Restorative Healing Model: Implementation at the Woodbourne Center.

Source: (2008) Residential Treatment for Children & Youth. 25(3): 209-226.

The RHM developed by the Woodbourne Center provides an example of how evidence-based interventions can be integrated into a residential treatment program to improve socially adaptive functioning and behaviors among residing youth. By creatively matching the needs of their clients and the interventions that have the strongest evidence base, the Woodbourne Center has developed a unique contribution to residential treatment models. Although currently lacking empirical evidence for its effectiveness as a treatment model, the interest in applying evidence-based models to residential treatment settings is noteworthy. The RHM integrates aggression replacement training (ART), community restorative justice (CRJ), and trauma-focused care in a residential program. Each of these components has been recognized as evidence-based or promising practices. Real-life examples of the program at Woodbourne show how youth learn specific skills in the program and how youth and staff work collaboratively to learn lessons through discussions and role play. Above all, the RHM was designed to provide empowerment and strength-based perspective to vulnerable youth. (abstract courtesy of the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, www.ncjrs.gov).