Phoenix

The Phoenix Program is an 8-bed unlocked facility, located on the Wood’s Homes Bowness campus as a part of the Therapeutic Campus Based Care continuum of services. The Phoenix program has 7 contract beds through the Alberta Ministry of Children and Family Services and 1 non-contract bed, which are typically filled with out-of-province youth. 

This is a specialized live-in treatment-based program which serves males aged 12-17 with a confirmed history of problematic sexual behaviour, with the aim of reducing future risk of sexually intrusive behaviors and promoting healthy sexuality. This goal is facilitated by overarching clinical direction and individualized goals determined with consideration for developmental abilities, young person’s interests and family involvement. 

Phoenix is a 24 hour a day service that provides a therapeutic environment designed to build healthy relationships, ensure safety, and teach youth how to cope with emotions.  It is a trauma sensitive environment that promotes safety and self-regulation. All staff are trained in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI), Three Pillars and ARC (Attachment, Regulation and Competency) concepts, and utilize strategies to work through trauma events, and connected behaviours. 

Youth you attend treatment at Phoenix typically spend 8-12 months in the Phoenix program. Their journey through the program takes them through five stages of progress, with goals and benchmarks throughout to guide their healing journey. Youth move through the phases with learning focused on enhancing self-esteem, enhancing emotional expression/regulation, enhancing social relationships, enhancing healthy sexual interest, increasing accountability for past sexual offending, and finally developing a sexual offense prevention plan. These learnings take place in individual and group sessions. 

While in the program, youth have access to supervised pro-social activities within the community as part of their treatment, supporting them to transition back into their normal settings with an increased capacity to cope, connect and be safe. 

Phoenix provides all meals and snacks on a daily basis, support for hygiene and care for emotional outbursts.  There are daily groups that focus on life skills, coping, safety and connection.  Family work and support is provided as part of the service.  Recreation is also provided on a daily basis as well as outings in the community.  Phoenix, has the youth practice being in the community whether supported by staff or having the youth practice independence in the community through safety planning and going on their own (when they are ready).

A specialized school setting (in partnership with The Calgary Board of Education) is available for all children and youth to support continued academic commitment and performance, and to develop strategies to increase success in the young person’s community school placement.