• Ruth Dykeman Children's Center is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, Inc. and is a member of the Child Welfare League of America. The center has been a program of United Way since 1922.

Residential Treatment Programs

Ruth Dykeman Children's Center offers residential treatment programs for youth on its eight and a half acre campus. Currently, two different residential programs are operated by RDCC:

• Behavioral Rehabilitation Services: Intensive residential treatment for severely emotionally and behaviorally impaired children ages six to 17 who have experienced abuse and neglect.
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• Specialized Independent Living Services: Designed to teach young women, aged 16 to 21, independent living and job readiness skills.

For more information about residential programs, contact Tess Thomas, at 206-242-1698 x166.

Behavioral Rehabilitation Services Program

RDCC’s Behavioral Rehabilitation Services (BRS) program serves children and adolescents ages six to 17 who are recovering from histories of abuse, neglect and behavioral and emotional problems. These youth have been removed from their home and have been in an average of seven prior placements before coming to RDCC according to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Additionally, 30% have been in children’s psychiatric hospitals, 79% have a mental health diagnosis and 62% are on prescribed psychotropic medications. When referred to RDCC, these youth are not able to live in their home or foster homes because their behaviors and emotional regulation skills are not safe for themselves or others.

The youth targeted for the BRS programs are served in three homes on the RDCC campus: the Madrona House, the Cedar House and the Holly House. All three programs work with each youth on learning more effective coping skills and healthier methods of expressing themselves and getting their needs met. Care is provided 24-hours a day, seven-days a week and includes daily living and social skill development, individual, group and family therapy, case management, psychiatric consultation and, if needed, prescription of psychotropic medications. Each youth is also screened for substance abuse issues and is referred to RDCC’s Youth and Family Services (link) or another alcohol and other drug provider for intervention and treatment services as needed. The BRS programs are designed to be as much like a natural home environment as possible. Youth attend public schools, participate in after-school activities, go on recreational outings to local parks, zoos and community centers, do chores around the house and help plan and cook meals. As a part of RDCC’s commitment to providing culturally competent services to every youth, each youth’s cultural, spiritual and religious beliefs are honored and incorporated into their individual treatment plans and the activities of the entire program as appropriate.

Specialized Independent Living Services

The Specialized Independent Living Services (SILS) program houses young women, ages 16 to 21, and assists them in transitioning to an independent, successful adulthood. These youth face the loss of state-supported services and, because they often lack the skills necessary to live independently and do not have a network of support, can end up homeless and living on the streets. Many of these young women are victims of sexual abuse or extreme neglect, have experienced several out of the home placements and are behind in their education. The SILS program allows youth to develop their independent living skills while living in a supervised, less-restrictive residential setting. It also helps them cultivate resources that will support their transition to living independently in the community.

When a resident is accepted into the SILS program, they work with the Program Manager to develop an individual treatment plan. The treatment plan includes the youth’s educational needs and goals, job-preparedness needs and goals and other independent living skills such as balancing a checkbook, living on a budget and shopping for groceries. Another important component of the treatment plan includes connecting residents to community resources that promote self-sufficiency. Ultimately, the youth are responsible for setting their own goals and working toward achieving them. Through this process, the young women experience the results and consequences of their decisions, which can build confidence and self-esteem.

Education and job-skills building are the two primary objectives of SILS. All SILS residents develop an education plan outlining the steps they will need to take to achieve their educational goals. These goals can be to complete high school, obtain their GED, receive vocational training and education, enroll in community college or university classes or a combination of educational opportunities. To guide job-skills building, an independent living skills assessment is completed for each youth at intake. This assessment evaluates interests, abilities, knowledge of career options and the job readiness skills that need to be strengthened. Residents work one-on-one with program counselors to learn how to search for jobs, practice interviewing skills, create resumes, complete job applications and design career portfolios. The youth also learn job maintenance skills and how to deal with work-place challenges. To develop these skills and obtain references, youth attend employment seminars, participate in job shadowing and do volunteer work.