The Merrimack Center, a 15-bed JCAHO accredited, Department of Mental Health licensed treatment residence, was established as part of an important state wide, interagency initiative to provide services for children who have been "stuck" in hospital settings because of lack of appropriate, specialized residential services. In 2000, The Massachusetts Departments of Mental Health and Social Services jointly awarded JRI a contract to establish the Merrimack Center for fifteen children with the following profile:

• Male and female
• Mild to moderate mental retardation/cognitive impairment
• Ages 12-18
• Major mental illness

These are children who generally have never "fit in" in traditional school settings, and often have impulsive outbursts and histories of aggression or self-injury. Typically, they have suffered multiple placement failures, including psychiatric hospitalizations. Thus, the program emphasizes the following elements:

• Structure
• Skill-building
• Modeling appropriate coping skills
• DBT/Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Education through an on-site school
• Social skills training
• Preparation for transition to next level of care

The milieu supports increasing levels of privileges and responsibilities, and a respectful peer culture promotes individual growth. Lengths of stay range from 9 to 18 months, and careful aftercare planning helps to ensure that the skills acquired at the program translate into success in less restrictive settings. The program also serves as a training resource for receiving agencies in Massachusetts, helping to design and implement aftercare services for Merrimack Center graduates.

Merrimack Center Contact Information

Merrimack Center
Saunders Building, E-1 / PO Box 1148
Tewksbury, MA 01876-0841
Phone: (978) 851-0790
Fax: (978) 851-5218
merrimack@ jri.org

John Tormey, M.S., Director
Mark Robbins, M.D., Medical Director