Mathom House | When Treatment Matters

Our Programs

Population
Residents of Mathom House are males, typically between the ages of 12 and 18 at admission. They have typically been adjudicated delinquent or dependent on charges related to sexual misconduct. Residents have typically committed sexual assaults against children known to them and/or non-contact exposure type offenses. They must have histories that suggest they are capable of behaving appropriately in a milieu where physical restraint of residents is very rare. A full scale IQ of 70 is the minimum criterion of cognitive ability. Exceptions to this may occur on a case by case basis.

Facility
There are two distinct sections of the building operating semi-independently. One is licensed as a secure care program (East Side), the other as residential care (West Side), under DPW Chapter 3800 regulations. Each side has a maximum occupancy of 16 residents with a total program population of 32 residents.

Residents typically begin their stay on the East Side which provides more security, structure, and supervision. As they progress in attaining their therapeutic and behavioral goals, they become eligible for transfer to the West Side, where they accordingly enjoy a less regimented, more independent milieu. On rare occasions, residents may return to the East Side if their adjustment dictates a need for more security and increased supervision. In accordance with state regulations, any resident who has not been adjudicated delinquent must reside on the West Side.

Staff
Sufficient youth counselors are on-duty in the residential treatment program at all times in order to assure the safety of the residents and assure that their therapeutic needs are addressed. The minimum of on-duty direct care staff-to-resident ratios required for waking and sleeping hours according to DPW Chapter 3800 regulations are adhered to at all times. All youth counselors receive full training, initially and on a continuing basis throughout the year.

The agency employs youth counselors whose personal characteristics and educational backgrounds are consistent with the requirements of the position. Further, to each extent possible, the racial and ethnic backgrounds of the youth counselors reflect the profile of the residents served and aid in creating a responsive and emotionally safe environment for the residents in care. Staff is expected to demonstrate sensitivity toward cultural issues as well as openness, tolerance, understanding, and affirmation regarding individual differences. Staff is called to develop a genuine interest and appreciation toward learning the ways of others and celebrating those differences.