ALBERT J.SOLNIT

CHILDREN'SCENTER 

N O R T H C A M P U S

A Psychiatric Residential Treatment FacilityConnecticut Department of Children and Families

Research confirms that individuals engaged with spiritual or religiousbeliefs stabilize more quickly.  In support of this, Solnit North has apart-time chaplain and a Spiritual Life Center.  Involvement isindividualized for each youth and voluntary.  Activities include, e.g.: meditation, Bible study, and attendance to houses of worship offcampus.   The goal for all youth is continuing gains made at Solnit once back inthe community.  The Solnit team attempts to link each youth withresources and services that meet his particular interests and/or needs. Clinical services might include: medication management; individualand family therapy; in-home services; clinical day school; NA andother 12-step groups; and more. Rehabilitation resources that youthare linked with include, e.g.:  Boys and Girls Clubs; art and musicprograms; mentors; martial arts or boxing programs; Job Corp;summer employment programs. In order to ease a youth's transitionhome or to another level of care, clinicians bridge the move throughmeeting youth, family, and new treaters in the community once ortwice after discharge as appropriate.

Spiritual and/or Religious Opportunities

Life After Solnit North

Albert J. Solnit Children's Center North (Solnit North), part of theConnecticut Department of Children and Families, is a psychiatricresidential treatment facility (PRTF) committed to providing short-term, holistic therapeutic services to boys whose complexpsychiatric and behavioral status requires an intensive environmentto ensure safety and optimum functioning. Services are providedthrough a multi-modal, trauma-informed approach, using a varietyof verbal and non-verbal therapies that are culturally sensitive andstrength based. The goal is always to re-integrate the youth back to the family orleast restrictive level of care. Solnit North celebrates eachadolescent's individuality and works in partnership with him and hisfamily, supporting him to become the adult he envisions himself tobe. Therapeutic family visits are an essential component of thiswork.

Program PhilosophyCaring, Healing, and Teaching

Partnering with children, families, and communities to build hopeand create opportunities

EducationSolnit North has a fully-accredited school program that servesboth special education and regular education youth.  Youth haveaccess to traditional classroom teaching as well as virtual (computer-based) instruction.  Because of the low student-to-staff ratio, youth are able to receiveindividual attention as they continue with their current courses andclasses from their previous school. Youth also have opportunities torecover lost credits as well as earn additional credits through theVirtual Academy Program.

Youth have the opportunity to learn positive work skills in thecampus work employment program where they are paid a “wage”for performing a variety of tasks, first on campus and then at off-campus businesses.  They also participate in volunteer activities inthe local community, such as at a soup kitchen and a veterinaryhospital.

Work ExperienceProgram

Rehabilitation Therapy The campus has an in-ground swimming pool for summer activities, and an indoor ropes course. Therapeutic rehabilitation is an integral part of the multidisciplinary treatment program, it promotes the youth's physical, social, and emotional development.

The Solnit North rehabilitation therapy program offers youth thechance to explore and develop their interests and talents, whileengaging in activities that they enjoy both during and after their stay.

Therapeutic Recreation

Art Therapy

Music Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Other Program ActivitiesBarbershopMartial ArtsCulinary ArtsPride GroupYouth Advisory BoardSpirituality Opportunities

Clinical ServicesThe Solnit North clinical team includes two board certified childpsychiatrists and both masters- and doctoral-level licensedclinicians who have extensive training and experience workingwith adolescents with complex presentations. The clinicians usea variety of strength-based interventions (including DialecticalBehavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused-CBT, and others) to meetthe treatment goals and objectives identified with youth andfamily through both individual and family therapies.

MedicalThe Solnit North medical department provides 24-hour coveragenursing care and a full-time pediatrician. All youth receivecomprehensive medical, dental, and vision monitoring.  Any youththat requires more extensive medical services is seen by eitherConnecticut Children’s Medical Center or the University ofConnecticut Health Center specialties.

ResidentialResidential staff are responsible for the direct oversight of youth atall times during their stay at Solnit North.  Residential staff providethe primary support, relationship building, redirection, andteaching of youth on campus. They also run groups, overseerecreational activities, accompany youth to off-campus locations,and assist with community/activities of daily living such as moviesand cultural events, or sports.  Solnit North has a strong communityof youth and staff, with residential staff and youth at the core.

For more information please contact Karl Koistinen, LCSW at 860-292-8320 or 860-292-4000 / or karl.koistinen@ct.gov

Contact Information