A recent celebration at the Adrian Training School focused on changes that have taken place at the school since the 105-year-old facility was converted to a female only program last year.

Adrian Training School staff, from maintenance to administration, recently met to finalize a draft strategic plan for the school and to acknowledge, formally, the beginning of a new era for the school marked by a commitment to become the very best treatment program for girls in the state.

"Our goal in changing the Adrian Training School to an all-girls campus was to build an exemplary facility for young women," said Family Independence Agency director Marianne Udow. "Their strategic plan – part of a strategic planning process going on throughout our agency – will strengthen their program."

Sandra Bow was appointed director of the Adrian Training School last November, following many years of experience working in the juvenile justice system. She has overseen the change process in the training school, which formerly housed both young men and women. Before coming to Adrian Training School Bow directed high security mental health programs at the Maxey Boys Training School in Whitmore Lake, another FIA facility.

"Sandra Bow has delivered for us at Adrian Training School," said Leonard Dixon, director of juvenile justice services for the FIA. "She has implemented a number of appropriate changes to upgrade and remake the facility." Among the most significant changes already in place, Dixon said, are these:

• More oversight of direct care staff and programming, especially during evening hours and on weekends, and more frequent visits by Lansing-based administrators.
• Improved mental health services to girls by redirecting resources to increase service availability.
• More resident opportunity to offer input into program improvement through grievance boxes, consultation with facility staff, and a student council.
• Increased training for staff on gender-specific issues to better meet the needs of an all girls program.
• Increased staffing ratio for girls in the special needs unit.

As soon as the strategic plan is accepted by FIA administration, a community open house is planned to present the plan in detail and renew collaborative relationships between Adrian Training School and its community partners.