Milwaukee Academy Overview FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long will my child be at the Academy?

    • Duration of treatment for each child is very individualized and is based on your child’s and your family’s treatment needs and progress.
    • Some clients are at the Academy for only about a month for evaluation.  Others remain in treatment for a number of months, to provide more in-depth treatment.
    • The final decision regarding discharge is generally made with the entire treatment team—you, your child, their social worker (if applicable), the funding insurance agency (if applicable), and the treatment providers at the Academy.

Q: How will visits with my child occur?

  • You may visit your child any day which can be accomodated by treatment program schedule and your schedule.  Visits will be arranged so as not to interfere in your child’s programming.   If you need to make a last minute change or cancel a visit, please call the Academy. 
  • Please schedule your visit with the Case Manager at least one business day in advance of the visit.  Weekend visits/passes need to be scheduled by Thursday evening to avoid last minute problems. 
  • If you wish to take your child out for a day pass in the local area, this will be approved by everyone on the treatment team.  What type of passes and how long passes can last will be determined by safety issues and treatment issues your child is presenting at the time.  Day passes end at 8:00 p.m.
  • Home visits may occur, when approved by the treatment team.  Be aware some placing agencies must pre-approve home visits, and some funding insurance agencies will end placement if a child is taken on a home visit.  Should assistance with transportation be needed, this will need to be arranged ahead of time with the Case Manager. You will be asked to fully supervise your child on any visits, including supervising administration of any medication.
  • It is recommended visits focus on family interactions, versus time with friends or being on the telephone with friends.  The Academy recommends that medications (including those belonging to others in the household) be secured for safety during visits and that access to personal cell phones be restricted for safety as well.

Q: What is the best time to call my child?

  • Evening hours (after 3:00 p.m.) on school days or anytime on weekends tend to be the best times to reach your child by telephone.  You can reach your child every day by calling 414-257-3141. If it is after business hours you will then need to enter the unit extension which is available through the case manager.  Please contact the Case Manager to determine your childs evening group and activity schedule so you know the exact times  you can talk with her.  No telephone calls will occur after 8:00 p.m.
  • There may be times when the lines are busy, other residents are using the phone, or your child is in a group.  You may either call back another time, or ask the Supervisor to call you back later in the evening.
  • If the extension is in use, your call will loop back to the automated system.  In this case, it is best to try to call again in 15 to 20 minutes or leave a message in the appropriate voicemail that the automated system informs you to.
  • Calls are limited to about 10 minutes, to ensure that everyone gets to use the telephone. If evening times are difficult for you to make due to your work schedule, please discuss setting up an alternative call time with the Case Manager.
  • Your child will not be allowed to have a cell phone at the Academy.  Only approved callers will be allowed to call your child.  The Academy staff will place all calls your child makes to insure that only approved callers are being talked to. 
  • Calls occur in a semipublic area of the living unit, so that your child will continue to be monitored by staff.  Because of this, there will be times where you will hear other children and staff in the background.  Don’t be alarmed by raised voices—remember that the Academy works with children and teens with a great deal of energy!

Q: What items can I send my child at the Academy

  • Mail is always welcome for clients at the Academy.  It helps them to stay connected with home and family.  Who your child receives and send mail from will be decided by your treatment team at intake. 
  • There is not a need for you to send your child money.  Their needs are provided for at the Academy. They will also earn money for completing daily chores.  If you choose to send money, it will be put into an account for your child. 
  • Craft items (such as yarn, colored pencils, and beads) are often welcome items.  If you have questions about which items will be approved, please contact the Case Manager assigned to your child.
  • Books are generally healthy items and teach a useful pastime.  If sending books to your child, it is requested that they be age-appropriate.  Horror-themed books, adult romance novels, and novels which contain violence are not recommended, as they tend to distract from treatment topics.
  • Clothing can be provided to your child at the Academy, as needed.  Dress code for clients at the Academy may be found in the Parent Handbook.  It is recommended that you avoid sending expensive items (including expensive clothing) to your child while he/she is in treatment, to ensure that such items are not lost or damaged.
  • Your child will be provided with adequate food and snacks at the Academy.  Bringing food for an on grounds visit will need prior approval for each visit scheduled. 

Q: What type of treatment does my child receive?

    • Weekly individual therapy is provided. 
    • Group therapy occurs each weekday.
    • Family therapy is provided two to four times monthly.
    • Psychiatric diagnosis and monitoring are provided as needed, with medication management (if applicable).
    • Daily schedules ensure a variety of recreational activities and treatment activities.
    • Primary sessions weekly with a primary counselor from the Youth Care Specialist staff. 

Q: Who do I call when I have questions or to get updates about how my child is doing?

  • The best person to call is the Case Manager, Shaniqua Linder.  She can give you updates on all aspects of your daughters’ treatment programming.
  • Please let the Case Manager or Therapist know of your preferences in receiving updates (frequency of contact, whether to call or email, whether you may be called at work).
  • If you have concerns about the care your child is receiving, you can reach the Director, Dana Dorn at 414-257-3141.
  • If you have concern about the therapy services or case management your child is receiving, you can reach the Director, at 414-257-3141.
  • If you are calling after hours and need immediate assistance, you can reach the Unit at 414-257-3141.

Q: Will my child be attending school at the Academy, and will he/she receive credits?

    • The Academy provides a full school year and a half day summer school session.
    • The Academy is DPI-accredited.  As long as your child is high-school aged, attends the required number of days and passes his/her classes, credits will be earned and granted through your child’s LEA.
    • Fall and spring semesters are full days of school, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    • Summer school is a morning session, with structured recreational activities throughout the afternoon.