Frequently Asked Questions

• Where are you located?
  We are located in rural Flanagan, Illinois, 30 miles north of Bloomington/Normal and 90 miles south of Chicago.
• Do you accept both boys and girls?
  Only adolescent males are accepted at Salem.
• How do I know if my son belongs at Salem?
  Salem has identified several common behaviors and tendencies that your son may be exhibiting. Please contact the Vice President in charge of the program for a condfidential evaluation. Salem evaluates each potential candidate on a case-by-case basis, which allows for a customized treatment program.
• What is the average length of stay in your program?
  From the day a boy is placed in our program, our goal is to return him home. Changing the way a young man thinks and providing treatment is not the same for all boys. In our long-term program we strive for the teen to return home in 12-18 months. The short-term program goal is 4-6 months.
• What is the policy regarding confidentiality?
  We follow all federal and state laws, rules, and regulations concerning confidentiality. All information regarding your son is strictly confidential.
• What is the age range of boys that are accepted into your program?
  13-17
• If a teenager doesn't want to go to Salem, are you still able to receive them?
  Yes.
• Do you take aggressive teens?
  It depends on the incidents of aggression. This is decided on an individual basis.
• Will I be able to contact my son?
  For the first 6 weeks, there is no contact. At the six week point, parents and their child will meet with a counselor for a family counseling session. After that, the family can have their first home visit either here at the ranch or in your own home.
• What kind of living facilities do you have for my son?
  The boys live in a house that is set up similarly to a dorm with an average of two boys to a room.
• What do the boys do for fun?
  Hiking, movies, games, sports, horse-back riding.
• What is the program success rate?
  From the studies of components used, 80% is the average success rate. Depending on what problems exist, percentages may be higher.
• Can my son bring his musical instrument?
  Yes
• What types of financing do you have?
  We utilize a sliding scale fee structure. Please contact Salem for details on our tuition fees. Families can apply for loans through Clark Behavioral Health Financing.
• Are there other charges beyond tuition?
  There is a $250 application fee due at the time the application is submitted for review. Additionally there is a school fee. Please contact us for details.
• Are the signatures of both parents required for enrollment?
  Yes. In the case of divorce, custody papers are required or the guardians need to sign the enrollment agreement.
• Are admissions accepted on an ongoing basis?
  Yes, year round and may potentially be done with less than a 24 hour notice.
• Do you take boys with criminal records?
  This is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We do not accept youth with sex offences or a history of violent behavior.
• Do you take court-ordered kids?
  Yes, on a case-by-case basis. We do not accept youth with sex offences or a history of violent behavior.
• Do you take boys with suicide attempts, eating disorders, or self-mutilating incidents on their record?
  All of our enrollment applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• What type of educational system do you use?
  Our school uses a computer-based program called Switched on Schoolhouse. This program allows us to enroll your child at the educational level they are currently at in each subject. To look at a sample page of this program, click here.
• Will my son's credits from another high school transfer to Salem?
  Yes
• Can my son take SAT, ACT, GED tests at Salem?
  This is accomplished on a case-by-case basis. We usually ask families to schedule these tests around home visits.
• Are college courses offered to high school graduates at Salem?
  Students are able to take college courses at the parents' expense.
• Through what organization is your education program accredited?
  We are affiliated with the National Association of Street Schools. Additionally, we are certified by the Illinois State Board of Education.
• Are competitive sports available?
  Yes. Our boys participate in a competitive league in basketball, track, swimming, bowling, soccer, volleyball, and softball.
• Are music classes offered?
  Not at this time.
• How close is your facility to a hospital?
  The nearest hospital is 10 minutes away by car.
• Is there a doctor or nurse on staff?
  We have a doctor available within a five minute drive who regularly sees our clients. We also have specialists available within a 30 minute drive.We are located in rural Flanagan, Illinois, 30 miles north of Bloomington/Normal and 90 miles south of Chicago.
• Is orthodontia available?
  Yes
• Do you take boys on medications?
  Yes, after a review of the medications.
• Do you fill prescriptions?
  We use a local pharmacy or you can also fill them if your insurance requires a particular pharmacy or a mail-in prescription program.
• Am I contacted if my child is sick or injured?
  Yes.