Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will my child be at the Academy?

·         Duration of treatment for each child is very individualized and is based on the child’s treatment needs and their progress.

·         The final decision regarding discharge is generally made with the entire treatment team—you, your child, their referring agency, and the treatment team   at the Academy.


Q: How will visits with my child occur?

·         Normal visiting hours occur during scheduled times on Saturday and Sunday.  Please notify your child’s Case Manager at least two business days in advance of the visit.

·         Evening visits and special days/times may be approved via your child’s Case ManagerPlease allow at least five business days for accommodations   to be arranged.

·         If you wish to take your child out for a day pass in the local area, please request visit through your child’s Case Manager a minimum of five business   days in advance.  The Case Manager will request approval from the residents’ treatment team and placing agency.  The Case Manager will notify you   of whether your child’s recent behavior has been safe and if a community visit has been approved.  Passes are not generally recommended early in the program

·         Home visits may occur, if approved by the placing agency and treatment team

·         The treatment team at the Academy will advise you as to the recommended safety of taking your child off campus.  If a visit is agreed upon, the   Academy may be able to help with transportation to your home area.  You may be asked to meet the Academy at a neutral spot.

·         You will be asked to fully supervise your child on any visits, including supervising administration of any medication.

·         It is recommended that visits focus on family interactions, versus time with friends or being on the telephone with friends.

·         The Academy recommends that medications (including those belonging to others in the household) be secured for.

·         If you need to make a last minute change/cancellation to visit plans and you are calling after hours, please use the after-hours contact number to notify a Case Manager directly (605-999-5360).


Q: What is the best time to call my child?

·         Evening hours (after 3:00 p.m.) on school days, or anytime on weekends tend to be the best times to reach your child by telephone.  You can reach    your child by calling 605-942-5437 and then using the extension for your child’s living unit.  Telephone calls end promptly at 8:00 p.m.

·         Calls are limited to about 10-15 minutes, to ensure that everyone gets to use the telephone.

·         Calls occur in a public area of the living unit, so that your child will continue to be monitored by staff.  Because of this, there will be times where you   will hear other residents and staff in the background.  Don’t be alarmed by raised voices—remember that the Academy works with children and teens   with a great deal of energy!


Q: What items can I send my child at the Academy?

·         Mail is always welcome for residents at the Academy.  It helps them to stay connected to home and family.

·         There is not a need for you to send your child money.  Their needs are provided for at the Academy.  If you choose to send money, it will be put into    an account for your child. 

·         Books are generally healthy items and teach a useful pastime.  If sending books to your child, it is requested that they be age-appropriate and pre-   approved by your child’s Therapist.  Horror-themed books, adult romance novels, and novels which contain violence or sexually explicit are not   recommended, as they tend to distract from treatment topics.

·         Clothing will be provided to your child at the Academy, as needed.  Dress code for clients at the Academy may be found in the Parent and Resident   Handbook

·         It is recommended that you avoid sending expensive items to your child while he/she is in treatment, to ensure that such items are not lost or   damaged.

·         Your child will be provided with adequate food and snacks at the Academy; please do not send any to your child. 


Q: What type of treatment does my child receive?

·         Weekly individual therapy is provided. 

·         Group therapy occurs twice weekly with Primary Therapist.

·         Psychoeducational group therapy provided daily.

·         Family therapy is highly recommended and tailored to each family’s needs.

·         Psychiatric diagnosis and monitoring are provided twice monthly, with medication management reviews.

·         Daily schedules ensure a variety of recreational activities and treatment activities.


Q: Who do I call when I have questions or to get updates about how my child is doing?

·         The best person to call is usually the Case Manager assigned to your child.  The nameof the case manager assigned to your child is provided to you at the time of admission to the program.  If you do not have that information, call the Academy’s main number (605-942-5437) during business hours and ask the receptionist. 

·         Please let the Case Manager know of your preferences in receiving updates (frequency  of contact, whether to call or email, whether you may be   called at work).

·         If you have concerns about the therapy services or case management your child is receiving, you can reach the Director of Clinical Services at 605-942-5437 ext. 2421.

·         If you are calling after hours and need immediate assistance, you can reach a supervisor at 605-770-5041.


Q: Will my child be attending school at the Academy, and will he/she receive credits?

·         The Academy provides a full school year and a summer school session.  Due to small class size and amount of education staff, most kids are able to accelerate their learning deficits

·         Full days of school, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., are provided year-round.

·         Our school is fully accredited and your child will receive credits.