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Admissions
HOW IT WORKS
We understand that sending a son to White River Academy is a large change for the son and the family. Below is a detailed description of the admissions process to inform parents or guardians on what their son will experience at White River Academy.
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White River Academy is a residential treatment center for adolescent boys ages 12-18. When a student enrolls at White River Academy, he is provided a structured environment, customized educational program and experiential treatment methods to help guide him into a happier and healthier lifestyle.
A residential treatment center differs from a traditional residential treatment center as it has skilled professionals who help troubled teens overcome their behavioral and academic issues. Students learn to develop the strengths and competencies necessary to excel in the world as adults.
White River Academy’s focus goes beyond providing college prep and specialized extracurricular activities. Its focus is to provide a boy with the help needed to overcome any mental health issues or addictions he may be dealing with. At White River Academy, the admissions process is easy. We also offer rolling admissions, meaning the child can enroll at any time of the year.
The admissions process begins the instant a parent or guardian contacts us. Our admissions team will begin the process by asking questions to better understand and assess the situation.
Questions may include:
The Admissions Process
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The boy’s age
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The boy’s history of behavioral issues and any previous treatment
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The most recent incident
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The desired outcome for treatment
Once the decision to enroll is made, the parent or guardian need to fill out the enrollment form; which our clinical staff will then review to ensure a proper fit. Once the clinical team approves the application the parents will be contacted.
You can learn more information on the enrollment process by clicking HERE.
Getting to White River
Families can choose to travel with their son to the facility in Delta, Utah, or use the help of transportation professionals, who bring their son to the academy. A transportation service can ensure safety with children who exhibit defiance, disrespect, suicidal ideation as well as tendencies to run away.
Professional transportation services, usually performed by retired police officers or professionals with similar backgrounds, will ensure the child is safe for the duration of the trip. Our Admissions team will also provide advice on the safest way to get to us, as the nearest airport is Salt Lake City International Airport.
The Orientation Process
The orientation process begins when the child arrives on campus and is introduced to the staff along with other students. The child will learn the rules, guidelines and what is expected of him. A new student is assigned two senior students, in good standing with the program, who will assist with the transition into a new lifestyle.
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During the first week, a new student will meet with our licensed clinical psychologist for assessment to create the student’s individual treatment program. While an individualized educational program will be developed from the new student’s transcripts, he will begin with courses on personal development and life skills for credit.
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Parents can choose to accompany their son, meet the staff and tour the grounds. The parents can stay for a brief period then must say goodbye as the child begins orientation. The parent liaison will contact the parents within 48 hours of the new student’s arrival to go over the parent orientation packet and address any concerns parents may still have.
The Program Begins
Parents can expect their son to be in our program for at least a full year. This period of time is necessary to help the son learn constructive life skills. However, parents or guardians will be able to send their son letters and emails as often as they want. At the start, parents can call their child twice a month and a parent liaison will keep them regularly informed of their son’s progress.
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Parents will also receive contact from their son’s therapist at least once a month to follow the therapeutic progress. The secure online portal designed for enrollment allows parents to view their son’s academic progress, son’s emails and other program content.
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Despite the lack of a parent’s or guardian’s presence at the academy, parents will play an integral part of our treatment. We host a parent seminar weekend every quarter that parents are encouraged to attend. Parents will also receive materials to help welcome their son home after treatment.
Once the student approaches completion of the program, the treatment team outlines the best ways for transition into home-life with strength and purpose. We want him to be successful both at White River Academy and at home.