Caring for a culturally diverse residential population

On October 18th, Heather LaForme, Director of OCFS’ Bureau of Native American Services came to LaSalle to present two sessions intended to provide staff guidance on working with Native American Youth in a residential treatment center. The morning two-hour session provided a broad overview of the cultural and spiritual implications for youth. The afternoon session focused on responding to current needs and challenges for LaSalle’s direct care staff, charged with crisis management, safety interventions and understanding violence.

LaSalle School is a leader in programs and services for youth and families in crisis offering a variety of programs designed to meet their needs including specialized residential placement, day service education, and alternative to detention services. The Counseling Center at LaSalle is an OMH and OASAS licensed outpatient behavioral health clinic located at LaSalle School, and currently implementing ACE treatment practices with youth and families. LaSalle is accredited by the national Council on Accreditation (COA), and affiliated with the Council on Families and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA), and the national Alliance for Strong Families and Communities. LaSalle is a member of The New York State Coalition of 853 Schools.