SAWMILL ACADEMY FOR GIRLS

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Sawmill Academy is a residential treatment program for girls ages 14-18 who are classified as either low or moderate risk. The facility is located between the FSU campus and the Tallahassee Regional Airport. Operated by the not-for-profit Henry & Rilla White Youth Foundation, this program uses evidenced-based curriculum and treatment, including Thinking for Change, Motivational Interviewing, Aggression Replacement Training and the gender-specific Girls' Circles program. Education services are integrated with the treatment philosophy and provide a high school schedule and credits and GED attainment. In partnership with the Home Builders Institute and Project CRAFT, the Sawmill Academy also offers a non-traditional vocational trade (Electrical Wiring) and job placement and follow-up services upon release. Intensive individual and group mental health and substance abuse counseling are available and basic medical services are provided onsite. Life Skills Training will occur both in the classroom and in evening treatment groups and girls will have opportunities to engage with the community consistent with Restorative Justice Principles. The average length of stay for low risk youth is 3-6 months and 6-9 months for moderate risk youth.

Operating Capacity: 27, Serves Females, Ages 14-18

Contract Provider: Henry & Rilla White Foundation, Inc.
(click provider name to access provider website)

DJJ DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF
Contract Manager: Herman McBride
Telephone Number: (850) 921-1826
Fax Number: (850) 414-7795
Email: Herman.McBride@djj.state.fl.us

Directions to Program

From I-10, turn South on Capital Circle SW (FL 263 - Exit 196) towards the airport. Proceed 4.3 miles to West Orange Avenue (FL 371) and turn left. Follow Orange Avenue for 2.6 miles. Stay straight (a road branches left) on West Orange Avenue (CR 373) for .3 more miles. At the traffic light, turn right onto Springhill Road (FL 373). Take the first left hand drive (at the Sawmill Academy sign) and proceed to the end of the drive.