S.T.A.R. CENTER

SAFE TEMPORARY ADOLESCENT RESPITE CENTER

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

S.T.A.R. (Safe Temporary Adolescent Respite) Center is a specialized therapeutic respite program designed to provide short-term, structured care for youth experiencing moderate to severe behavioral or mental health challenges. Our center offers a safe, supportive environment for children and adolescents who may have recently disrupted a placement or who require reassessment due to concerns related to safety, aggression, or difficulties with peer and adult relationships.

S.T.A.R. serves youth who are either entering initial state custody or who need stabilization and support before transitioning to a new placement or higher level of care. Our program focuses on short-term stabilization, continuous observation, and around-the-clock supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of each young person we serve. Priority is given to youth who present a risk of harm to themselves or others, and our team is trained to provide trauma-informed care that meets these complex needs.

At S.T.A.R. Center, our goal is to help vulnerable youth stabilize in a safe, structured setting while providing the necessary assessments and interventions to support their long-term success. We work closely with referring agencies, caregivers, and other service providers to ensure each child receives individualized care and is prepared for their next step in treatment or placement.

Our commitment is to provide compassionate, high-quality care that helps youth regain a sense of safety, stability, and hope for the future.

PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY & GOALS

At S.T.A.R. (Safe Temporary Adolescent Respite) Center, our primary goal is to provide immediate support and therapeutic intervention to stabilize youth during times of behavioral or emotional crisis. Our program is designed to offer short-term care that helps young people regain a sense of safety, stability, and readiness for their next appropriate placement.

Key Objectives of S.T.A.R. Center include:

Ensuring Safety: Youth are provided with structured supervision and crisis support in a highly monitored, therapeutic environment designed to reduce immediate risks.

Conducting Comprehensive Assessments: Each youth receives timely screenings and professional evaluations to help identify their specific behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs.

Reducing Risk Behaviors: Therapeutic tools and emotional support are utilized to help stabilize youth, reduce harmful behaviors, and build coping strategies for future success.

Coordinating with Key Partners: We work in close collaboration with the Department of Children’s Services (DCS), caregivers, and other stakeholders to ensure discharge planning is thorough, timely, and supports the youth’s long-term well-being.

S.T.A.R. Center is a short-term program where youth remain in care for no more than 10 days. During this time, our team focuses on crisis stabilization, assessment, and preparing each child for a successful transition to their next placement, whether that be a return home, foster care, or a higher level of care.

Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment where youth in crisis can receive the care they need to move forward with stability, confidence, and hope.

TYPES OF SERVICES AND TREATMENT

S.T.A.R. (Safe Temporary Adolescent Respite) Center provides short-term, intensive support to help stabilize youth in crisis and assess their individual needs. Our therapeutic respite program is specifically designed for adolescents facing behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges that may place them at risk to themselves or others. S.T.A.R. Center offers a safe, structured environment focused on stabilization, assessment, and preparation for the next appropriate step in care.

Core Services Offered at S.T.A.R. Center Include:

Screenings Within 24 Hours: Youth receive timely health assessments, suicide and self-harm risk screenings, and evaluations for abuse vulnerability to ensure immediate safety and identify necessary interventions.

Therapeutic Group Sessions (Minimum of 4 Per Week): Structured group programming includes counseling focused on coping strategies, anger management, and substance use education, helping youth build essential skills for future success.

Daily Activities: Youth participate in recreational opportunities as well as structured programming focused on social skills development, life skills education, and preparation for independent living.

Family Engagement: When appropriate, visitation opportunities and ongoing communication are coordinated with families and the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to maintain important connections and support discharge planning.

Medical and Behavioral Health Support: On-site services include medication management, behavioral health support, and crisis intervention to ensure each youth’s health and well-being is fully addressed.

24/7 Supervision: Youth benefit from round-the-clock staffing to provide consistent monitoring, support, and a safe, therapeutic environment.

S.T.A.R. Center is committed to offering compassionate, individualized care that helps stabilize youth quickly and prepares them for a successful transition to their next placement, whether it be home, foster care, or another level of care.

DISCHARGE INFORMATION

S.T.A.R. (Safe Temporary Adolescent Respite) Center provides care for youth for no more than 10 days. Discharge occurs when the child has achieved stabilization and is ready to transition to a more permanent setting, such as a long-term residential placement, foster home, or assessment center. The program focuses on ensuring a smooth, well-coordinated transition that supports each youth’s ongoing care and well-being.

Discharge Process at S.T.A.R. Center Includes:

Coordination with DCS and Receiving Placement: Staff work closely with the Department of Children’s Services (DCS), case managers, and receiving providers to ensure seamless and timely transitions.

Comprehensive Written Summary: A detailed summary of the youth’s condition, progress during the stay, and recommendations for ongoing care and support is provided at discharge.

Documentation of Services and Supports: All services delivered, including therapeutic interventions, medications, behavioral observations, and any significant incidents, are thoroughly documented and shared with the receiving placement.

Proper Transfer of Property and Consents: Personal belongings are carefully inventoried and returned, and all necessary documentation, consents, and medical records are properly transferred to ensure continuity of care.

S.T.A.R. Center is dedicated to helping youth stabilize quickly and preparing them for a successful transition to the next step in their care journey. The goal is not just to provide temporary safety and support but to lay the foundation for long-term success and well-being.

REFERRAL SOURCES & FEES

The facility serves adjudicated youth who need intensive mental health treatment. The program is contracted under the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS).