New Alternatives, Inc Review

An exceptional stepping stone for Psychology Grads, and constantly evolving like the clients they serve.

In my opinion: Dedicated Floor Staff.
Out of Touch Management

Many different locations, level 12 and level 14 facilities, usually numbered (NA# 3, NA# 9, NA# 17 etc.) and I've resided at almost all of them.

They routinely abuse any child or teen in their care with excessive use of seclusion and restraint, sometimes just outright assault, property theft and so much more.

It's not hard to discredit the youth in these facilities because they are usually there because of things like mental illness. Who would you believe? A so called behavioral specialist/childcare professional etc. or a kid who can hardly function?

Good until they throw away your clothes, your family photos, and electronics like a PS3, an expensive laptop, just ask my son about the Thp+ program they throw away your stuff even if your unemployed and can't afford to move your stuff out.

I worked at New Alternatives for three years, with the last two as supervisor of the boys unit on the Split shift. While I had some bad experiences, the good ones far outweigh the bad. I loved my shift, at the time the Splits was the strongest shift. The staff on all shifts were great and I didn't mind doing a double every now and again. There were some great youth to work with and others that you came up with a plan to manage their behaviors. The program director at the time was mediocre and out of touch with the line staff. Talking with my co-workers at the time, almost all agreed that their fellow staff was the reason they were able to live through the hard times and stay on as long as they did. For those who listed getting attacked by kids(even if you were the best staff), exactly what is that you think you signed up for? It is part of the important work you do. These are severely emotionally disturbed kids that in most cases do not know better or cannot control themselves due to mental illness. Heck, I had other kids come to my and my staffs defense when being assaulted by one of their peers. I had a fractured finger and still went to work. I was involved in every restraint( broken finger in all) and always supported and sought the opinions of my staff regarding everything from consequences to transports. The best part of NA 16 is the extended family I became a part of working there. Overall, I had a great experience and some fond memories of my time there.

Nola was the RUDEST receptionist I have ever spoke with. Hung up on me twice because I asked her to be transferred. I will never do business here again.