Clinical Model

Grafton’s clinical model — which we call the Foundational Five™ — guides every aspect of what we do. All of this rests on the foundation of “meeting people at their best” – meaning clients’ own interests and skills are the basis for all teaching.

The
Foundational

5

Teach Use the Community as your Classroom Be a Behavior Detective Assume Trauma Be Kind

Be a Behavior Detective

We believe it is our duty to understand behavioral challenges deeply and functionally, in order to provide the client with the opportunity to develop new behaviors in ways they, and their loved ones, didn’t know were possible.

Assume Trauma

Grafton goes to great lengths to ensure that every aspect of care is trauma informed. From Ukeru®, our patented approach to restraint-free crisis management, to our treatment plans, Grafton takes a universal precaution approach to trauma.

Be Kind

This seems obvious, but it requires always bearing in mind that, when the client is at their worst, we need to be at our best.

Teach

All staff see themselves as teachers at Grafton, using their training to provide clients with the skills needed to overcome their challenges.

Use the Community as Our Classroom

We want our clients to practice their growing skillsets in their communities and schools. We work closely with local resources to integrate our services and facilitate social connections.

Meeting People at Their Best

All of this rests on the foundation of “meeting people at their best” –  meaning clients’ own interests and skills are the basis for all teaching. This was a core philosophy of Grafton’s founder, Ruth Birch.

They have a very comprehensive set of services – psychiatric services, medical management, nursing and education staff – they are able to address all of that and serve students with ID and autism.