Wolverine FAQ

Q: Where are your facilities located?

A: St. Jude's Home for Boys, Victors Center, Wolverine Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment Center, the John S. Vitale Community Center and Specialized Day Treatment are all located in Detroit, Michigan.

Wolverine's Community Based Programs (CBP) has offices in Taylor, Warren and Flint, Michigan. CBP services include Foster Care, Specialized Independent Living and Adoptions.

Pioneer Work and Learn Center (PWLC), Clarence Fischer Leadership Academy (CFLA), Wolverine Center for Addiction Recovery and Education Intensive (W-CARE-I), Wolverine Center for Addiction Recovery and Education Regular (W-CARE-R), Wolverine Adventure Vocational and Educational Systems (WAVES), Wolverine-Safe Net (W-Safe Net), Vassar House and Wolverine Growth and Recovery Center (WGRC) are all located in Vassar, Michigan.

Wolverine Secure Treatment Center (WSTC) is located in Buena Vista Township, Michigan.

Q: Do you accept private referrals?

A: Yes, primarily for the CFLA and the W-CARE Drug Treatment programs. However, currently we do not have the ability to accept insurance payments for services.

Q: How do youth get placed into your programs?

A: The majority of youth are placed by the Michigan Department of Human Services, Juvenile Courts and Wayne County, Michigan Care Management Systems.

Q: Are any of your programs Title IV-E eligible?

A: Yes, St. Jude's, Victors, Foster Care, WAVES, WCARE, Vassar House, PWLC, CFLA and WGRC are all Title IV-E eligible.

Q: Can family members visit youth at the program sites?

A: Yes, each facility has scheduled visitation times for approved family members.

Q: Is Wolverine a for-profit or a non-profit agency?

A: Wolverine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation governed by a Board of Trustees.

Q: How much experience does Wolverine have working with youth and families?

A: Wolverine has been providing services to youth since 1987. The Executive Team members each average over thirty-two years of experience in the human services field. The Administrative Team members average over fifteen years of experience each.

Q: Does Wolverine have any accreditations, certifications, etc.?

A: Yes, Wolverine is accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services, the Association of Experiential Educators and the Northern Region of Wolverine is licensed as Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Centers. Additionally, all Wolverine programs requiring licensure are licensed by the Michigan Department of Human Services, Bureau of Child Welfare Licensing.

Q: Who is eligible to come to your programs?

A: Each Wolverine program has a specific admission grid; however, all referrals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Wolverine has programs designed to work with Abuse/Neglect victims, Juvenile Justice Youth, Substance Abusers, Sexual Offenders, Intellectually Challenged youth and youth in need of Mental Health services.

Q: How much does it cost for your programs?

A: Each program has a separate daily rate established by the State of Michigan. Contact the Intake Department for current rates.

Q: How do I get my son/daughter in your program?

A: A link to the Intake Department is available on this website. For immediate contact, for programs in the Metro Detroit area, contact (313) 822-2400. For programs in the Northern Region, contact (989) 823-3040.

Q: Do you have any residential programs for girls?

A: Yes, Wolverine operates the Vassar House program which offers, Substance Abuse Treatment, Trauma Informed Services, General Offender Treatment and Behavioral Health Services. Wolverine also offers Foster Care, Specialized Independent Living and Specialized Day Treatment for females in Southeast Michigan.

Q: Many youth are placed into programs because they can't control their behavior.
How do I know my child will be safe in your programs?

A: Each program at Wolverine is designed to provide services to unique populations. Risk assessments are completed prior to placement which aids in the placement of youth into the proper program. Wolverine has trained its staff in the use of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI). This model is designed to de-escalate potentially volatile situations and bring about peaceful solutions. Safety of our clients is the primary focus of Wolverine programs.

Q How long are your programs?

A: Program length can average anywhere from three to fifteen months depending on the needs of the client and the type of program entered.

Q: What services does Wolverine offer to the neighborhood community?

A: The John S. Vitale Community Center in Detroit and the Community Recreation Center in Vassar offer after-school programs for community youth at no charge.