What are the academics, if any at this school.
-Self-directed. The program (the male one at least, numbers differ on the female side) is split into ten groups of about fifteen kids each, sometimes ranging up to twenty. Each group has school period scheduled at least twice per day Monday through Friday. The teacher doesn't teach in the normal sense, but rather exists to keep the class under control and assist students when he or she is able.
If there is an academic day, what does it look like?
-You line up, go to class, sit down, get your books, go to work. If you need help, or to get up, or to use the restroom, you must raise your hand, be acknowledged by either the teacher or your group staff, then obtain permission to receive one of the aformentioned things.
What are the teacher qualifications, if any?
-I really don't know. They all seemed to know what they were talking about. On the boys side, there were four(?) teachers, maybe two or three more.
What therapy, if any is offered and by whom?
-Most of the therapists are LCSWs, though mine while I was there was an MFT. Therapy style ranges radically depending on the therapist. Group therapy for an hour once a day Monday through Friday, then an hour alone with your therapist once per week. Then we had seminars, which were a sort of marathon therapy ranging up to three full days.
Do they use restraint techniques and what kind?
-Generally passive restraint. Specifically at Cross Creek the restraint isn't that bad. I've seen kids get really messed up, but that's usually accidental when the staff are struggling to get ahold of him.
Do they use an isolation room?
-Yes, Special Needs.
If so, for what length of time?
-Depends on a lot of things. Generally, a kid will go there for a couple hours. Ron Garret, the director of Cross Creek has sentenced kids that really piss him off to SN for weeks at a time, with permission to leave only for water and showers. Food is brought in.
