Program Overview:  The Becket House at Belgrade is a 12-bed residential treatment program for adolescent males, specializing in the treatment of problematic sexual behaviors. Each resident is provided with individualized mental health treatment that focuses on stabilization, community reintegration, and skill development.
The Becket House is situated on 20 acre parcel of land boasting a pond, sporting fields, gardens, and hiking trails. Each resident is provided with their own bedroom for purposes of privacy, safety, and self expression. The Central Maine Learning Center (special purpose day school) is also conveniently located on campus ensuring the team collaboration needed to optimize student safety while providing specialized educational services.
News at Becket House at Belgrade
Belgrade's 6th Annual Volleyball Tournament
September 2009, Becket House at Belgrade
Becket House at Belgrade recently held its 6th annual Volleyball Tournament. Teams from Belgrade, Norridgewock, CMLC, and ALTC all took part in the
match. Just moments after the competition began, students and staff were fearless in sacrificing their dignity by diving and jumping in the sand to
catch the ball. The sun, and the game, got so hot the court had to be watered down to counter the scorching sun’s rays.
Everyone shared “high-fives” and “good games” as well as cold ice cream and fresh watermelon before heading home from the day. For the sixth year in a
row, Belgrade’s team won the Tournament, despite the very challenging competition. Belgrade’s name will be inscribed on the trophy, which will spend
another year proudly on display atop the mantle at Becket House at Belgrade.
Becket Angling and Coldwater Conservation Club
By Shaun Quimby, LCSW
July, 2009, Becket House at Belgrade
For some time several staff have discussed beginning a conservation and fishing program here in Maine. Maine has a rich angling heritage, especially where fly fishing is concerned. Although this will not strictly be a fly fishing program it will likely be a focus, as fly fishing and conservation often go hand and had.
In launching this program, it seemed natural to attempt to find a good conservation project to dive into. We have selected a conservation project targeting one of Maine’s most valued Brook Trout Ponds. This is a natural choice as the Brook Trout is Maine’s Heritage Fish and has received a tremendous amount of press recently as Brook Trout Habitat is being lost daily and ecosystems are being changed rapidly, due to a variety of causes.
One of the biggest threats to Maine’s Brook Trout is invasive species. There is a serious problem of people bringing species of fish from outside the state into Maine and placing them in our waters. Another serious issue is moving fish from one water body to another. This can have a tremendous and lethal impact on the ecosystems in the lakes and ponds.
In the case of our chosen project, it is one of the 206 ponds which has never been stocked, but recently shiners have been discovered in the pond. Although shiners are native to Maine, they are not native to this pond. Shiners and Brook Trout do not co-habitat well and the presence of the shiners could mean the end of a self sustaining population of Brook Trout in this pond.
We have partnered with a local Trout Unlimited chapter, with the support and approval of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, to take on the project. The TU chapter requested funds from the Maine Council of TU for traps and we have committed to maintain and check the traps several times per week. Maine DIF&W has requested that we track what we catch in the traps and chart each site. They have also requested that we release any species other than shiners back into the pond and track those releases as well.
Throughout this project, our youth will be learning about species identification, ecosystems and biology as a result of this project. Trout Unlimited has also offered to conduct casting clinics and offer an ongoing tying class here at the facility for the youth. Maine DIF&W fisheries biologist and Brook Trout specialist, Forest Boney, has supplied us with tracking forms as well as identification materials to begin this project.
It is our hope that this initial project will lead to future projects and other partnerships in the community as well as the development of our club.
Beat Feet for Caleb Crosby
May, 2009, Becket House at Belgrade
Two young men from the Becket House at Belgrade, Alex and Nelson, recently heard of a charity
race "Beat Feet for Caleb Crosby" to help raise funds for an 11yr old boy, Caleb Crosby, from the local community who is in need of surgery for a brain
tumor. The Waterville Boys and Girls Club organized the 3.1 mile charity race to help raise funds for Caleb’s surgery. When Belgrade students, Alex and
Nelson, learned of the race they were eager to strap on their running shoes and raise some money for the cause.
On race day, May 2, Alex and Nelson were up early and filled their bellies with a racer’s breakfast; oatmeal and juice. Both boys expressed their
excitement as they headed to the race with staff. It was a beautiful sunny day and the air was full of anticipation. While racers stretched, a representative addressed the group of racers and expressed her gratitude to all.
