v     Hillside is Atlanta's oldest organized charity. Since its establishment in 1888, Hillside has treated children, adolescents and their families who are most in need.

v     Throughout our history, Hillside has maintained the reputation as a premier treatment facility.

v     The quality of our programs and staff have been consistently acknowledged through three-year certifications by CARF - the Council on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. This is the highest award that can be given.

OUR TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY

v     Hillside's treatment philosophy is focused on addressing every child's problem areas while building up their strengths.

v     It would be very easy for us to become overly focused on problems and "what's wrong" with each child, because each comes with significant behavioral problems. But we also diligently ask, "What's not wrong?" We can then help each child discover and build his or her potential.

v     Many of our kids gravitate towards failure, because that matches their overall life experience before coming to Hillside. We work hard to help our kids experience success - in their treatment goals and in discovering their abilities and potential.

v     In addition to traditional therapies, Hillside uses expressive approaches such as:

Ø     Drama

Ø     Dance

Ø     Music

Ø     Visual Arts

Ø     Gardening

OUR STAFF

v     All new staff go through more than a week's orientation process about Hillside, our policies and procedures, confidentiality and cultural diversity.

v     Before being placed with the children, our clinicians and behavioral specialists receive extensive training and refresher training in behavioral management.

v     We have two full-time psychiatrists highly trained in child and adolescent psychiatry. Complementing their work are a staff psychologist, a team of specialized social workers, a speech and language therapist, an art therapist and activity therapists.

v     The emotional conditions of many children are often complicated by physical problems. Our 24-hour clinic provides comprehensive medical care. The Hillside pediatrician, an Adolescent Medicine Specialist, leads a medical team that includes nurses, a family nurse practitioner and a registered dietitian.

OUR LOCATION AND FACILITY

v     Hillside is located on a 13-acre wooded site in a residential neighborhood. It is our belief and experience that the beautiful setting benefits the children, their families, the staff and visitors.

v     The resident cottages are small, single-story brick structures that give a homelike rather than institutional feel.

v     While our campus is residential in design and location, we are centrally located. This gives our children the opportunity to experience and learn from amenities that accompany urban life - museums, sporting events, and many other community activities.

v     Hillside offers a state approved educational program. The on-site school includes computer facilities, a well-stocked library, arts and photography programs, and a transitional program. Certified teachers develop educational plans designed to meet the specific needs of each student. For each six months of instruction in Hillside's school, the student typically gains one full year advancement in academic level.