About

Why Prairie Lakes?


   Kids tell us that they feel safe and cared for at PLYP. Being away from the pressures and negative influences of their normal lives gives them the opportunity to open their minds to new ideas.
 
   Because PLYP offers flexible program lengths, there are options available to serve most juvenile offenders. With the wide range of programs and services offered, PLYP can work to meet the specific needs of each child placed.
 

The TruThought Program.


   Our goal is to teach residents to think in a pro-social manner by using the TruThought Corrective Thinking Program. Proven effective for prevention and intervention with all ages and many populations, the TruThought approach has applications well beyond clinical and correctional settings.
 
   Through this program, residents will learn to recognize that the things they do result from the choices they make. They will also learn to take responsibility and blame for their own actions. They are held accountable for their choices and behaviors.
 

Our Commitment.


   “We, as a facility and staff, will commit to teaching and learning responsible thinking using the Truthought Corrective Thinking model and to doing whatever it takes to implement these strategies with every resident in our facility.”
 

PLYP Overview

  • Established in 1991; expanded in 1997
  • Professionally trained & staffed throughout all programs
  • Owned and operated by the counties of: Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Swift, and Yellow Medicine
  • Referrals accepted from all Minnesota counties
  • Education provided through Willmar Public Schools
  • Complete health care services are available
  • Psychological evaluations with custom trained staff
  • Individual placement and progress plans tailored to each child's needs
  • A variety of religious and spirituality offerings available
  • Secure and Non-Secure Alternative programming
  • DNA testing and urine analysis available
  • Community service and chemical dependency programs