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Western Secure Treatment Unit
12 Dakota Drive
Emlenton, PA 16373
(724) 750-8050

Facility Demographics

Western Secure Treatment Unit (WSTU) is a secure residential treatment facility located in Emlenton, PA (Butler County) that provides treatment to male juveniles, ages 13 through 20. The facility is operated by Rite of Passage, Inc. (ROP) in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Juvenile Justice Services. The 60-bed campus utilizes ROP’s Integrated Care Model which incorporates strengths-based, trauma-responsive, gender-specific, and relationship-based approaches to work with youth.  Housing and capacity of youth within all BJJS facilities are based upon appropriate staffing ratios and are subject to change.

Primary Treatment Services

WSTU provides customized treatment based on each youth’s risks and needs. They utilize ROP’s Integrated Care Model which incorporates evidence-based interventions, trauma-responsive care, and strength-based and gender-responsive approaches. Treatment services are provided by qualified clinical staff and guided by evidence-based principles. Services are available based upon need and include individual counseling sessions with assigned youth for at least one regularly scheduled hour per week, Individual Service Plan developed for each youth within 30 days of the youth’s admission, and family involvement and counseling services as a part of the treatment program.

There are also group sessions provided such as Aggression Replacement Training, Impact of Crime on Victims, Positive Skill Development Groups, Restorative Solutions/Victim Empathy, Seeking Safety, Thinking for a Change, and Criminal Conduct and Substance Abuse Treatment for Adolescents.

Resident Housing

WSTU consists of 4 Dorms and has the capability to house 10 residents on each living unit.

  • A-Dorm
  • B-Dorm
  • C-Dorm
  • D-Dorm

Education

The Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District (A-CV) serves as the local education agency for the WSTU, providing education for youth in grades 9-12. The A-CV school district contracts with the Riverview Intermediate Unit #6 to provide students who are identified and/or a thought to be student with a disability for all specifically designed instruction outlined by the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Youth have the opportunity for year-round education and vocational training.

WSTU’s year-round school is designed to meet the individual educational needs of each student. Credentialed A-CV teachers will provide in-person instruction, which may be supplemented with Edgenuity (online learning platform). In addition, ROP will provide Educational Liaisons to provide youth with additional services and support. All course offerings adhere to Common Core Standards and align with Pennsylvania Curriculum Framework to ensure credit transfer. WSTU follows the graduation requirements that are outlined by the state.  

A Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is an integral aspect of creating a well-rounded education for youth and preparing them for their future. In addition to the Work Training program that provides youth valuable job skills, youth can earn certifications in CTE programs, including but not limited to:

  • ServSafe
  • First Aid and CPR
  • OSHA
  • Culinary Arts
  • Music Production
  • 33 additional industry certifications through Z-Space, an interactive 3D CTE platform

ZSpace provides a suite of applications to provide hands-on vocational training, allowing youth to earn up to 33 industry credentials in health sciences (e.g., nursing assisting, ECG technicians), manufacturing and skilled trades (e.g., CAD, electronics), agri-science (e.g., welding, small engine technology), and transportation (e.g., automotive technician, diesel technology).