Lucia, with the mandate to provide therapeutic interventions to girls at risk between the ages of 12 and 18. [About us]
Established in 1979, the Upton Gardens Girls Centre provides quality care to girls at risk. It was an initiative of the St. Lucia National Council of Women to rehabilitate teenage girls who are on the verge of delinquency. The centre is a Non Governmental Organization with the
mandate to provide therapeutic interventions to girls at risk between the ages of 12-16 years who exhibit behavioral problems. The program is based on our values which
reinforce positive behavior, reduce or eliminate negative ones, develop problem solving skills, increase coping capacity and build self esteem. The program is conducted on a full time basis and is not a residential centre. Clients are not forced to be on the programme. Through a team effort the staff attempts to create an environment of warmth, trust and acceptance such that even the most difficult girls tend to feel a sense of belonging. Appropriate interventions and strategies are utilized to help girls work on their behaviors. Intervention at the family level is another aspect of the program. In the absence of residential services it is critical that work be done with families to reduce the incidence of recurrent problems.
[Welcome to Uptons]
-Girls from 12 to 16 years from any part of
St. Lucia can attend the programme.
-Anyone can refer the girls to the centre -
parents, relatives, teachers, social workers,
health workers and the Courts
-There is no charge to attend the Centre but
donations are solicited for programme support
-A break and midday lunch are provided.
-Appointments are not necessary to make a
referral or to discuss your concerns.
[Services Offered]
The Rehabilitation Programme covers:
¨ Individual Counselling, Group Therapy
¨ Family/Parenting Support and Counselling
¨ Life and Social Skills training
¨ Character Education & Empowerment
Training
¨ Remedial English and Mathematics
¨ Computer Literacy Skills
¨ Career Guidance
¨ Creative Arts & Crafts/Sewing
¨ Agriculture
¨ Food & Nutrition, Independent Living and Hospitality Skills
¨ Physical Education & Sports
¨ Community Outreach
¨ After Care Support
[Program Duration]
Completion of the programme occurs at any of the intervals — 6 months or 2 years. Completion is based on a behavioral assessment
indicating readiness for the challenges outside the centre. Upon completion the girls either return to school, receive job training placements or seek further skills
