Northwest Passage II is a 90-day adventure...

challenge residential treatment program serving adolescent boys, ages 12-17.  The small group intensive experience of our program offers clients an opportunity to become a member of a healthy peer group working individually and in concert with each other to achieve success in a variety of areas. Program activities focus on behavioral accountability, personal responsibility, self-esteem, and positive relationships.

Oftentimes, adolescents who demonstrate difficulty accepting responsibility for their behavior, have poor self-esteem, or are lacking motivation may be unable to find success in a variety of services.  At Northwest Passage II, we can significantly impact our clients' view of themselves and help them set a course for a more stable, successful, and productive life.

The facility is located on 13 isolated acres along the shores of Rooney Lake in rural Northwest Wisconsin.  The clients live in a home-like lodge that overlooks the lake and the grounds also include  recreational facilities, a one-room school house, and an office building.

Assessments and Casework...

• Academic evaluations
• Medical/medication assessments
• Treatment plans and monthly reports
• Discharge planning, conferences and reports
• Aftercare treatment plans and follow-up

Goals with purpose...

• Establish behavioral stability
• Increase self-esteem
• Teach skills in Anger Management, Corrective Thinking, and Chemical Health
• Begin restitution/community service projects

Each client will help create and ultimately work toward meeting individual goals specially designed to help him tackle his greatest challenges.

Outdoor Experiential Education...

A central component of the Northwest Passage II program is the outdoor and environmental educational experiences.  Physical and technical skill training, low ropes courses, climbing wall, and weekend outdoor challenge trips combine to prepare our clients for a capstone two-week wilderness venture.  This venture, which happens in the final stage of the 90-day program, presents an opportunity for clients to display the skills they have learned with the support and careful guidance of our trained counselors and provides them the chance to be successful in a manner they have likely never believed possible.  The venture is often a landmark activity on which our clients can look back for the rest of their lives and confidently proclaim, "I did that!"

Physical Training...

We recognize the significant role that healthy physical activity can play in helping adolescents gain stability in emotions and increased self-esteem.  At Northwest Passage II, starting with our morning run, clients participate in three hours of physical training each day.  We engage our clients in a variety of physical training activities such as running, canoeing, and cross country skiing.  A state-of-the-art gymnasium gives us year-round access to activities such as basketball, floor hockey, weight lifting, and "bouldering."  Upon graduation from the program, our clients will be in the best physical shape of their lives.

Credit-Bearing Academics...

Each client participates in three hours of academics every weekday in our one-room school.  Individualized instruction in mathematics, English, computers, and environmental education is emphasized.  Facilitation of on-line course work and preparatory work for the High School Equivalency Diploma (H.S.E.D.) are also available.  Coursework is credited and transferable.

Group Counseling Services...

All clients participate in weekly Anger Management and Corrective Thinking Programs.  These groups will help establish awareness of issues, education about resources, and reinforce the need for support from family and community sources when clients return home.  Clients with drug and alcohol issues receive individual therapy as well.

Family Retreat...

Mid cycle, the Passage II program provides a Family Retreat Weekend designed to help families both support the efforts of the clients and begin the collaborative process of transition planning.

Aftercare...

As a result of understanding the nature of short-term residential care, Northwest Passage II has a position dedicated strictly to aftercare services for our clients.  At no extra cost to the purchaser, our Aftercare Coordinator will provide support services and problem-solving assistance for up to 60 days after discharge.

The Aftercare Treatment Plan may include:

• Working with parents and community-based professionals to identify, connect with, and help clients access community resources to meet identified aftercare needs
• Meeting with school officials and personnel in the community to ensure a smooth transition and positive reintegration into public school
• Assisting older clients in formulating future plans such as employment, college, vocational programming, or the military
• Meeting with families and other aftercare resources for counseling, problem solving, or other issues

Admissions Process...

Northwest Passage accepts referrals from parents, social service personnel, community service providers (therapists, psychiatrists), and independent educational consultants.

For referral or admissions information please give us a call at 715-635-7204 or send an email to: 90DayBoysResidential@nwpltd.org