Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rite of Passage?
Rite of Passage operates or manages programs for delinquent, dependent or privately placed youth.
What are Rite of Passage’s core values?
Rite of Passage was established in 1984 under the principle that there are alternative options to incarcerating youth while holding them accountable for their behavior. Two decades later, Rite of Passage's innovative and cost effective approach to helping youth has developed into a national model serving 1,200 students across the United States.
Our organization has changed, but our philosophy has not. We believe in the dignity and self-worth of each and every youth and that within them is a potential for positive change. At the heart of Rite of Passage are several core values, including:
- To work with adolescents you have to understand adolescence.
- ROP assists youth to succeed in life, not just do well in the facility.
- A sense of obligation to the community is essential.
- No significant learning occurs without stress.
- Adolescent behavior is influenced by the youth's peer group more than edicts from adults.
What type of youth does Rite of Passage help?
Rite of Passage provides comprehensive programs and services for male and female youth facing challenges resulting from incorrigibility, truancy, substance abuse, delinquency, dependency and neglect.
How do I enroll a student in a Rite of Passage program?
Enrolling a student begins by telling us about your teen – through the on-line form provided in the Admission Section, or by placing a call to our Admissions Department. We work with placing agencies and parents across the country, and look forward to discussing the admission process with you.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a research-based best practice that helps students positively change their behavior by changing their thoughts. In an on-going effort to enhance the learning environment and growth opportunities for students, Rite of Passage has adopted “Thinking for a Change” to serve as the foundation for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, has evolved over the last 30 years and based on extensive research, has become a best practice in treating a variety of emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, and aggression. CBT is based on the scientific evidence that our feelings are determined by our thoughts and perceptions, rather than by external influences such as people, situations, and events. Subsequently, through finding ways to take greater charge of our thoughts, we can positively impact our feelings in ways that improve our reactions to situations and events.
What do your recidivism studies show?
Independent recidivism studies of Rite of Passage’s academic model programs were conducted by the University of Utah, Criminal and Juvenile Justice Consortium of the College of Social Work; University of Nevada, Senator Alan Bible Center for Applied Research, the St. Joseph Probate Court of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Los Angeles County Probation Department and the State of Colorado Division of Youth Corrections. Findings from these Universities, Probation Departments and Placing Agencies found that recidivism is approximately one-third (33%) of all students who are placed in the ROP Program. For those students who successfully graduated or completed the program, recidivism rates vary slightly, but are approximately 25% depending on the study.
How do you define success?
Success at ROP is measured by completion of objectives – not completion of time. ROP requires growth from a student to be considered a success. Prior to graduation each student must demonstrate new competencies in eight areas. Referred to as VALIDATE each student must demonstrate a learned competency in Vocational training, Athletics, Life skills, Individualized graduation plans, Demonstrated behavior changes, Aftercare, Treatment plans and Education.
What are the qualifications of your staff?
Rite of Passage is a career opportunity for educated, athletically minded people with a background in social sciences and who are good role models for our students. Staff have at least two years of college or equivalent experience. In addition all staff go through FBI criminal background checks, reference checks, test for substance abuse and a forty-hour orientation program before employment.
How is Rite of Passage accredited and licensed and what are its professional memberships?
The Rite of Passage programs are licensed by the States in which they operate. Our licensing agencies conduct on-site reviews each year, and we practice an open-door policy for probation officers, client managers, case workers and judges. Together, we ensure the Rite of Passage programs meet or exceed every licensing standard and that the health, safety and welfare of each and every youth are met.
In addition, Rite of Passage operates on-site charter high schools that are accredited through the Western Association of Colleges and Schools and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Our affiliations and memberships include:
- American Probation and Parole Association
- National Fellowship of Child Care Executives
- Juvenile Justice Trainers Association
- National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice
- California Alliance of Child and Family Services
- California Interscholastic Federation
- Arizona Interscholastic Association
- Colorado High School Activities Association
- Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association
- Nevada Association of Juvenile Justice Administrators
What is the average amount of time a youth stays in a Rite of Passage program?
Many of Rite of Passage programs are achievement-based with students progressing through the program by completing requirements in academics, athletics, community service, treatment and self-development. The length of each student’s stay generally depends on his or her progress. In the academic model programs, the typical student stays in the program approximately 9-16 months.
Who should I contact for more information?
Please call Rite of Passage at 1-800-215-1259
or email at info@riteofpassage.com
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