Frequently Asked Questions

How does CCA work?

We are committed to your daughter's success and have designed a school that we know will make a difference in her life. This is not a guessing game; this school uses techniques and concepts which are proven to be successful. The administrative team has combined academics, a dynamic and diversified therapeutic program, life changing seminars and workshops, structure, physical fitness, and a caring living environment to create an atmosphere that is conducive to change. The CCA program is designed to enhance each student's self-esteem, self-confidence, self-awareness, self-reliance, and self-management.

What makes CCA different from all the other schools out there?

There are a lot of wonderful schools and programs all over the nation and we feel each one has something to offer. However, every school is not for every student. CCA is a personalized school committed to the individual. We work with each student emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially, focusing on all aspects of a student's life. Students learn to become proactive in their choices and decisions. Another unique feature of CCA is the family program. We are committed to the family, and it is essential for the family to be involved. CCA has an excellent transition program which allows the opportunity to see whether the individual student is ready to handle a less structured environment and the challenges of returning home.

What is special or unique about CCA?

CCA offers one of the finest therapeutic programs in the country. Students participate in a variety of therapeutic services including: Individual, group, and family therapy, three dynamic student seminars, parent seminars, family workshops, equine therapy, small animal therapy, and AA programs.
CCA has developed numerous supportive programs and opportunities to assist the students in building self-esteem, self-confidence, self-awareness, self-reliance, and self-management.
CCA provides a structured level system that allows the students to develop specific skills and abilities and to demonstrate that learning in their community life. Each level of the program gives the student an opportunity to focus on specific issues and areas of change.
CCA has developed self-awareness and self-esteem building seminars that are incorporated into every aspect of the overall school. The workshops focus on accountability, responsibility, results, communication, anger, trust, honesty, and integrity.

How much involvement will I have as a parent?

Parent/Family involvement is absolutely essential to your student's success. Parents and approved family members are able to write to the student the first day after enrollment. Parents are also involved in weekly phone communication with their daughter's therapist while their daughter is on level one. This type of communication continues throughout the entire enrollment. Short family phone calls are scheduled at the therapist's recommendation during Level one. Once the student reaches Level two, family counseling by phone and visits begin with the therapist's approval. (See the "Privileges by Level" for the complete schedule of family phone calls and visits.) All visits on campus are combined with a family therapy session. During the course of enrollment parents are invited to participate in two parent seminars and two family workshops. CCA parents are able to receive updated pictures of their daughter and performance/therapeutic updates each week online through an exclusive program called "Parent Checkin." *

*If you need any assistance with the Parent Checkin Website please contact: Karen Nicholson, Parent Checkin Coordinator

How long will my daughter need to be there?

The average stay at CCA is from 12 to 18 months. We recommend parents plan on having their child enrolled long enough to achieve program graduation. It has taken a lifetime for the issues she is facing to get to this point and we do not believe there is an overnight quick fix. Studies show that long-term programs have the best chance for success. Short-term programs have a 95% relapse rate. We are committed to success and will do everything possible in the time we have to assist you in turning your daughter's life around.

What can I expect while my child is at CCA?

CCA consists of four Levels that your daughter will be progressing through. It is essential she complete the first four Levels before leaving the program. Students are given a Student Workbook, which is divided into levels. As a student progresses from one level to the next, she is given specific assignments related to the level she is on. Parents receive a copy of the Student Workbook that enables them to know exactly what their child is working on during each week.

Students advance in the program through a combination of weekly self-assessment points, weekly skills, and overall progression in the program. Students accomplish life-skills such as reading a book, writing an essay, treating others with courtesy and respect, writing home to parents, and turning in homework assignments.

ENTRY - ASSESSMENT AND ORIENTATION - Each student spends a minimum of 3 weeks being assessed. Upon completion of the assessment, the student will be assigned to the appropriate level (Level 1 or Level 2). Any time spent on assessment and orientation will count towards requirements for advancement on Level 1.

LEVEL 1 - SEEING - Student begins to see the choices she has made in her life, and how those choices resulted in her enrollment at CCA. Level 1 focuses on students seeing and learning about accountability and results. Students have the opportunity to see what they have done and where they are currently in the areas of emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, and social development. Level 1 has been designed to have the student begin to see success quickly.

LEVEL 2 - CHOOSING - Students have started to make progress in the program. They begin to accept accountability for their choices. Level 2 focuses on the choices the student is making to progress further. The focus is on the changing process and the steps needed to make those changes.

LEVEL 3 - CHANGING - This is the level where change truly begins. Students start changing because they personally want a better life, rather than out of a need to please or get out of the program faster. Level 3 is the most difficult to complete and will typically take the longest period of time to progress to the next level. The student must demonstrate her words by putting them into action. Level 3 is the first step to "walking the talk".

LEVEL 4 - INTERNALIZATION & PLANNING
Internalization: Students on this level are proactive by making choices based on accountability and results. Students genuinely "walk the talk" and are becoming role models for the new students. Level 4 students have earned the trust of the community and are expected to live up to that trust. Students take on leadership responsibilities in a pro-active way. Students begin visiting the family at home and start to demonstrate their desire to work successfully in the family unit.

Planning: Students maintain consistency in all aspects of their life. Peer leadership and community interaction are a big part of Level 4. The student will be interacting in the community with less staff supervision. This is where planning for home begins. The student and parents begin to design their home living agreements and prepare for aftercare. Longer home visits prepare the student and her family for the student's return. Practice, Practice, Practice.

When will I start seeing results, or when will my daughter start to change?

Change varies with each individual. Typically the first 4 to 8 weeks is a settling-in period. Your daughter is learning to adjust to a new environment, live under new rules, and meet new expectations. There are several stages your daughter will go through as she makes the changes necessary in her life. It is important for you to recognize these stages. Even students who initially are excited to be in a program struggle from time to time when they are confronted with change.