Specific activities and practicum opportunities of the facility for both first and second year graduate interns include: individual therapy (both on and off site), group therapy (both on and off site), substance abuse prevention, anger management, court progress reports, administrative six month case reviews, HIV/AIDS awareness training, meal preparation, budgeting, banking, daily living skills, employment skills, access to computer technology, gang prevention, and social skills training. Interns interface with D.C.F.S. caseworkers, community volunteers, Guardian ad Lidum, LAN representatives, Board of Directors/Administration of S.W.M. and Medicaid. Additionally, there are opportunities to learn agency and D.C.F.S. policy and procedures, research grant availability, write proposals for federal and state grants, request corporate funds/donations, and develop/coordinate fundraising activities. Specific duty and time schedules are supplied to interns for organizational purposes.

The Board is committed to providing opportunities for interns to move into the field of child welfare. The entire staff joins in to help them have a positive experience, and learn all that we have to offer. The staff average time on the job is approximately 18-19 years. We utilize the psychodynamic model, with the ego psychology theory approach to treatment. The program is unique in that we are 7 days a week, 24 hours a day operation. The program typically works with 4-5 interns per academic year. There is no monetary compensation for interns, and they are not expected to transport or restrain residents. No day is the same, as the children are never predictable. Interns are expected to complete necessary intake paperwork, avoid tardiness and unnecessary absences unless absolutely necessary. The practicum supervisor is available in the evenings, which allows the adult student to continue their primary job responsibilities during the day. Her schedule fluctuates with the residents’ year-round school schedule. (E.g. fall/winter/spring = evenings, summer = days)  The practicum supervisor is licensed at the highest state of Illinois credential levels (L.C.S.W. Board Certified) and provides provocative and insightful weekly supervision and training. Social Work and Criminal Justice schools are where the bulk of interns come from to participate in training. Intern weekend hours can be arranged on a case-by-case basis. It is felt that after working with our agency population, interns will be better prepared to provide an extensive array of services in the child welfare field.