Abused, At Risk Boys Find Hope in Treatment Facility

Woodside Trails provides long term care to 60 abused, neglected, abandoned and at risk boys from all over the U.S. The program has been helping boys in need for over 21 years and is a non profit organization.

Smithville, Texas (PRWEB) January 9, 2004 --As child abuse continues to rise, some boys are finding hope in a 21 year old non profit organization that has helped hundreds of boys find a way to turn their lives around. For many of these abused, abandoned and at risk boys, this program has become their only hope. They have failed at other facilities and have not been able to function in group or foster homes.

Woodside Trails, located near Smithville, Texas, has been helping boys who have suffered severe cases of abuse or neglect. Many have been sexually abused. And many go on to perpetrate their issues on others. It is up to the staff at Woodside Trails to find a way to help each boy that comes into the program. The issues are discussed upon admission and specific goals are set at that time. In order to make a lasting effect the program is set up differently than most other Residential Treatment Centers. It is based in the woods where the boys experience nature in a wilderness setting.

Presently 52 boys live in shelters in four separate campsites. 8 boys have graduated the wilderness program and live in a group home while they complete the cycle of treatment and get their lives going again.

The boys remain in treatment from one to two years. This duration depends on the severity of their needs. It also is a method of helping the boys to get the time they need in dealing with what has happened in their lives. There are no modern conveniences in the campsite to distract their treatment, which continues almost every minute they are at Woodside Trails. Along with a seasoned and dedicated staff that remain with the boys 24 hours a day, there are licensed therapist and physiologists who work with them weekly.

When it comes to education, the camp turns modern. There is a new school building complete with all the technical and educational needs. The school has a one to three teacher ratio and is fully accredited through the Smithville Independent School District. There is also a dining hall for the boys to have lunch while school is in progress.

Back in camp, the boys live in shelters with plywood floors and canvas tarps. They cook breakfast and evening meals in the camp and must adhere to all camp rules and chores.
Nature has a way of conditioning the children and helping them to concentrate solely on the reason they have come to the program. Here, anger, fear, aggression, depression and violence are brought to the forefront. They must face the past and find a way to change the future. The program is highly successful as there is a 70% success rate of those boys who complete the entire program.

Many of the boys are placed through the Child Protective Services of the State and some are placed by the State Juvenile Probation Departments. The program also accepts placement from private sources and family members. While there are daily fees, Woodside Trails must also rely on private and public contributions to continue daily operations. They accept children from all over the U.S.

Woodside Trails has a mission of providing ruthless compassion" and the ability to develop a bonding relationship with each boy. It is something the youth have missed in their prior lives. It is truly a unique program that verifies its methods through the success of the boys who graduate from the program and find themselves facing a new and better life.

Persons who would like more information on the program or parents who would like to place a child may call the office at 512-237-4602.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Erland Schulze, Development Director, for more information
Dave Gould, Admissions Director, for child placement
Woodside Trails
P.O. Box 999
Smithville, Texas 78957

www.woodsidetrails.org

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