The race started and Alex and Nelson were off like rockets. Both young men finished the race in the top 5! Alex and Nelson were very excited and
proud of their accomplishments. The boys collected over $80 and both expressed their interest in more events in which they have the opportunity to give
back to their community at other events, such as the "Beat Feet for Caleb Crosby" benefit.
Road trip to the Celtics Game
April, 2009, Becket House at Belgrade
 With many dedicated Celtics fans at the Becket House at Belgrade, staff organized a road trip to Boston so
the boys could enjoy a Boston Celtics versus Los Angeles Clippers game first hand. Stopping only for food and gas, three vans of fans made the three and a half hour
trip full of anticipation. The Celtics did not disappoint the Norridgewock fans as they defeated the LA Clippers 90-77 with many exciting plays.
The game was great, the boys made it on the big screen and one young man even caught a souvenir t-shirt. Everyone had a great time and peacefully slept
the entire ride home back to Maine.
Yoga Therapy for Struggling Teens
March, 2009, Becket House at Belgrade
 Since the beginning of February, Becket House at Belgrade boys have been attending Yoga class every Sunday. Led by Yoga instructor Dolly Moody from Focus Yoga Studios, the class instills a positive therapeutic effect on the Belgrade students.
The boys have done a tremendous job learning Yoga by participating fully, regardless of the level of difficulty they face. The students have reported feeling "very stretched out" and “extremely relaxed” after a morning session of Yoga. One student has even stated that he would like to continue his Yoga education and become and instructor himself one day. The class has taught the group healthy and positive methods of expression and offered coping skills that they may take with them upon graduation from Becket.
Maine Ice Fishing "Fish Off"
March, 2009, Becket House at Norridgewock and Belgrade
 Staff and students from Norridgewock and Belgrade recently met on East Pond in Belgrade for a fine day of ice fishing. Belgrade arrived first on the pond and soon had 15 traps in the ice. No sooner had the last trap been set when the first flag of the day came. The boys went quickly running from trap to trap catching bass and pickerel.
Norridgewock then arrived and also had their fair share of traps in the ice. After only a few minutes everyone from Norridgewock were checking their traps as well and catching up to Belgrade in no time at all!
Student Successfully Completes Belgrade Program
December, 2008, Becket House at Belgrade
Becket House at Belgrade bids farewell to Josh today as he moves on after completing the program recently. Josh has resided in Belgrade for a little over a year. Staff supported Josh's transition to Becket House at Litchfield, where he will continue to pursue his high school education.
Josh is eighteen years old and is currently enrolled in a driver’s education course which he has been enjoying tremendously! Josh started driving this week and is eager to complete the course and get his permit. He diligently saved the money for the driver’s education course and paid for half himself.
Josh worked hard while living in Belgrade, at times having three different house jobs. One of the jobs he held was mowing the lawn at Belgrade and Norridgewock, a position that won’t easily be filled. In addition to being a hard worker, Josh served as a great role model and friend to his peers. He will continue his education at Messalonskee High School where he enjoys his classes. We wish Josh all the best of luck in his new adventure!
"Teamwork in Trying Times"
November, 2008, Becket House at Belgrade
By Shaun Quimby LCSW, Clinical Director
 In October I had the opportunity to attend the 27th annual Research and Treatment Conference for the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, in Atlanta, Georgia. The theme for this year’s conference was “Teamwork in trying times: Improving our responses to sexual abuse." My attendance at this national conference is a clear statement of Becket’s ongoing quest to remain abreast of current perspectives, best practice standards, and evidence based tools and techniques in working with youth who have committed sexually harmful behaviors.
What is clear is that, the combination of these economically trying times, and legislation such as SORNA (Sex Offender Registration Notification Act) and the Adam Walsh Act, require common sense, collaboration, and striving toward utilizing available best practice standards and tools.
I began the conference by spending the day with James Worling, Ph.D. where he presented on Risk Assessment with Juveniles. His presentation focused on the use of the ERASOR (Estimate of Risk of Adolescent Sexual Offense Recidivism), but also touched on the JSOAP-II and the JSORAT-II (The ERASOR and J-SOAP-II are tools utilized for assessment and treatment planning in our Maine programs.) He presents a very practical, realistic and research based approach to risk assessment and the importance of the risk assessment driving the focus of treatment interventions.
