Every resident receives an individualized, evidence-based treatment plan within a safe, home-like environment. By integrating clinical care with academic support, vocational skill development, and life skills, we empower young people to build confidence, resilience, and the foundation for long-term success—with the goal of a successful transition back to their home, school, and community.
All referrals to CJR’s residential programs are made by the Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division (JBCSSD) or by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
CJR offers programs that meet individuals where they’re at, depending on the level of care they need, and offers the following residential treatment programs:
Adolescent Male Intermediate Residential (AMIR) Program
CJR’s AMIR program integrates Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) into its framework of services and is designed to engage boys, aged 14 to 18 years, and their families in working collaboratively during the four-month treatment period. This residential program is designed to decrease substance use, improve mental health and emotional regulation skills, and decrease delinquent activity so residents may return to their homes and communities as quickly as possible. Prior to discharge from the program, educational planning will be completed to assure a smooth re-entry to their community school; connections to community-based services in the youth’s home community will also be made. All youth must be eligible to return to their home or a previously identified foster placement.
Re-Entry, Goal-oriented, Individualized Opportunity to Nurture Success (REGIONS) Program
The REGIONS program is located at CJR’s Waterbury campus and provides residential treatment, including clinical, educational, vocational, and recreational services for boys, aged 14 to 18 years, and their families. Over the course of six months of Dialectical Behavior Treatment (DBT), the REGIONS program is designed to identify specific goals and implement individualized services for each resident to promote a successful return to his home and community. Prior to discharge from the program, educational planning will be completed to assure a smooth re-entry to their community school and/or an alternative educational plan will be made if appropriate. Additionally ahead of re-entry to their home community, all youth are assigned a Reintegration Mentor for up to 12 months to offer ongoing mentorship and support with educational and vocational planning, as well as employment.
CDRC Program
The CDRC program is located in two separate buildings on CJR’s 150-acre Litchfield campus. CDRC provides a brief residential intervention of up to 120 days to help youth stabilize, learn coping skills, and healthy behaviors. The program includes an assessment, individual and family counseling, and connection to community-based services in the youth’s home community. The behavior management system incorporates components of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to teach youth emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills. Prior to discharge from the program, educational planning will be completed to assure a smooth re-entry to their community school. The program has a 16-bed capacity. All youth referred to CDRC are between the ages of 13 and 17 and must be eligible to return to their home or a previously identified foster placement.
Winchester Group Home
CJR’s Therapeutic Group Home in Winchester provides a home-like residence and a physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe environment for up to five adolescent boys, aged 13 to 21 years, with complex needs, all of whom are working toward more independent living. In this family atmosphere, boys can reach appropriate developmental milestones and progress toward more independent living — gaining the skills necessary to negotiate a healthy living environment.
Transitional Living Program
CJR’s Transitional Living Program in Wethersfield is a program designed to support young males from 17-21 in building a new life outside the criminal justice system. This physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe environment offers rent-free housing for up to two years teaching skills to enable independent living, offering opportunities to complete education and develop a trade, and providing financial guidance to support the transition to independent living. Length of stay is dependent on the individual goals set by each resident and the TLP team. Most stays are at minimum 6 months. All residents must be in an educational program and/or have full time employment to continue residence in the program. All potential candidates must apply, interview, and be accepted into the program.
CJR’s Residential Programs FAQ
How does a teen get referred to the program?
All referrals to CJR’s residential programs are made by the Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division (JBCSSD) or by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Residents are provided with either a single or double room accommodation. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and students are welcome to decorate their rooms. We want our students to feel at home during their stay at CJR.
What can I bring to the residential facility?
Residents may bring their own clothing, shoes, and toiletries. In addition, residents are welcome to bring personal items such as photographs and books.
How long will a resident stay in the program?
120 days (4 months is the minimum length of stay for any of the programs)
Does an individual attend school while in the residential program?
Yes. Winchester Group Home residents attend a local school in the community. Residents of CJR’s other programs attend school on the campus of the program (Litchfield or Waterbury).
How do parents/guardians and teens stay connected during this time?
The inclusion of family and caregivers is integral in how CJR works with those it serves. Residents are encouraged to stay connected to family/caregivers through daily phone calls and scheduled in-person family visits and family sessions.
What languages does CJR provide services in?
CJR is able to directly deliver services in Spanish in all programs; translation services will be provided for care givers who speak languages other than Spanish.
Learn More
Our expert, extensively trained, and compassionate team at CJR has deep experience in relating to adolescents and treating the root causes of their symptoms. For any questions about CJR’s residential treatment programs, please contact:
How do I report sexual abuse?
CJR will provide a safe and secure environment for all residents. CJR ensures training, education, prevention, detection, response, investigation, and tracking of all reported acts of sexual abuse and sexual harassment. In accordance with state and federal regulations, the CJR’s Annual PREA Report states that there were no allegations or incidents of sexual abuse reported between January 2023 and December 2023.
If you suspect that sexual abuse has occurred at a CJR program, you have several options for reporting. You may call Cassandra Reyes, LCSW, and CJR PREA Coordinator, at (860) 567-9423, ext. 1272; or you may call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1- 888-999-5545. Reports may also be made directly to the Police Department in the location where the allegations occurred. Please have any information or evidence available for the investigator who will be assigned to handle the case. All reports are taken seriously and investigated as outlined by CJR’s PREA policies and procedures.
PREA AMIR Audit Report | PREA REGIONS Audit Report | PREA CDRC Audit Report | PREA TLP Audit Report