Secure Care

Gannondale was the first agency in Pennsylvania to provide secure care for adolescent females. The Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) was built at the request of judges who saw a need for a facility to provide gender responsive care in a secure setting. The Objectives of the program include protecting the community and providing for accountability through intensive supervision, helping the youngster accept responsibility for previous behaviors, moving toward change, working through family issues, and providing for an emotionally healthy environment where issues can be safely explored. The ITU is a physically secure, fenced facility with electronic locks. Each youngster placed here has her own bedroom which is locked at night and attends school within the unit.

Gannondale’s secure program is licensed by DPW and follows the 3800 regulations. The ITU is licensed to care for 11 delinquent youngsters, ages 11-18 years old. Generally, youth remanded to secure care have a more severe acting out history and we therefore maintain a higher staff to client ratio than in the non-secure program. Pregnancy, severe mental health issues, repeated and severe aggressive incidents, significant developmental delays and moderate to severe mental retardation are some reasons for refusal. Decisions on youngsters who will be placed in our care is dependent upon the information provided to Gannondale upon referral.

Gannondale strives to achieve outcomes that encompass the principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice. We utilize best practice by following the techniques of behavior modification and cognitive behavioral therapy. Gender responsive programming and the Sanctuary Model are incorporated into our service delivery. Safety of the resident and surrounding community is paramount in Gannondale’s programming and strict behavioral modification is utilized to decrease negative behavior and develop/increase pro-social skills.

Secure Care

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