Christopher Home

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The Christopher Home is committed to providing a safe, supportive and encouraging environment for at-risk boys, to live and learn new life skills and approaches to develop their highest potential.

An Introduction
Since 1979, Catholic Charities Maine Christopher Home has been a special haven for adolescent boys who are troubled and require a nurturing setting outside of the traditional family environment.

Originally know as the Aroostook Home for Boys, the Christopher Home was first located at an isolated setting in Presque Isle. In 1985, the home was relocated to in-town Caribou and then, in 1988, relocated again to its current location.

The Christopher Home is licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services as a residential child care facility with a mental health program. Recognizing the increasingly complex legal psychiatric and behavioral challenges youth experience today, the Christopher home has modified its treatment program in several ways to best meet the emerging treatment needs of today’s youth.

Our Staff
The Christopher Home is staffed by professionals who have training and background in mental health and social services. A team of residential advisors provide 24 hour overnight awake supervision, and are supervised by a lead residential advisor, clinical supervisor, family/community integration specialist and program director to insure a safe treatment environment.

Program Overview
The Christopher Home is a six-bed residential treatment facility serving boys whose intense mental health needs impair their ability to reside with their families. Emphasis is placed on providing a holistic, home-like, therapeutic treatment setting with concentration on correcting problem behaviors using a strength-based approach. In addition, special emphasis is placed on family treatment and family participation.

Recognizing the increasingly complex legal, psychiatric and behavioral problems youth experience today, the Christopher Home’s treatment model incorporates Collaborative Problems Solving, The Boys & Girls Town Family Teaching model, Motivational Interviewing and Functional Family Therapy.

How it Works
Upon entry, the youth receives a comprehensive clinical assessment and treatment evaluation provided by the Christopher Home clinical supervisor. The evaluation addresses the psychiatric needs and behavioral needs of the youth through provision of regular psychiatric evaluations and treatment services. The evaluation also assesses family relational issues so that family communication is improved; allowing the youth to successfully return home.

Length of stay is generally for 3-9 months. Youths are expected to participate in individual, family and group therapy. They are also expected to participate in staff structured family interactions. These interactions provide the youth with an opportunity to practice and integrate the skills which they are learning; with the ultimate goal of becoming safe and responsible members of their family and community. While at the Home, the boys also develop appropriate social skills, proper community behavior, assertiveness skills, self-esteem, and accepting responsibility for their own actions.

The Christopher Home program uses local and community teaching resources. All boys must be enrolled and attend school. To promote academic success, a close working relationship is maintained by the staff with teachers, guidance counselors, and school administrators. This support and communication promotes dramatic academic and behavioral improvements.

Medical and dental services are provided by local doctors and health care facilities.

Referrals
The boys are placed in the Christopher Home by a number of referral sources such as the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Corrections due to the need for living arrangements outside of the home. Boys must possess a DSM IV diagnosis and behavior impairment which interferes with their ability to successfully function in their home community.

Funding
The Christopher Home is funded by:

• Maine Department of Health and Human Services
• Maine Department of Corrections
• Maine Care
• Concerned individuals and friends of the program

Location
18 Pleasant Street
Caribou, ME 04736
207.493.3343
207.492.1031 Fax

email: chrisinfo@ccmaine.org