CUMBERLAND PRIMARY ASSESSMENT CENTER
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Cumberland Primary Assessment Center is a 24 bed enhanced assessment center that provides observation and assessment services to assist the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) with better understanding youth's unique strengths and needs. The program serves male residents ages 10 - 17 who have support needs that require temporary care in a secure, structured, supportive and trauma informed setting while their next placement is determined.
Operating 365 day per year, 24-hours per day, the program provides for the intake, care and custody, structured multidisciplinary assessment, and support services appropriate to the resident's age, behavior, level of functioning, emotional needs, strengths and individual interests.
The program provides a variety of services that include daily care, education, physical and mental health care services, independent living skills, and social skills. Our care begins with a thorough screening, assessment and care planning process to determine the best placement, modalities, intensity, and frequency.
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY & GOALS
The majority of residents we serve bear a reality that has exposed them to disappointments, instability in home and family life, direct or indirect trauma, violence, drug abuse, and a variety of factors that have contributed to their current situation. Our programming is designed to support the resident's intellectual, emotional and physical development needs with an emphasis on physical and emotional safety.
Every resident in our care comes to us with their own unique histories, resiliency/strengths, risk factors, and individualized care needs. Our care begins with a thorough screening, assessment and care planning process to determine the best modalities, intensity, frequency and duration of care relative to the student’s level of need, and make appropriate placement recommendations to Tennessee DCS to meet our residents unique needs.
Services are provided in caring environments that promote and ensure emotional and physical safety of all youth, at all times.
TYPES OF SERVICES AND TREATMENT
It is the policy of Cumberland Primary Assessment Center to provide trauma-informed assessment and care services to all residents in accordance with mandated guidelines. The focus of placement recommendations based on comprehensive assessment emphasizes healing and working to make sure that students have stable and productive environments to which they can thrive.
The program is a highly structured, predictable, and accepting trauma-informed community that fosters personal growth, social development and responsibility through an array of comprehensive daily services. Staff led group interventions are utilized to motivate and teach while providing interventions that help residents achieve emotional and behavioral stability.
All youth attend education services daily. Group service delivery includes social skills development, Independent Living Skills, and anger management and drug awareness education, which are part of the weekly schedule.
ACADEMIC/VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Educational services are provided to improve academic and social skills. Educational programs promote scholastic success by reinforcement of attendance, individualized instruction, and academic assignments. Educational services are provided on-site through and address each resident’s individualized academic needs.
Each admitted resident is assessed to establish and individualized education program. Educational services promote skill acquisition, which ultimately will yield benefits in behavior and social competence.
REFERRAL SOURCES & FEES
All resident referrals to Cumberland Primary Assessment Center shall come from Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) offices across the State of Tennessee. Each referral is executed in accordance with the placing agency’s (DCS’s) rate methodology.