group therapy to each resident each week.

Individual Therapy - Individual therapy is provided to residents when specific needs are identified. These services can be provided both on or off campus depending on the level of expertise needed to address the individualized needs of each resident.

Substance Abuse - Family Resources partners with two providers of adolescent substance abuse services; Center for Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) and New Choices. The Center for Alcohol and Drugs Services provides residents with a weekly group session to focus on issues of substance abuse. Additional substance abuse services are provided on an as needed basis by either CADS or New Choices.

Skill Development - Residents attend a daily skills group session. Skills that are covered range from anger management, communication, social skills and vocational/independent living skills groups. Skill development instructor occurs throughout the day as Instructors engage in active teaching of specific, tangible skills necessary for the child to learn.

II. Education

Residents of the SUMMIT program attend school on campus at the Wittenmyer Learning Center. The WLC is a partnership with the Davenport Community School District to provide educational services to clients. Residents who satisfy the requirements of the classes for a semester earn Davenport Community School District credit. Education services are provided year round for SUMMIT residents.

For students pursuing their General Equivalency Degree, Family Resources partners with Scott Community College’s Career Assistance Center.

**Last year, 9 out 11 residents pursuing their GED while at SUMMIT obtained their GED prior to discharge.

III. Community Service

The SUMMIT Program enjoys a strong partnership with the communities of the Quad Cities. All residents participate in a variety of community service projects designed to not only give back to the community but also expose residents to opportunities to serve that exist in their home communities. Community Service projects have also exposed residents to a variety of vocational interests and hobbies.

**On average, residents of SUMMIT complete 35 hours of community service prior to discharge.

IV. Physical Training

Residents start each day with physical training activities. Rigorous calisthenics, cardiovascularactivities, organized team sports, and weight training serve as a basisto provide each resident with the opportunity to improve his physical and mentalcapabilities. Residents report during exit interviews that the physical training component is one of the components that they enjoyed most.

V. Military Model

The Military Model promotes self-discipline and mutual respect. Attention to detail, teamwork, self-control and one's bearing are focused on.

**Last year, 44% of discharged residents from SUMMIT returned to the program to visit; called the program for support or encouragement or called in to inform Instructors of their success.

Methodology

Positive Peer Culture

The SUMMIT program promotes a positive peer culture within the treatment structure to provide opportunity for residents to practice leadership skills and team building. Residents are expected to hold themselves and their peers accountable to program expectations and societal norms.

Leadership Example

The SUMMIT Program is based on a concept of participatory leadership. Program staff are active participants in all treatment components to provide residents with a visual role model.

Target Population

Adolescent males adjudicated delinquent who are at least 15, but not yet 18 years of age. Juveniles have often committed a serious misdemeanor or above but have not committed a forcible felony. An initial assessment is made to ensure that the potential residents has the physical and mental well being to permit him to fully participate in the program cognitive and physical requirements.

The SUMMIT Case Worker or Program Supervisor gathers information regarding the referral and completes the initial assessment. Ongoing assessment occurs throughout the residents stay during monthly clinical case reviews with the Clinical Supervisor of SUMMIT.