Finding Direction. Realizing Dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stillwater RTF?
Stillwater is a residential treatment facility for children aged 7 to 16, with serious and persistent psychiatric and emotional difficulties, requiring intensive treatment. Stillwater is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and houses a maximum of 18 children and adolescents.
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Stillwater used to be known as Children’s Home RTF, Inc. - are you still the same organization?
Yes, when Stillwater was founded in 1992 the name of the facility was Children’s Home RTF, Inc. and The Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference was its sponsoring agency. The name Stillwater was adopted in 2008 to more accurately reflect the nurturing environment and mission of the RTF. Nothing else about the organization has changed – only the name and image.
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Are you affiliated with The Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference?
Stillwater RTF is a separately incorporated, private, not-for-profit organization. We operate under the leadership of a twelve-member governing Board of Directors. We share values, history and work in close partnership with the Children’s Home to provide a full continuum of care to children and families in our communities.
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What is the difference between the Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference and Stillwater RTF?
The Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference is licensed by NYS Office of Children and Family Services and Stillwater RTF is licensed by NYS Office of Mental Health. Children come into both agencies requiring assistance with behavioral and emotional problems. Children entering Stillwater RTF are approved by a state level committee under the supervision of a licensed psychiatrist, to receive intense mental health and psychiatric services. In New York State, an RTF is considered a sub-class of a psychiatric hospital providing services to the under 21 years of age population who have severe and persistent psychiatric problems.
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Where is Stillwater located?
Stillwater is located in rural Chenango County, approximately 25 miles Northeast of Binghamton.
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How are children admitted to Stillwater?
All children who are admitted to Stillwater are referred by the NYS-Office of Mental Health after certification by the Pre-Admission Certification Committee. Referrals to NYS-OMH for the certification review process can be made by families, caseworkers, community agency personnel, or schools. Those referrals should be submitted to: Kim Gilmore, RTF Specialist, Office of Mental Health, 545 Cedar St., Syracuse, NY 13210. Stillwater cannot take direct referrals.
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How many children live at Stillwater?
A maximum of 18 children can live at Stillwater.
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Who pays for treatment at Stillwater?
Room and board (including clothing and medical care) for children who live at an RTF is paid for through Medicaid. The State Education Department and the Office of Mental Health provide tuition reimbursement for the educational costs.
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What kind of problems do the children at Stillwater have?
RTF children have emotional problems including psychiatric diagnosis and symptoms (depression, hallucinations, delusions), varying degrees of acting out, self-abusive behavior, trauma caused by histories of physical/emotional/sexual abuse, severe sensory integration disorders and hyperactive behaviors.
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How old are the children at Stillwater?
The children are seven to sixteen years old, as authorized by the NYS-OMH.
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Have the children been in trouble with the law?
No. Some children may have had involvement with the juvenile justice system in the past, some may be involved in active disputes at present but legal involvement is not a precursor for treatment.
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Are medical and dental care provided at Stillwater?
All of the children’s basic needs are met by the facility. We utilize a consulting dentist, pediatrician, optometrist, nurse practitioner, and dietician for routine and ongoing follow up as necessary. Emergency medical care is provided by local hospital emergency services.
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Where do the children go to school?
There are three self-contained classrooms onsite at Stillwater. Some of the children attend classes at the Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference. Stillwater contracts with the Children’s Home to provide the educational program both at our site in Chenango County and at the Children’s Home in Binghamton.
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Are all of the children on medication?
Many of our children are on oral medications. However, medication is not utilized to control behavior, but to decrease symptoms and enable other interventions to be more effective.
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Do the children ever go home?
Children may go home on visits during the course of treatment. Some are eventually discharged to return to family.
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Are the children involved in activities outside Stillwater?
Yes, we actively promote community involvement with our children (i.e. Boy Scouts, sports activities, leisure activities, church groups, etc.).
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What does Stillwater hope to do for the children it serves?
The RTF offers a safe, nurturing and structured environment in which emotional behaviors, social and family issues can be addressed, while developing the necessary skills to make a successful transition to adulthood.
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What kind of programs does Stillwater have?
Stillwater operates from a multi-disciplinary team concept and offers clinical services, therapeutic recreation, educational services, leisure awareness activities, tasks and skills development training, socialization and life skills training.
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Are the children locked up?
There is an alarm system on the living units that is turned on at 11:00 PM at night. Doors are not locked on the units. Children are admitted to Stillwater on a voluntary basis.
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How many employees does Stillwater have?
The total number of employees fluctuates based on needs of the facility, but generally there are approximately 60 full and part time employees.
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What kinds of jobs are available at Stillwater?
We employ Licensed Social Workers, Teachers, Teacher Aides, Family Life Specialists (residential/child care), Nurses, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Kitchen Staff, Maintenance, Administrative and Clerical Staff.
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How can I find out more about Stillwater?
Contact us at 607.656.9004.
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“My son has made a change for the better since coming to this facility. He still has his moments, but I feel that had the RTF not been around, my son would have ended up being either in a correctional facility or lost to me forever. Thank you Stillwater for being there and for all the great work you do.”