Mount Meigs Campus
The Mount Meigs campus sits next to Interstate 85, about 15 miles east of downtown Montgomery. It stands beside the Department’s Central Office and serves adjudicated male youth up to age 21, with most students between ages 16 and 19.
Our Comprehensive Programs
To begin, the campus provides several key programs to support these youth. Specifically, these programs include Substance Use treatment, Educational Services, Vocational and Career Technical programs, Workforce Skill Development, and specialized services such as the Accountability Based Sex Offense Prevention Program (ABSOPP) and the Intensive Treatment Unit (I.T.U., pronounced “I T U”).
In addition, staff offer many opportunities for youth to build positive skills. For example, students can join pro social activities, develop new abilities, participate in individual and group counseling, and receive other services that promote healthy youth development.
Youth Development
Each youth works with an assigned case manager who helps them address the factors related to their committing offense(s) and build the skills they need to transition out of D.Y.S custody. To begin this process, the case manager leads the development of an Individualized Service Plan, called an I.S.P. (pronounced “I S P”). During I.S.P. development, a multidisciplinary team meets with the youth and their family, and both the youth and family play important roles in creating the plan.
In addition, staff provide many opportunities for youth to engage in pro social activities. Through these opportunities, youth develop new skills, participate in individual and group counseling, and work toward their educational, residential, and rehabilitative goals. Ultimately, these experiences help each youth prepare to return successfully to their family and community. Overall, the program supports the Department’s goal of helping youth change their future path in a positive direction.
Programs
ACCOUNTABILITY BASED SEX OFFENSE PREVENTION PROGRAM (ABSOPP)
The Mount Meigs Accountability Based Sex Offense Prevention Program, called ABSOPP (pronounced “Ab‑sop”), operates as a D.Y.S.–funded treatment program through a contract with Auburn University. The Department of Psychology at Auburn University administers the program. In this program, staff provide assessment, evaluation, and treatment services to adolescents with illegal sexual behaviors, known as A.I.S.B. (pronounced “A‑I‑S‑B”). The youth in the program typically range in age from 12 to 21, with most between 13 and 18.
Each week, youth participate in both individual and group therapy sessions. Additionally, youth in ABSOPP live in dorms designated specifically for the program. They receive treatment and educational services separate from the general Mount Meigs population. Overall, the program focuses on providing structured support that promotes accountability, safety, and positive development.
SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT PROGRAM
The Mount Meigs Substance Use Treatment Program helps and treats for youth who assessed or are ordered to receive substance use services. To carry out this work, the program provides screening, assessment, individual sessions, group sessions, follow up support, and family education when it is available. Additionally, the program uses interactive journaling, didactic interventions, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies to support youth throughout treatment.
Intensive Treatment Unit (I.T.U)
The Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) serves as an alternative program for youth who experience behavioral health issues that prevent them from completing their assigned program. In this program, youth receive educational services, behavior management that addresses the issues that led to ITU placement, and behavior remediation.
In addition, the ITU supports a diverse group of youth, including those who have left DYS contracted private provider facilities without permission and youth who are preparing for release. Ultimately, the program aims to help youth return to a regular campus, transition to a contract private provider program, or, in some cases, prepare for release from DYS.
Educational Services
Youth placed at the Mount Meigs Campus attend the L. B. Wallace School, which is located on-site. At this school, youth take classes year round and have the chance to receive educational, career, and technical training. For example, they can study welding, brick masonry, business management, and building construction. In addition, the academic program offers General Education Development (GED) studies and distance learning options.
Overall, the mission of the L. B. Wallace School is to meet the unique educational needs of each youth. The school aims to help youth make the academic progress they need so they can successfully move from the Department of Youth Services (DYS) back to school or into employment in the community.
POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Youth at the Mount Meigs Campus participate in several positive youth development programs designed to build skills, confidence, and future opportunities.
Boys and Girls Club of the River Region
The Boys and Girls Club of the River Region partners with the Mt. Meigs Complex to operate the Mt. Meigs Boys and Girls Club. This program helps youth develop positive, pro-social skills through the following courses:
- Passport to Manhood
- Financial Literacy
- Diploma 2 Degree
- Responsible Fatherhood
At the end of each course module, youth participate in a graduation ceremony to recognize their achievements.
Hope Inspired Ministries (HIM)
Hope Inspired Ministries (HIM) provides workforce development and job readiness training. This faith-based program focuses on:
- Teaching soft skills
- Preparing youth for employment
- Guiding participants through internships
Youth who complete the program are recognized in a graduation ceremony celebrating their success.
In2Work Program (Aramark)
The In2Work program, offered in partnership with Aramark (the Department’s food service provider), provides training in food service. Youth learn:
- Basic food preparation
- Food safety practices
- Essential food service skills
Participants who successfully complete the program and pass the required exam earn a ServSafe Certificate, which can help them pursue employment in the food service industry.
Additionally, youth who complete the program may be eligible for a scholarship to continue their education.
VISITATION
Family engagement is encouraged and welcome at the Mount Meigs Campus.
Visits are scheduled through each youth’s assigned case manager.