What Parents and Children Do at Wediko

Intensive therapeutic intervention

Application and interview:

A detailed application form and thorough family interview are first steps in the determination of whether a student is a good match for Wediko’s program.  Applicants and their families must demonstrate a commitment to full participation in the process of change that is possible during the intensive Summer Program.  Rolling admissions require applicants to complete the process in a thorough and timely manner.

Acceptance:

Wediko makes decisions about acceptance to the program based not only on the applicant but also on the applicant’s “fit” with a summer living group.  Groups are formed with students of similar levels of development in social, emotional, and cognitive functioning.  Often, acceptances are delayed as a good match in a living group is sought.

Arrival day: 

Students begin the program on July 5, arriving either at the New Hampshire campus or the Boston office (where buses are waiting to take students to New Hampshire).  Nurses, administrators, and group counselors are on hand in both settings to greet students and their families.

Family involvement:

All families participate in scheduled family meetings during the summer, and they are expected to address topics identified in the initial family interview.  Sometimes meetings are held in the New Hampshire setting; other meetings will be in Boston .  Family members are encouraged to write letters to their children, and scheduled phone calls will be made to home by the student with their clinical supervisor.

Six-and-a-half week program:

The Summer Program uses the short-term calendar to build in predictable and normal opportunities for dealing with transitions.  Activities are planned to welcome and orient students to the setting during the first week away from home.  Opportunities to contact family members are scheduled into the week, and students are introduced to the range of activities and facilities available.  Visitor’s Day marks the mid-point of the summer, and is an opportunity for students to show their visitors around the setting.  The final half of the summer is designed to accelerate the pace of change, through the use of individual contracts, topic-focused group counseling sessions, and unlimited opportunities for skill-building.  

Transition home:

The Summer Program ends on August 18, when all students return home.  Often, a follow-up family meeting or phone call can be arranged, and Wediko staff are available by phone until about August 28.

Reports:

A comprehensive report on the student's summer experience will be provided to the family and the funding source by late September.