Cross Creek Blogs

The following article was written by a parent approximately seven years ago. The same information still applies, and we feel you can benefit from the insight this parent had when his child was in the program. Unfortunately we could not locate the name of the parent, but the article is well worth your time: The program is set up on a point and level system. However, there is nothing magic about being on any level. The magic rests on the shoulders of the entire level process – process being the operative word here. Each level plays a vital part in the Change Process. One cannot exclude any of the six levels or the purpose of the entire process would be defeated. The results are what matter and the completion of the process is essential for change. On level one the students generally operate out of guilt and blame. They will most likely state it’s not their fault and someone else is to blame. They are very resistant to any change. Most of the level one students are very shady and “behind to scenes”. They have no intention on dealing with their issues and are very manipulative. They accomplish little or no work academically and they are into their image big time! Their anger is generally directed toward mom and dad. On level two they begin to pretend they are working. They start to recognize areas that need to be worked on. Generally they are emotionally disconnected and unwilling to deal in reality. They maintain the role of a victim and rack up a significant amount of rule violations.Basically, the objective of levels one and two is to teach the child how to simply comply. Compliance is an important part of the change process. Level three is very different. On this level students are at a compliant level. This means that they have mastered the ability to follow rules in the presence of authority. They do only what is necessary to get by. Time becomes the component that will reveal if the child is being real with itself or merely compliant. If given enough time the child will begin to internalize the values, concepts and expectations of the program. By level three they are clear on the difference between working and non-working choices. The results they create for themselves will determine when they are ready for level four. Level four is frequently referred to as “where the program truly begins”. On level four the students begin working on their leadership skills. Personal integrity, or lack thereof, will manifest itself. The student will be presented with opportunities to operate outside of their comfort zone in areas such as peer leadership roles, taking initiative and self-direction. If, in the midst of the other students they live with, the student is able to stand up for the values he/she has gained, this demonstrates the student is indeed making some significant progress. Keep in mind that making integrity based choices has been a challenge all of these students have faced in their lives. On level five the student has begun to work on the sensitive areas in the relationship with his/her parents. Levels of communication become a very important factor in the change process. Communicating thoughts and feelings without manipulation, guilt or anger is a significant indicator of whether or not the child is internalizing change and is working toward family unity. Level five is unique in focusing on the parent-child relationship.

On level six the child has had time to work with his/her parents. The relationship has had time to stabilize. Thus, level six is the stabilization level. In the program time works just about the same way it does with a soda bottle that has been shaken up for awhile. If you take the top off too soon you get an explosion, yet if you allow it enough time to settle you can enjoy it. Given the nature of human behavior, change does not occur quickly. It is a slow process, but each element of change is critical to lasting change. Time is a necessary factor to the change process. Give them time to complete through level six, for time is the magic ingredient.

Posted on January 22nd, 2008 by admin
Filed under: PARENTS