Crossroads is the first group home in
South Carolina to use Animal Assisted Therapy in the treatment of sexual
abuse victims. Patterned after Green Chimneys in Brewster, New York,
Crossroads is located on more than ten acres of land at the foot of the
scenic Blue Ridge Mountains in Greenville, South Carolina. Established as
a residential treatment center in 1993, the group home provides treatment
for girls from the ages 10 to 18 years old who have been physically,
sexually, or emotionally abused.
The residents are accepted on the
basis of the nature of their victimization, their motivation for
treatment, and their medical and criminal histories. A multi-disciplinary team assesses each girl's progress
throughout treatment. Goals are met through an intensive therapeutic experience
in a structured secure residential setting. Interventions are developed
according to each girl's needs and include:
Individual therapy
Group therapy
Animal-assisted therapy
Horticulture therapy
Expressive therapies such as art, music, creative movement, drama and
journal writing
Recreational therapy
Independent living groups
Intensive education
Therapy for residents consists of a Recovery Group that
addresses victimization issues; journal writing therapy, which enables residents
to express feelings surrounding their abuse, making a scrapbook, a fourteen-step
program for sexual abuse victims, traditional cognitive therapy, and behavioral
modification. The residents also participate in a group focusing on sex
education in an effort to alter misconceptions, and in a social skills group
where they learn more appropriate ways to relate to others.
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Family therapy is integrated into each girl's program by
the treatment team and the clinical director. When appropriate, residents are
allowed therapeutic leaves of absence to make reintegration into a family
environment a successful, positive experience.
Crossroads' animal-assisted therapy partners include a
variety of animals and birds that reduce stress and hasten recovery through
their non-judgmental attention. These partners give residents a chance to
increase their sense of responsibility. They offer a non-threatening outlet for
physical contact and affection that is important for victims of child sexual
abuse.
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Residents take part in the daily routine of a working
farm, including the care of more than 75 animals that live on the center's
grounds. Groups address topics such as the habitat necessary for specific
animals; the growth and development of animals; and their care, feeding, and
training. When an appropriate level of responsibility is reached, residents
participate in therapeutic riding programs and the special care of certain
animals.
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Crossroads strives to protect and heal two fragile yet
very important populations: abused children and abused animals. Its program is
based on the belief that healing for children who have been separated from
parents and loved ones because of abuse is facilitated through healthy
interactions with other living things, whether animal or plant. These
interactions provide experiences that teach respect, foster creativity, instill
self worth, encourage healthy attachments, and assist the girls in becoming
whole again. At Crossroads, nurturing experiences with animals significantly
reduce barriers to healthy living. Therapeutic riding and individual riding
lessons are included in treatment plans. In return, the animals receive
excellent care and a lot of love.
Crossroads is especially proud of their rescued horses and
other animals because many of the animals have endured neglect and abuse similar
to the girls. Through such experiences the girls learn that life is not always
perfect, and they grow to understand that every living thing has value. Rescued
animals that are not appropriate for interaction with the girls are nurtured
back to health and placed in loving homes.
In conjunction with treatment, residents experience a
therapeutic miliue while in a home-like setting.
The Crossroads vision is to alter maladaptive behavior and
teach residents to take responsibility for their actions in order to prevent
revictimization.
Aftercare for residents who remain in the area following
completion of the residential component of the program is provided in
cooperation with child placement agencies.
For further information contact the
Executive Director,
Crossroads Group Homes,
P.O. Box 14939,
Greenville, SC 29610.
Phone 864-246-0266
Fax 864-246-0652
The Latham Letter, Fall 2000
Crossroads Group
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