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What is The High Frontier?
The High Frontier is a private, non-profit residential treatment center for young people demonstrating problem behavior. Founded in 1976, The High Frontier's emphasis is on a treatment philosophy that builds self-esteem through a carefully monitored and systematic approach known as Positive Peer Culture. The High Frontier will target the development of strong self-esteem through an approach that employs cognitive strategies and altruistic (placing others before oneself) challenges as the tools to change.
From where do the youth at The High Frontier come?
Students come from all over the United States. At any given time, twenty different states may be represented. California and Texas residents account for approximately 40% of our population, however, The High Frontier will work with students from any location.
Who sends the young people to The High Frontier for treatment?
The High Frontier works with young people from various sources and backgrounds. These sources are primarily private family placements, but state and county governmental agencies, school districts and Native American groups may also be considered.
How many residents will The High Frontier work with at one time?
The High Frontier maintains a capacity of eighty-four (84) students.
Does the High Frontier work with male and female students?
Yes. The High Frontier maintains a 60/40 ration in favor of male residents over female. Residents are placed in same gender groups of 8-10, and each group shares a separate cottage while operating cohesively throughout the day.
With what age groups does The High Frontier work?
Twelve (12) to eighteen (18) year old students are served. As long as The High Frontier has admitted the student prior to his/her eighteenth birthday, and we have documented treatment reason describing the necessity, we may continue working with the student into his/her eighteenth year.
How long does a resident typically stay at The High Frontier?
The length of time a student stays varies with the severity of the problems the young person brings into the program. The actual length of stay is typically determined through regular correspondence between the High Frontier staff and referring sources. The average length of stay is approximately 15 months.
Where do the residents go to school?
The High Frontier has its own fully accredited Independent School District on campus. The on-campus school is administered by the Fort Davis Independent School District through a special agreement with The High Frontier. Residents attend school with their respective groups and each class will have a certified teacher for approximately 8 students. The teachers are trained to incorporate and foster the Positive Peer Culture (PPC) treatment methodologies with their classroom instruction. All of the teachers are special education certified.
What is the Child/Staff ratio?
Considering all personnel, including the treatment staff, administrative and support staff, the ration exceeds 1:1. Direct care (Milieu Instructors) ratios typically exceed 1:5. Different cottages will have three or four bedrooms, and each bedroom sleeps two or three residents. Two trained direct care staff members (instructors) are typically assigned to each cottage and work a three-day (24 hours/day) shift designed to promote interpersonal relationships necessary to affect change in a therapeutic milieu.
What qualifications do your professional staff or clinicians possess?
The High Frontier employs three Clinical Psychologists, two Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), three Licensed Masters-Level Social Workers (LMSW), and a consulting Psychiatrist. The clinicians average over 15 years experience working with The High Frontier and our particular treatment modality. Two of our employees maintain a Child Care Administrator's License from the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Service. The Administrators all have over 20 years experience operating The High Frontier, while two of the administrators maintain Masters degrees in related fields of study. The High Frontier also operates with two nurses, a Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Finally, all of the High Frontier schoolteachers maintain teaching certificates in Special Education through the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The Special Education certificate is primarily utilized for
reasons that pertain to working with behavioral and/or emotional problems. We have also benefited from regular attention and guidance from Harry Vorrath, the developer of Positive Peer Culture.
Do the residents at The High Frontier work?
The High Frontier has an Incentive Wage Program integrated into the at-large treatment milieu (environmental setting). Jobs offered range from landscaping, secretarial work, and kitchen work to construction and livestock care. Students are regularly offered jobs that will build their self-esteem, teach vocational skills and responsibility, and promote their personal ownership of the High Frontier's efforts. Each group also maintains responsibility for daily ranch cleanup.
Does The High Frontier have any religious affiliations?
No, we do not have any religious affiliation. We do offer non-denominational services one night a week for which a group of local community members volunteer time and services. Resident's attendance at these services is strictly voluntary.
Are Psychotropic drugs used as part of the therapy?
The High Frontier utilizes a consulting psychiatrist to monitor any psychotropic medications that a resident may be on when arriving at our program. Our consulting psychiatrist works closely with the treatment team to determine the ongoing medication needs. More often than not, we find that students have less of a need for medication once integrated into the program. However, we will address a need for psychotropic medication should on arise.
What is the success rate at The High Frontier?
During the period from 1996 to 2001, The High Frontier documented approximately 500 contacts with ex-residents. Most of these contacts were made via telephone. Secondly, most of these contacts were initiated on the part of the ex-residents. Of the 500 contacts, more than 80% reported to be content in their life and doing well. Moreover, these residents stated that The High Frontier was a major factor to their success. The High Frontier believes that these statistics are meaningful, yet lack a random sampling and survey process needed for a true statistical analysis.
What distinguishes The High Frontier from other programs?
Although The High Frontier may be considered a multi-system, The High Frontier is not eclectic in our approach. Our social learning environment may utilize group, individual and family therapy, yet a student will never leave the philosophy of the milieu. The passion that is developed among both residents and staff members is rooted in the development of the altruistic values encompassed in our Positive Peer Culture modality. When caring is made fashionable and youth are taught to care, the previously held subculture of defiance, delinquency or depression dissipates. Young people must be given the opportunity to show their self-worth through systematic processes that ask them to help his/her peers. Residents play an integral part in the promotion and well being of each other.
Do residents have recreational opportunities?
Yes, recreation is conducted on a daily basis. A fully equipped gym, weight room, ballpark, and horseback-riding arena supplement our ability to involve the residents in activities. Regular sporting activities such as flag football, basketball, softball, and volleyball are popular among the residents. We also incorporate regular field days with various games. Other popular activities include horticulture in the green house, art classes, bicycling, canoeing, trail
rides, hiking, miniature golf, and repelling.
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