What's
New?
Project D.A.R.E.'s Open Custody Admission
Criteria has Changed
We are now accepting referrals for clients who receive
a 30 day open custody disposition! All students now
have access to our clinical therapist for assessment
and counseling on issues such as:
- Substance Abuse
- Anger management / Emotion regulation
- Family trauma
- Grief / Loss counseling
Custody Therapist WLE is delighted to announce
that Chris Lamontagne M.S.W., has accepted a position
as Therapist for our Project D.A.R.E. open custody
program. Chris’s formal education includes graduating
cum laude with a Master of Social Work and Bachelor’s
of Science degree in Outdoor Education – both
from the University of New Hampshire.
Chris has previously
worked as a wilderness guide in an AEE-accredited adventure
therapy program, is a certified Wilderness Emergency
Medical Technician, Challenge Course Facilitator with
the Browne Center for Innovative Learning, Certified
Canoe Instructor and Whitewater Raft Guide, as well
as having had an eighteen year professional career
as an actor, singer, dancer and theatrical duelist
in the U.S. and Europe. Chris is married with twin
four year old sons.
Chris will join Abby Matchette
M.S.W. on our clinical team and will receive
ongoing clinical supervision from Judy Howitt,
M.S.W. R.S.W.
Open Custody Project DARE Program
Now Accepting Referrals for
Summer Placements
Probation Officers are invited to make referrals
for open custody placement for June, July and August openings. Probation Officers
may initiate a referral by sending
an e-mail
to referral@projectdare.com or
by calling Jason Prichard at (705) 386-2376 extension 217.
Residential Program for Youth
at Risk
Now Accepting Referrals for Summer Placements
Wendigo Lake Expeditions is currently accepting referrals for July and August
placements in its Youth at Risk therapeutic adventure residential program for
behaviourally
challenging male youth. To make a referral, click
on the 'referral process' link and download the referral forms or phone us.
Once a referral has been received, we will provide an initial assessment of
the youth's appropriateness within three working days, and if the referral
appears appropriate, quickly schedule an interview with the young person. Spots
are available!
For more information, inquire now at referral@projectdare.com or
call Russell Becker at (705) 386-2376 at extension 201. Call now to secure
a placement for the popular winter/spring season.
Research Project (1st Phase) Complete - Positive
Outcomes Reported - an "Effective Intervention"
Project DARE "...appears to be an effective intervention to help improve anger management and social skills of young offenders..." with "...a significant improvement in emotional and behavioral well-being...as evidenced by significant score reduction...". While acknowledging the difficulties of comparing recidivism rates, the study observes that "...Project DARE's recidivism rates compare favorably with published recidivism averages, especially given the characteristics of the study sample". Wendigo Lake Expeditions has already implemented strategies to further improve outcomes - including program design changes to enhance the therapeutic alliance between Instructor and student, continued focus on social skill development and practice, and introduction of clinical counselling and oversight. Wendigo Lake Expeditions intends to continue moving forward with ongoing outcomes research through the Outdoor Behavioural Healthcare Research Cooperative, associated with the School of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire.
Click HERE to download a copy of the full research report.
CAS Worker, Probation Officer and Referral Agent Orientation to Project DARE Workshop
Yet another limited-enrollment orientation to Project DARE's therapeutic adventure program has resulted in rave reviews. Participant evaluations were unanimous in giving top marks to the event as a professional development experience as well as a highly effective introduction to adventure therapy and the Project DARE program.
Click HERE to read participant feedback on recent workshop!
Wendigo Lake Expeditions Inc. (Project D.A.R.E.) becomes Canada's only program accredited by the Association for Experiential Education
The Association for Experiential Education awarded a certificate of accreditation to Wendigo Lake Expeditions on November 12th, 2003, becoming the only Canadian program to achieve this distinction. The accreditation indicates compliance with the accreditation standards of AEE including:
- Dedication to the Association's philosophical, educational, ethical, environmental and cultural tenets;
- Maintaining appropriate risk management plans, licenses, certificates, permits and insurance;
- Employing qualified staff and conducting on-going in-service education;
- Conducting all activities currently listed in promotional materials appropriately; and
- Working only with those individuals identified as appropriate for the program.
|
