HDS - OMS - Field Education Handbook

Project: The Connolly Transition Unit (CTU) is a program within the Department of Youth Services. It is a 20-bed residential unit in a secure building for adolescent males ages 14-20 who have been in a treatment program for 6 months or more. Residents spend the last 2-3 months of their time assignment on CTU working on their relapse prevention plan, putting their coping skills to use in the community while on passes, and beginning to transition to either their home or their next destination. Residents participate in individual therapy and group therapy. Group therapies include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, with specific emphasis on mindfulness, and Peacemaking Circles which comes from the Restorative Justice model. Emphasis is also placed on decision making. The goal of the program is to help these young men take the treatment they have received and begin to apply it in the community so that they will not reoffend and will be able to be successful in their future endeavors. The majority of the young men in the program come from Boston and will be returning to their homes. Many of these young men have a history of trauma.

Student Involvement: Field education students will assist in running group therapy especially in teaching mindfulness skills. They will be given the opportunity to meet individually with residents and attend treatment meetings as well as staff meetings to discuss residents. Activities will include going to daily groups, community check ins, attending treatment meetings, and assisting with administrative duties. Field education students will also have the opportunity to visit community re-entry centers as well as learn more about the transition opportunities offered to residents. Students will be exposed to the teachings of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Restorative Justice, and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy.

Supervision: Field education students will meet weekly with the Clinical Director of the program for administrative and clinical supervision. Group supervision will also be conducted as a way to reflect after treatment groups and also to plan for future groups.

Harvard Divinity School

Ministry Studies

Field Education Handbook