Family Support

One of the greatest supports our families experience is the lasting relationships they build with fellow Keswick School families. At a time when many families experience isolation and uncertainty, having a community who understand and can identify with the journey they are on provides comfort and security. Beginning at enrollment, Keswick School works to connect families with similar experiences so that they can grow their support network. Every family is provided with a directory that allows them to reach out and connect with one another.

Twice monthly familes work directly with their boy's therapist. These meetings provide valuable opportunities for practicing new skills, exploring family dynamics, planning for time at home, setting goals, and celebrating successes.

Twice a month, families have the opportunity to attend a virtual support group that is facilitated by a clinical therapist. Participants share experiences and advice and have the opportunity to ask questions and receive consultation on a variety of topics.

Upon enrollment, every family is assigned an administrative contact who acts as a direct line of communication for them outside of clinical needs. This includes communication regarding weekly academic and residential reporting, clothing and hygiene product needs, and general questions. The administrative contact and assigned therapist collaborate to meet each family’s needs.

In addition to individualized weekly written academic and residential updates, families receive a detailed weekly community update with pertinent information, upcoming events, and announcements. They have access to an online portal for pictures, videos, and important information that is updated weekly. Each quarter, families receive in-depth reports that cover all dimensions of their boys' treatment including academics, residential, clinical, and related services. In person conferences are scheduled twice per year with academic, residential, and clinical teams. A student’s final conference before transition is with a larger treatment team to support transition planning and next steps in a holistic and cumulative way.

Keswick School hosts a three-day retreat for our families each spring. During this time, families are able to step away from daily demands, focus on building and nurturing a community, and learn from our clinical and related services therapists. Sessions cover topics such as understanding the role of specialized therapies such as art, drama, speech, and occupational therapy; how to engage in healthy play; healthy limit setting; and managing technology. Families are also provided with time to enjoy the company of others who are on similar paths and who understand the unique challenges and needs of having a student in residential treatment.

Multiple times a year, Keswick School holds workshops that focus on subjects such as preparing for breaks, conceptualizing their boys’ abilities and needs, preparing for transition to new placements, and learning ways to intervene effectively with their boys.

When our students are at home on breaks, families have access to 24/7 on-call therapeutic support from our clinical team. With just a phone call, they can recieve coaching, consultation, and support in conflict resolution to help ensure the best possible experience for our students and their families while at home.

Every October, we invite our students’ families, including siblings, to campus for a weekend. Families spend time learning about their boys’ progress at Keswick and about the Keswick School Program. Families also have the chance to interact with our staff and see them modeling positive interactions and effective interventions. Additionally, families have opportunity to watch a soccer scrimmage and share meals with students and staff as we work to build meaningful relationships and a shared identity of growth and success.