“Evidence-based medicine is the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.” (Sackett D et al. Evidence-Based Medicine: How to Practice and Teach EBM, 2nd edition. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 2000, p.1)

The goal of EBP is the integration of: (a) clinical/staff expertise, (b) best current evidence, and (c) client values to provide high-quality services reflecting the interests, values, needs, and choices of the children/families we serve.

Dr. Peter Greenwood a leading expert in the use of evidence based practices, working in collaboration of the state of California and Governor’s Office of Gang and Youth Violence Policy, has clearly outlined the definition of best practices and strategies he states:  “The term “evidence-based practice” refers to a program or strategy that has been evaluated through rigorous scientific study using experimental or quasi-experimental methods. The best lists allow practitioners to select pertinent programs and strategies on the basis of likely outcomes and proven methods. There are two categories of evidence-based practices: brand name programs and strategies. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, as detailed below, but both must be properly implemented.”

The purpose of Dr. Greenwood’s work is to clarify what is truly evidence-based and thereby place communities in a better position to design a comprehensive investment strategy.

Please find a full copy of his
report to the Governor’s Office here »

Our Mission is to serve youth and families through Evidence Based Programming designed to promote prosocial behavior and healthy lifestyles with these Programs.

Listen to Mark Amendola explain Evidence Based Programming: Click to listen »

Perseus House has responded to the needs of the Erie community and have several Community Based programs to help youth who need special assistance in school and/or before they need residential care. Our goals are to effectively intervene in the lives of seriously troubled adolescents, to assist them in avoiding future contact with the juvenile justice and child welfare systems and to help them toward successful adulthood.

Our treatment programs are designed to strengthen our clients and students sense of ethics, degree of responsibility, and level of maturity. Strengthening healthy relationships, fulfilling legal obligations and employability preparation is also encouraged. We integrate our evidence-based practices into the curriculum and treatment planning of our clients.

We are using the Sanctuary® Model that compliments our programming culture and treatment philosophy through the Seven Commitments:

• Non-Violence
• Emotional Intelligence
• Social Learning
• Open Communication
• Democracy
• Social Responsibility
• Growth and Change

Scientific approach to treating aggressive behavior: Aggression Replacement Training

Mark Amendola, L.S.W., B.C.D. (Social Work, Case Western Reserve University, 1989), since 1981 has worked with adolescent disorders. His experience began as a child care worker in a residential setting, and includes day treatment, partial hospitalization, and community-based programming.

Books2Hear author A. Mark Amendola is currently the Executive Director of Perseus House, a non-profit organization based in Erie, Pennsylvania, that provides preventative and intervention services to children ages birth – 18.

Mark also has a clinical practice focusing on adolescent disorders and familial conflict. His extensive experience includes a certification through the Pennsylvania Chemical Abuse Certification Board (PCACB), as a Certified Addictions Counselor and a Certified Clinical Supervisor, and The National Association of Forensic Counseling

Preview Audio – Click here to purchase the book »

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

INTERVIEW WITH TOM PYSZ

Listen to Tom Pysz interview with Mark Amendola the Executive Director of Perseus House, outlining how this multi-service facility exercises a vision that serves both youth and families through skill building and therapeutic intervention.

Click here for the full interview on wqln.org – The Erie Technology Incubator with Russell Combs and then Mark Amendola, Executive Director, at Perseus House on Sun, June 26 2011

Are YOU Socially Intelligent?

Norman Doidge on the brain and neuroplasticity

Process
Prelude has four activity modules (one online, the others manual). This involves creating “Tags” through a spiral learning process moving from individual self-exploration and expression, to team, and then whole group work.

Not enough can be said about Prelude’s usefulness in helping youth with antisocial behaviors to develop crucial life skills like empathy and collaboration. – Robert Calame

Background
In 2010, Prelude was successfully piloted as part of ART® programming at Batshaw Youth and Family Services in Quebec. The ART® Counselors – Robert Calame and Kim Parker – recommended Prelude to Perseus House Charter School in Pennsylvania. Perseus House teachers and students also had similar positive learning experiences. Prelude is the creation of H.B. Esbin based on his doctoral research (McGill 98). It is also informed by international senior management experience of two decades.

Download » White Paper: Aggression Replacement Training® & Prelude

Visit the Prelude website to learn more, click here »

These pages are currently being developed.

For our Residential Programs, individuals who are eligible for program services meet the following criteria:

• Dependent and delinquent males/females (court ordered) and/or voluntary mental health placements.
• Between the ages of 12-18.
• Serious symptoms related to an acute condition or exacerbation of a serious and persistent disorder.
• Impairments in several areas of daily life including social, educational, family, and psychological functioning.
• Limited ability to form and maintain relationships or to seek support.
• Capable of eventual adjustment to outpatient treatment.
• Unsupportive or deteriorated social system which creates difficulty in coping and requires routine monitoring and support.
• DSM IV diagnosis indicates the presence of a mental disorder requiring 24-hour residential treatment.
• May have substance use/abuse/dependency issues.
• Mental health services are prescribed or recommended as medically necessary by a licensed physician.

Individuals we typically do not accept for treatment are:

• Mentally retarded (generally defined as recent Intelligence Quotient testing below 70 within the past year).
• Individuals in need of detoxification (admission considered upon medical clearance).
• Historically and seriously violent.
• Actively psychotic and in need of acute hospitalization (admission considered upon stabilization).

Contact our Admissions Department

Western Pennsylvania
Lynnet Scully
lscully@perseushouse.org
Phone: 814-480-5938
Fax: 814-454-8670

Eastern Pennsylvania
Lori Steele
lsteele@perseushouse.org
Phone: 717-676-5646
Fax: 570-672-2456