Program
The Community Based Acute Treatment Program at the Franciscan Hospital for Children is a short-term acute residential unit for children and adolescents between the ages of 4 and 14.  CBAT is an 18-bed residential service for children referred primarily from the Commonwealth's Department of Social Services.  This program serves as an evaluation and triage site for children with a variety of behavioral problems.  CBAT also assesses and treats children and adolescents who are in moderate to severe emotional distress. Treatment and stabilization is provided in a structured setting. By simulating everyday community living in a safe, therapeutic environment, children can learn the skills and behaviors that will help when they return to their homes, schools and communities. This program is often used as either an alternative to inpatient care or as a vehicle to abbreviate hospitalization.  It is also designed to meet the needs of children who are "stuck" in the system generally due!
 to a lack of suitable discharge placement options.

4Boston's Role
Volunteers at the CBAT unit are in a unique position.  They are there to provide individual attention and friendship as a non-disciplinarian. Most of the residents need to rebuild trust in adults and learn how to develop healthy relationships.  Through games, bedtime stories, and reliability, volunteers can contribute to the assessment and healing that occurs on the unit.  There are two mandatory training sessions which volunteers must attend before volunteering at the CBAT (ask the council member if you need more information).  In addition, there is a mandatory group meeting every week.  This is a time for volunteers to check in, and it can often be used as the group's reflection time.  Commitment to the 4Boston CBAT placement is a commitment to attend these group meetings.

Council Person:
                                Hanna Tappen:  tappenj@bc.edu