The Women and Children of Mellwood

Whether women come into substance abuse treatment alone, or they bring their children, the emphasis at Second Genesis’ Mellwood Program for Women and Children is on the special needs of women in recovery. This gender-specific program offers women the opportunity to focus on their own recovery within a supportive community, without the distraction of co-ed relationships.

Research has shown that women get sicker from addiction quicker than men and that their addiction often involves special problems, such as a history of domestic violence or childhood sexual abuse. Many women also have a poor self-image, lack self-confidence, and depend on unhealthy relationships with men. Others suffer the shame and remorse of having exposed their children to drug-infested environments. These are the unique needs of women which are addressed in Second Genesis’ comprehensive treatment program at Mellwood.

Mellwood is one of just a handful of programs in the region that allows a mother to bring her children with her to treatment—essential for women who have no one else to care for their children while they receive the help they need. Just as importantly, treatment at Mellwood offers women who aren’t accompanied by their children a safe haven where they can focus on their own recovery. It has a capacity of 38 adults and 40 children (under the age of 12).

The goal of treatment is to empower women to live a healthy, responsible life free from alcohol, drugs, crime, violence, and exploitation. Mellwood’s purpose is to facilitate individual recovery from substance abuse by providing gender-specific clinical treatment within a therapeutic community that supports each woman as an active agent in planning and participating in therapeutic activities for herself, her peers, and her family. Learning to trust and bond with other women to obtain the support necessary for recovery is a key element of treatment.

Clients receive a minimum of 36 hours per week of therapeutic activities during their residential stay. Activities include an average of 33 hours per week of group therapy, three hours of 12-step meetings, individual therapy sessions, and on-site psychiatric evaluation and consultation. Particular focus is placed on ensuring that each woman is prepared and supported to transition back into community, living at minimum risk of relapse and recidivism.

When reunification of mothers with children is at issue, Second Genesis works closely with the court and caseworkers to ensure the safety and security of children and to assist the mother to successfully reunite her family.

While mothers participate in groups during the day, their children either attend the Parenting Center, or attend local schools. The Parenting Center is a brightly decorated, child-friendly environment where child care specialists engage infants, toddlers, and pre-school children in age-appropriate activities. A family therapist also meets regularly with mothers and children to support the mother’s efforts to implement positive parenting practices.

Clients also participate in special activities including game nights, arts and crafts, field trips and beach days. Special programs on topics ranging from child development to safe dating practices are presented by guest lecturers. Second Genesis also collaborates with local social service agencies to provide programs such as the Healthy Start program for residents and their children.

Located on 64-acres, Mellwood is surrounded by the rural beauty of Prince George’s County Maryland, a short distance from the suburban environment of Upper Marlboro. The grounds provide plenty of area for children to play, as well as a large garden where women and children learn to grow vegetables and flowers.

In 2010, Second Genesis served 144 women and 65 children at the Mellwood facility. Of the women served, 62% completed their treatment program. In addition, 82% believed that Second Genesis’ treatment helped with their substance abuse problems; 94% of clients completed treatment without testing positive for drugs or alcohol.

Since 1992, Mellwood has helped thousands of women begin their process of recovery in a safe, family-friendly environment, tailored to the special needs of women. Second Genesis is committed to continuing to provide much needed treatment for women and their children at Mellwood for many years to come.