Whitney Academy recognizes the impact of trauma, the development of sexual behavioral problems and the broad range of developmental delays as significant factors to be addressed in the successful treatment of our students.  We have utilized our experience and understanding of these factors in creating an assessment protocol that can guide academic, therapeutic, and behavioral interventions, measure progress, and inform risk assessment with a primary concern for the future safety of the student and the community at large.

As with other treatment models that intervene in sexual behavior problems, Whitney addresses impulsivity, anti-social attitudes, cognitive distortions, and a variety of sexual attitudes and concerns.  In addition, we recognize the impact of auditory and visual processing difficulties, executive functioning problems, and ongoing trauma symptoms in effecting the student s ability to meet the demands of daily living and to learn, internalize, and effectively use new coping, behavioral, and social skills.  Our assessment protocol views the student s trauma symptoms, learning style, attachment relationships, and problem solving approaches as important aspects in understanding the current behavioral difficulties and informing an effective treatment perspective.

Upon admission, each student will undergo an assessment procedure that will help the treatment team to identify the student s individual emotional, behavioral and cognitive strengths and needs.  The results of this assessment will be used to develop a comprehensive individualized behavior management plan tailored to each student s particular treatment needs.  Each behavior management plan is designed to inform all staff members how to best respond to a student in order to: prevent/decrease abusive and negative behavior; optimize positive social interactions and; maintain positive emotional health.  Specific individualized target behaviors are identified and addressed in each student s individual behavior management plan.  Student responses to their behavior management plans are monitored, documented and communicated throughout the treatment team.  Individual behavior plans are continually evaluated and modified as needed.