Unique Aspects of Programming

Multi-Family Therapy

This therapeutic service brings together the youth we serve and their birth family members, adoptive family members and foster family members in a process-oriented therapy group. The goal is to help youth work on their relationships with their family members.

Healthy Habits Group

We are not a drug or alcohol treatment program. However, we recognize that drugs and alcohol may play a significant role in the lives of the youth that we serve. For our residents with a substance dependence or substance abuse diagnosis, we offer a therapeutic group that allows for a safe space to connect with peers going through similar challenges and assist them in developing healthier habits and coping skills.

Healthy Relationships, Self-Identity and Empowerment Group

We provide a curriculum that addresses adolescent development, sexuality, puberty, Sexually Transmitted Infections, pregnancy, birth control options and information about recognizing unhealthy relationship patterns. Residents participate in small groups to discuss these topics. Healthy identity and empowerment are essential to the success of our residents and the development of meaningful relationships in their lives. 

Trust Based Relational Intervention

The Settlement Home, in collaboration with the TCU Child Development Institute, has embraced TBRI®, which is an attachment based, trauma informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. TBRI® uses Connecting Principles for attachment needs, Empowering Principles to address physical needs and Correcting Principles to disarm fear based behaviors. While the intervention is based on years of attachment, sensory processing and neuroscience research, the heart of TBRI® is connection. TBRI® is designed for children from “hard places” of abuse, neglect and/or trauma. Because of their histories, it is often difficult for these children to trust the loving adults in their lives, which often results in perplexing behaviors. TBRI® offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, teachers and anyone who works with children, to see the “whole child” in their care and help that child reach their highest potential.

Sensory Work

We incorporate sensory work to support residents in managing their feelings healthily and safely. Some examples of sensory tools include weighted blankets, aromatherapy lotions, stuffed animals and stress balls. Sensory tools empower residents to learn relaxation exercises and healthy coping skills so residents can make safe choices, work toward treatment goals and utilize self-care.

Peer Mentor Program

Residents are nominated by staff to meet with other residents and provide support to them. This allows our residents to develop empathy and communication skills and helps them strengthen their sense of purpose and self-esteem.

Summer Program

We recognize the importance of recreation and fun in our children’s lives and believe they are integral to their mental health. Summertime is an opportunity to keep our residents active and engaged and includes daily activities on our campus and community. We partner with volunteers and organizations to provide activities on our campus like yoga and running, arts and crafts, book club, music lessons and game nights.

Tutoring

We contract with a professional tutoring service to provide educational support year-round. Tutors understand the educational background of each resident and set goals for each student, like skill-building, homework support and test preparation.

Vocational Training Program

Our campus offers opportunities for residents to receive vocational training and experience working in our office, dining hall and with our maintenance team. The goal is to give our youth an experience that resembles employment, and we emphasize social skills, work ethic and skill building.

Hope for Tomorrow Scholarship Program

We offer scholarships to former residents pursuing a college or vocational degree. Hope for Tomorrow recipients have their schoolbooks paid for and receive a monthly gift card for groceries so they can focus on their education and worry less about making ends meet.

Aftercare Program

Our aftercare services support current and former residents by connecting them to community resources and helping them prepare for self-sufficiency and educational and professional success. Additionally, we strive to connect residents with a mentor to offer support after they leave our care. We also help residents get a driver’s license and obtain legal documents required for college and employment.

Run Club

The Junior League of Austin supports our Run Club. The club meets weekly and members of The Junior League partner with a resident to mentor and train to run 5K races in the community. The goal is to give our youth healthy coping skills and opportunities to set and achieve goals.

Book Nook

This is our on-campus library, where residents can check out books and have a comfy reading and study space. Settlement Club members provide new and gently used books that our kids would enjoy reading.