Crossroads Program
The Crossroads Care Program is an eight-bed program designed to assist youth, caregivers, and communities when there are substantial problems providing care in the community. These situations typically involve:
- Severe Conduct Disorder, often associated with mental health disorders such as Tourette's Syndrome, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), etc.;
- Psychiatric disorders that require care in a secure setting.
The Crossroads Care Program is also the designated facility in the province for services to youth who have been found Unfit to Stand Trail or Not Criminally Responsible By Reason of a Mental Disorder. The services and length of stay for these youth are determined in conjunction with the BC Review Board. After discharge from the Maples, these youth may have a continuing relationship with the Youth Forensic Psychiatric Service.
The Crossroads facility may be locked to provide containment and intensive supervision of the youth. Although the program strives to maintain the minimum necessary containment, there are constraints imposed by law and policies related to delivering involuntary care and services. In virtually all cases, youth may leave the locked facility under supervision of Maples staff. Youth who are voluntary admissions under the Mental Health Act may have unsupervised outings and unescorted travel to their home communities.
The Crossroads Program emphasizes:
- Individualized treatment plans;
- Positive attachment experiences;
- Development of living skills needed to live independently;
- A safe and predictable environment with healthy routines;
- Positive social, educational, vocational, and recreational experiences; and,
- A work experience program.
Family and/or caregiver involvement is an important part of the Crossroads program. Family meetings and/or therapy are one component. Whenever possible, home visits are included in the treatment plan in order to provide youth with successful experiences in their home community. During the youth's stay at Crossroads, a Care Plan is developed to help guide the youth's care and treatment in the community after discharge. The Care Plan format and purpose is closely modeled on the Response Program Care Plan. Some limited respite is possible on a case-by-case basis.
Youth are discharged from the program when there is no further treatment benefit to be gained or when the treatment benefit could be attained in a less intrusive setting in the community. Typically full treatment benefit is gained within three months. There is an option to extend a youth's stay at Crossroads based on their individual clinical needs.
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