What is Cramer Creek? Cramer Creek School is a private, non-profit residential treatment center for adolescents. Founded in 2008, Cramer Creek’s emphasis is on a treatment philosophy that builds self-esteem through a carefully monitored and systematic approach known as Positive Peer Culture. Please refer to our “Treatment Philosophy” page for further information.
Where are our students from?Students come from all over the United States. At the present time, Cramer Creek has students from California, New York, Texas, Washington, Ohio, Arizona, Pennsylvania and other states. Cramer Creek will work with students from any location and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation.
Who refers students to Cramer Creek?Cramer Creek works with young people from various sources and backgrounds. These sources are primarily private family placements, but state and county governmental agencies, school districts and Native American groups may also be considered.
How many students will Cramer Creek provide services to at one time?Cramer Creek currently has a capacity of 36 students and is opening a new cottage in mid-February. Our plan envisions a final student population of 81. At this capacity we will employ approximately 100 staff.
Does Cramer Creek work with male and female students?Yes. We believe our campus should present opportunities for our students to have meaningful and appropriate relationships with the opposite sex, although each group is single-sex. Students are placed in same gender groups of 9, and each group shares a separate cottage while operating cohesively throughout the day.
With what age groups does Cramer Creek?Twelve (12) to eighteen (18) year old students are served. As long as Cramer Creek has admitted the student prior to his/her eighteenth birthday, and we have documented treatment reason describing the necessity, we may continue working with the student into his/her eighteenth year.
How long does a student typically stay at Cramer Creek?The length of time a student stays varies with the severity of the problems the young person brings into the program. The actual length of stay is typically determined through regular correspondence between the Cramer Creek staff and referring sources. The average length of stay is approximately 12-14 months.
Where do the students go to school?Cramer Creek has its own accredited school campus. Please refer to our “Education” page for more information on the education program and staff.
What is the Child/Staff ratio?Considering all personnel, including the treatment staff, teaching, administrative and support staff, the ratio exceeds 1:1. Direct care (Milieu Instructors) ratios typically exceed 1:5. Cottages have three student bedrooms, and each bedroom sleeps three students. Each student cottage has a capacity of 9 students is approximately 2,200 sq. ft. Two trained direct care staff members are typically assigned to each cottage and work a two or three day shift designed to promote interpersonal relationships necessary to affect change in a therapeutic milieu.
Do the students at Cramer Creek work?
Students share immediate responsibilities in the care of their cottages and campus. Additionally, students take on additional work projects around campus that typically involve landscaping or grounds improvement. These projects continue to teach responsibility and are an opportunity to earn income, which then creates further life-skills opportunities in (1) learning the value of work and money, (2) balancing student checkbooks and (3) making decisions for student shopping trips that focus on needs versus wants. Work, however, is never used, under any circumstances, as a punishment.
Does Cramer Creek have any religious affiliations?
No, we do not have any religious affiliation. We offer a strictly voluntary bible study course on Sundays and welcome students and families of all religious affiliations.
Are psychopharmacological medications used as part of our treatment services?Cramer Creek utilizes a consulting psychiatrist to monitor any psychopharmacological medications that a student has a prescription for prior to arriving at our program. Our consulting psychiatrist works closely with the treatment team to assess ongoing medication prescription(s) or the consideration of a new prescription. More often than not, we find that students have less of a need for medication once integrated into the program. However, we will address a need for psychotropic medication should one arise and will work closely with the student and family regarding medication decisions.
What distinguishes Cramer Creek from other programs?Cramer Creek does not utilize an eclectic approach. We believe strongly in the Positive Peer Culture model and work hard to develop this model throughout the milieu and to integrate this approach into group, individual and family therapy. When caring is made fashionable and youth are given a meaningful opportunity to care, the previously held sub-culture or beliefs revolving around low self image and negative sub-cultures dissipates. Young people must be given the opportunity to show their self-worth through systematic processes that ask them to help his/her peers. Students play an integral part in the promotion and well being of their fellow students.
Do residents have recreational opportunities?Yes, recreation is conducted on a daily basis. Please see our “Activities” page for further information.
What is the School year schedule?Many of our students are behind in their academic progress. Therefore, Cramer Creek School provides classes year around. We have a two month mini-semester over the summer, begin fall classes after Labor Day, have a two week break at Christmas, then begin the Spring semester after New Year’s Day.
What School supplies are provided?Cramer Creek provides all school supplies necessary for school work on campus but a school backpack is a campus must.
What clothing and personal items are recommended for students to bring to Cramer Creek?CRAMER CREEK SUGGESTED CLOTHING/PACKING LIST
- 10 Pairs socks (in Montana weather, washable wool socks or similar warmer socks than the standard athletic sock are nice to have)
- 10 underwear (and 5 regular bras/2 sport bras for female students)
- 2 sets of long underwear
- 7 short sleeve/T-shirts
- 5 long sleeve shirts
- 3 pairs jeans/casual pants
- 2 to 3 sweaters and a lightweight jacket (fleece is a very nice option for our climate)
- 2 sets of sleepwear
- 1 pair lightweight hiking boots
- 1 pair water proof insulated boots
- 1 pair running shoes
- Winter gear (warm hat, scarf, gloves (2 pair))
- 1 heavy and warm winter coat
- 1 set dress clothes for nice occasions
- 5 pairs summer shorts
- Cycling helmet, gloves, shorts
- Sunglasses and sun hat/baseball cap
- Toiletries and toilet kit (no aerosols and electric razors only)
- Backpack appropriate for school use and for day hikes
- 2 sets bed sheets for 80” (long) twin mattress, comforter and pillow
- 1 drinking water bottle-32 ounce minimum
- Portable musical devices are allowed but will be erased and replaced with the groups approved music play-list.