What is Homme Youth and Family Programs? 
Homme is a residential care facility for males and females, ages 10-18. As a program of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc., Homme's personalized care and quality treatment have made it a nationally known treatment program for children and adolescents dealing with emotional issues, sexual perpetration, delinquency, victimization, alcohol or drug abuse, cognitive-behavorial issues or dual diagnosis. 

What kind of supervision do you provide? 
Residents are under sight and sound supervision 24 hours per day. During the day, the teacher and teacher's aide work with the residents in a school setting. A behavior management team is available along with a school principal and staff. On the units, the residents are monitored by counselors who work with the residents. A behavior management team is on the grounds at all times if assistance is needed. 

Other employees include unit supervisors, master level therapists, program managers, spiritual counselor and direct care staff. 

How long are residents at Homme? 
Our average length of stay is six to nine months. Shorter-term placements can be made anywhere from 30 days to six months. Thirty-day assessments are also available for transition/community interventions.

Other therapy includes: participating in group therapy sessions daily, meeting with a spiritual counselor once per week 
(voluntary basis), and psychoeducational groups. 

What kind of structure do you have for the residents? 
Homme has a structured phase program that encourages residents to demonstrate positive behavior and work on their treatment plans. There is a daily routine that each unit devises for its residents. 
(See Programs & Services for specific daily routines.)

What is the treatment approach 
Treatment begins prior to placement with an interview to assess the child's acuity level, strengths, family needs, and treatment needs. From this information the treatment team can begin designing individualized treatment strategies and determine the most appropriate treatment unit for placement. Further assessments are conducted after the child's placement including a thorough psychiatric assessment, social history, mental health assessment, independent living skills assessment, and recreational/leisure assessment. Psychological assessments are also conducted on an individual basis.

The treatment milieu of each unit incorporates a structured daily routine that encourages youth to become engaged in their treatment progress.

Aftercare programming is the focus of Homme's relapse prevention. We are committed to finding the resources necessary to ensure that each youth's transition home or to the community is smooth, successful, and permanent. Currently we are formalizing a continuum of care to serve many youth after discharge.

Youth Care Counselors The youth care counselors are the treatment team members working on the unit with the youth. They observe and role model positive behaviors, provide support and mentoring in day to day activities, hold the residents accountable for their decisions and actions, and provide the unit milieu structure.	Unit Supervisor The unit supervisor leads the unit team during placement at Homme. Concerns and questions about the rules, staff, routine, etc., are directed to the supervisor.	Unit Therapist / On-Site Case Manager The unit therapist meets with each child once per week for individual therapy, several times each week for group, and bi-monthly for family therapy. The therapist, in conjunction with parents, develop a treatment plan for the child. The therapist contacts the social worker or probation officer to discuss the child's treatment progress. The therapist/on-site case manager is the contact with parents and the county worker to coordinate home passes, staffings, and court dates. The therapist helps plan for the youth's discharge and aftercare.
Principal The principal knows the educational status number of credits, grade level, etc., of each child. The principal sets up the educational plan and also helps to set up transition into the school the children will attend at discharge.		Psychiatrist Residents may meet with a psychiatrist for evaluation while at Homme. Residents who use medication for behavioral or emotional needs will meet regularly with either the psychiatrist or full-time nurse practitioner. Parents are contacted for approval prior to any medication changes/additions.
Teacher's Aide The teacher's aide transports the residents to and from school each day. They assist the teacher in the classroom as a resource to the students.	Teacher Homme's teachers are licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. They seek to meet each student's individual needs and to communicate with the rest of the treatment team about the child's academic progress.	Behavior Management Specialist The behavior management specialist develops a rapport with the youth and responds to the youth in times of crisis. They provide assistance in managing behaviors as well as mentoring and coaching staff and residents alike.