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Outpatient & In-Home Services

 Philosophy of Service
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)
Enhanced Outpatient Services
Nationally Recognized Training - A Model Approach to Educating Non-Offending Parents
Non-Offending Parent Education Manual
Testimonials

The Shepherd Program

The Shepherd Program was established in 1985 to provide outpatient individual and group counseling for children and adolescents who are victims of sexual abuse or have sexual behavior problems. It is the largest and most comprehensive treatment program of its kind in Rhode Island. The Shepherd Program employs a clinical team with expertise in sexual abuse assessment and treatment.  The staff is dedicated to helping families heal and stop the cycle of abuse. The Shepherd Program also provides behavioral health services for adults, children, teens and families. Services include individual treatment for a variety of mental health issues, family therapy, social skills, group services and therapy, for coping with loss/change. Referrals come from individuals seeking treatment, DCYF, physicians, families and other treatment providers.

Philosophy of Service

We are a collaborative mental health and trauma team that believes all people regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or sexual orientation deserve specialized treatment of the highest quality. We provide state-of-the-art, client-centered, strengths-based interventions that help our clients heal from the circumstances that brought them to us.

The Shepherd Program provides the following services: sexual abuse assessments, juvenile sexual offender assessments, individual, group and family therapy, training and consultation.

Treatment Modalities

The Shepherd Program utilizes a variety of treatment modalities that include: Expressive Therapy, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Modified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and sensory interventions and use of sand tray.

Victims of Crime Act (VOCA Services)

Through funds from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), the Shepherd Program provides a clinical team to work with families who have been impacted by sexual abuse. VOCA provides intensive in-home services for families at risk of having the child removed from their home environment. The team's guidance, instruction, and support assist in maintaining the child victim safely in the home.  Services include: Counseling, case coordination, behavior support, sexual abuse education, and assistance with filing victim's compensation claims.

Enhanced Outpatient Services (EOS)

This community-based program provides an array of services to help transition a child from placement to a secure home environment, or as a preventative measure, to reduce the risk of hospitalization. Services are provided by masters-level clinicians and case managers.  Services include: individual, family and group treatment, coordination of care, assistance with attending appointments, and ensuring that families are deriving the benefits of community supports.

Nationally Recognized Training - A Model Approach to Educating Non-Offending Parents

While most sexual abuse treatment focuses on the survivor, the caregivers also have special needs. The caregivers of sexually abused children need education regarding impact issues, safety and information regarding sex offenders. This workshop utilizes the Shepherd Program's 12 week Non-Offending Parent Education Curriculum to demonstrate strategies that focus on the caregivers' needs. Trainers teach practical strategies to educate non-offending parents including relative caregivers, foster parents, families formed through adoption and birth parents. Trainings are offered throughout the year.  Please contact the Shepherd Program if you are interested in scheduling this or another training. 

We are available to train on a variety of topics related to sexual abuse, juvenile offending and other trauma.  We would be happy to customize a training to meet your needs.

Shepherd Program's Non-Offending Parent Education Manual

Outlines the rationale, key concepts and procedures for each session of the 12 week Non-Offending Parent Education group. More

Testimonials

The following comments were written by clients of the Shepherd Program:

  • "St. Mary's has supported my commitment to my children. The staff has made tremendous efforts not only to help my family cope with the effects of abuse, but to help us move forward and discontinue the cycle." - Parent

  • "Before I felt nervous. Now I feel happy. So don't worry, be happy. You'll love this place" - Child

  • "I trusted them in a way that allowed me to discuss private matters." - Parent

  • "Everyone has been very supportive and friendly." - Family

  • "She (therapist) was a great influence and a great help to me. I will never forget what she has done for me and my family." - Parent

  • "I was treated with respect and like an adult." - Adult Client

  • "My son has learned how to deal with changes and emotions and has become more open about what's bothering him." - Parent

 

 

420 Fruit Hill Avenue North Providence, Rhode Island 02911-2647  Tel: (401)353-3900 Fax: (401)354-7986  info@smhfc.org