Day two brought group sessions attended by all 1400+ attendees, including topics on civil rights issues and an interesting program called Circles of Support and Accountability. Afternoon sessions included talks by several leading researchers on topics such as MST, and Typologies of adolescent offenders. This was particularly fascinating as the development of solid typologies may produce assessment tolls with greater accuracy and validity, thus enhancing treatment focus as well as resource allocation. Following this symposium I attended a presentation by Maine’s own Joanne Schladale, LMFT, community collaboration in working with adolescents and treatment strategies designated to provide the least restrictive environment while enhancing community safety.
Highlights of the third day included a symposium facilitated by Raymond Knight, Ph.D. exploring Rapist vs. Child Molester Typologies, etc. Attending a Ray Knight presentation is a challenge, as the data and research heavy topics can be hard to process. The afternoon ended for me with presentations on the Good Lives Model, for treatment of sex offenders. This model is currently receiving a lot of attention in the field and offers interesting insights and perspective on the work we do and things we may want to focus on. It is a mindful way of focusing on assisting offender to obtain “goods” needs in ways which are not harmful and are pro-social. The assumption is that people who have the ability to be successful and safe will choose to be safe. Of course it is more complicated than that and this model does not ignore the need to focus of deficits, but leave that to other models such as the Risk, Needs, Responsively Model.
During my time in Belgrade I have come to feel the model we strive to implement is a combination of the Risk, Needs, Responsivity, model and the Good lives Model. Again, it continues to be a work in progress, as there are no current treatment models for residential treatment which have any evidence base. It is my opinion that the combination of these two models shows the most promise and provides us with a foundation of evidence on which to build.
New Jobs with Bright Futures
August 2008, Becket House at Belgrade
Becket House at Belgrade’s newest employees, residents Josh and Ray, are working hard to tame the unrelenting grass around campus. When Belgrade found they had grounds maintenance positions to fill, they posted the job to students, had interested candidates apply, interview, and undergo a thorough screening process. As part of Becket’s model to prepare youth for the business of life students learn how to conduct a winning job search, employ successful interview techniques, and learn viable employment skills.
Under the supervision of Becket team member, Robert Tibbetts, Josh and Ray have been responsible for grounds maintenance of Central Maine Learning Center, Becket House at Belgrade, and Becket House at Norridgewock. Mr. Tibbetts notes that, “the boys are great workers; I wish I could have them around every day!” The students are very excited about their new jobs and responsibilities; Ray also acknowledges that “the paycheck is nice too!”
Both of the young men are doing very well with their new positions and are ensuring that this opportunity will be available for future residents as well.
Got Fish?
July 2008
Under the summer sun, outfitted with a trustworthy canoe and a couple of fishing poles, Becket House at Belgrade students have been enjoying Messalonskee Lake every chance they get. Belgrade student Ray brought in a nice bass recently with Team Leader Bryan Vick. Ray certainly gets bragging rights for this bass and now has everyone else in the House eager to top his catch.
Spring Fishing in Maine
June 2008
 Since the passing of a long and snow filled winter, our Maine students have been eager to make the most of Spring. While fishing seems to be the favorite pastime, some of the guys have caught little more than trees and bottom weeds-losing more lures then they can count. As the water levels have gone down the guys have started to catch more fish. After every trip at least one student comes back telling amazing “fish” stories, whether about an actual fish or a tree they caught, the appreciation of Spring is felt by all.
Becket House at Belgrade Goes to the Bruins
March 2008
In January, students from Becket House at Belgrade traveled down to the Fleet Center in Boston to catch a very exciting Bruins game. After being tied 3-3, the Bruins beat the New York Rangers 5-3 after going to an extra period! One student said, "this was my second time going to Boston and my first time going to a Bruins game...and it was so much fun!" He took delight in being a Bruins fan, especially with a group of Rangers fans sitting directly in front of him.
During half time, the Bruins honored Willie O'Ree, "The Jackie Robinson of the NHL." The game marked the 50-year anniversary of O'Ree's appearance as the first African American player to appear in an NHL uniform playing for the Boston Bruins. O'Ree thanked several people, including Milt Schmidt, who has been MVP, then Head Coach, and then went on to be General Manager of the Bruins. It was Schmidt who made it possible for Becket House to make it to the game.
On the drive home, one student reflected that, "it was a lot of fun being able to go down to the Boston game and not just watch it on TV. The fact that people are donating that kind of stuff makes me very happy." |
