About the program

NETS is a daily, year-round, day treatment program for youth that combines therapeutic services with educational programming to address the needs of severely emotionally disturbed youth in grades 5-12. A program of Northwest Youth & Family Services, it is administered in collaboration with School Districts 11, 12, 13, 16, 282, 621, 622, 623, 624 and 625.

Our Philosophy

NETS creates a safe, yet challenging environment that helps students address their personal barriers to success while becoming more self-directed and
self-supporting. The program combines structure and nurturance as these youth and their families work toward long-term success.

Our immediate goal is to help the student make a successful transition into a less restrictive school setting. Our long-term objective is to promote lasting positive changes that are good for the youth, good for their families and good for their community.

Referral Process

All referrals are coordinated through the child’s home school district special education office. Each student must be approved by their home district’s special education director or designee. Then, the district coordinator will contact NETS, the student, and the family to arrange an intake.

Nets Fax #: (651) 379-3400

Eligible Youth

Youth who are eligible for NETS would display one or more of the following characteristics.

• symptoms of depression
• mood swings
• withdrawn/socially isolated
• difficulty in expressing emotions such as anger, frustration, sadness or excitement
• experiencing loss, grief and/or trauma
• school avoidance/truancy
• disruptive behavior
• lack of/poor social skills
• difficulty in dealing with authority figures
• conflicts at home
• ack of success or involvement in organized activities

Educational Program

Classes are smaller and individualized to meet the specific educational goals of our clients.

Each client has an individual education plan and it is expected that they will make a part-time transition back to their home school toward the end of treatment. This helps to ensure a successful transition at the end of the program.

Mental Health Program

The NETS mental health program consists of individual, group and family therapy, therapeutic recreation, art therapy and life skills therapy.

Each client has an individual treatment plan with specific therapy goals and expected outcomes.

Successful completion of the program is based on meeting therapy goals and making educational progress on their IEP goals.

Family Program

Family involvement is critical to the success of each client. Families are expected to participate in individual family meetings as well as family programs and events.

Families are required to attend and participate in the client’s intake, periodic reviews and discharge process.