Developing a secure treatment unit in a private agency

Christie School is successfully demonstrating that a continuum-of-care model must be established to effectively provide a choice of resources to help children and families. Also significant, it is showing that intensive treatment can be provided by the private sector at a lesser cost than through the public institutions. (Comparison based on similar programs in the public sector.) The development of such a program is not easy. Administrators must pay great attention to the rounds of funding negotiations and political hurdles. The Executive Director spent at least 50% of his time directly involved in some aspect of the intensive care unit development, and the board of directors spent every meeting dealing with the latest crisis of funding, construction, or the politics of the project. As always, in retrospect, there are some issues that could have been handled better, or at least differently. However, the intensive care unit has become an impressive and effective component of the Christie School program. As a spin-off, there has been an upgrading and increased training of all staff in all units. The chance for survival of a higher cost program in a diminishing resource economy is always in question. However, the board and staff feel confident that the recognition of the need and quality of this program shall prevail. Most importantly, it is providing the best possible resource for children and families who need it.