Shepherd’s Hill Academy
Next Step Residential Program
Upon transitioning to the Next Step Program, the resident moves out of the wilderness program and into a home on campus. They are allowed more individual freedom and chances to make “right choices.” They also have the opportunity to gain back certain privileges they did not enjoy in the wilderness program, such as TV and video games. When counselors and staff feel the time is right, residents can earn the privilege of getting a driver’s license and/or acquire a part time job.
Societal Transition: The Next Step Program offers the teen a chance to exercise their new healthy behavior patterns while living in a safe and structured environment. Although they are still in a controlled environment, they have many more opportunities where they must choose the way they will act and/or react to any number of societal situations. They are assisted in practicing healthy social interactions and relationships with their peers in a supervised environment. In other words, they get to practice behaving appropriately in the real world. This is a “proving ground” so to speak, where mistakes can be expected and corrected.
Home & Family Transition: We also take this time to work closely with the parents/family in preparation for the residents’ return home. The focus for the parents is on boundaries, discipline, and education into their teen’s subculture (i.e., their music). The focus for the resident is on re-entering the family as a functional and participating member. We will also focus on ways residents can interact in their peer culture without succumbing to the negative pressures they will experience. It is a chance for all members of the family to heal from past crises and pain, while allowing their faith to sustain them in today’s world.