Areas of Outreach
Hancock County Justice Center (HCJC) – The HCJC incorporates occupational therapy as part of its overall treatment program. Fieldwork students from the OT Program work under the supervision of Dr. Miranda Tippie, Clinical Coordinator for Community Based Practice. Within the justice center, groups for both male and female inmates are conducted based on five modules that focus on interpersonal communication, employment, financial management, leisure, and resource/support in an effort to better equip inmates for successful reintegration into the community. Individual treatments are provided when appropriate. In collaboration with OT faculty, ongoing research is being conducted regarding the efficacy or OT intervention in this setting.
Family Resource Center – The Family Resource Center (FRC) incorporates occupational therapy as part of multiple treatment programs at the agency. Fieldwork students from the OT Program work under the supervision of Dr. Miranda Tippie, Clinical Coordinator for Community Based Practice. This community agency works with individuals across the lifespan who have mental illness or substance abuse diagnoses. This public agency has endorsed occupational therapy community fieldwork rotations since 2005 and opportunities for OT involvement in this venue continue to expand. Level II students get the opportunity to work as part of the mental health treatment team with case management, peer support, and counselors. Clients are seen in their homes, group homes, out in the community and at the office to provide 1:1 or group treatments that are client-centered and occupation-based. Occupational therapy evaluations are executed utilizing an Occupational Profile, the Allen Cognitive Level Screen (ACLS), Independent Living Scales (ILS) along with other assessments to address the needs of the clients served.
In addition, the Substance Use Disorder team at FRC has incorporated OT fieldwork and related services since 2015, where Level I and II fieldwork students work with a team of therapists, counselors, peer supports, and case managers to provide evaluations and interventions. Clients are seen in their homes, in the office, in the community, and in group settings. Students provide an evaluation utilizing Occupational Profile, ACLS, Sensory Profile, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), Weekly Calendar Planning assessment (WCPA), and additional assessments as needed. Interventions are client-centered and occupation-based meeting the needs of each individual client to promote participation in daily occupations.
Since 2021 OT has been incorporated into the forensic team and related services. The fieldwork students work as part of the team with probation officers, counselors, case managers, peer support, judges, and community partners. Clients are seen in the office, the community, their homes, and in group settings. Students provide an evaluation utilizing Occupational Profile, ACLS, Sensory Profile, ACE, WCPA, and additional assessments as needed. Interventions are client-centered and occupation-based meeting the needs of each individual client to promote participation in daily occupations.
The agency also provides services for the pediatric population which included OT as part of the treatment team. Level I and II students work with a team of counselors, case managers, peer support, and prevention staff to meet the behavioral needs of the children of Hancock County. Sensory issues, fine and gross motor coordination, play, social skills, and other needs of the child and family are addressed. Children are seen at the agency, in their homes, at schools, and in the community to address their goals most effectively.