Safety and Accountability are the Foundation for Healing, Growth and Lasting Family Change at Therapeutic Boarding Schools
Since 2003, Cherokee Creek Boys School has been a place where students and families rediscover hope and optimism for the future.
Our program is guided by core values … Safety, Quality, Creativity, Fun and Self-Discovery. We put Safety First in everything we do.
That commitment shows up not only in the day-to-day care of our therapeutic boarding students, but also in the way we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards.
CCBS maintains accreditations and affiliations with respected oversight organizations … even when not required. Why? Because we know that accountability, preparation and proven standards help us deliver the best possible care for boys ages 10 – 15 and their families.
Our accreditations and memberships include:
- The State of South Carolina | Child Caring Institution
- The Joint Commission
- Cognia
- The Gurian Institute
- NATSAP (National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs)
Why Accreditation Matters
According to Ginelle Kohl, CCBS’s Human Resource & Compliance Manager:
“At CCBS, accreditation is a key part of our program. It helps us every single day … and especially during emergencies.
For example, in September 2024, when Hurricane Helene brought down trees and left us without power, phones or internet for nearly a week, our Joint Commission accreditation meant we had an emergency plan in place.
We were able to keep everyone safe and maintain routine care for our students.”
That level of planning and accountability doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from ongoing training, clear standards and a commitment to excellence. As our Program Director, Stephen Cornelius, explains:
“Accreditation and standards are key. Having a plan ahead of time and training our team gives our staff a common starting point. From there, we can adapt as needed.
But the plan is only as good as the people who execute it … and our CCBS team consistently goes above and beyond.”
A Vital Role in Youth Mental Health Care
Residential therapeutic boarding schools like CCBS play a critical role in today’s mental health landscape. For many families, this type of care serves as an important step or option between outpatient therapy and hospitalization … providing structure, safety and therapeutic support when children are struggling.
Unfortunately, these programs are becoming less available just as the need grows. Across the U.S., pediatric hospitalizations for suicide attempts and self-injury rose 163% from 2009 to 2019. This highlights the reality: we are in a youth mental health crisis and more options for treatment … not fewer … are urgently needed.
While residential treatment is complex and challenging, it remains one of the few settings capable of stabilizing youth who cannot be safely served elsewhere.
At CCBS, we measure success not only by data but by the transformation we see in our students and the gratitude of their families. Each boy who leaves with a renewed sense of confidence, hope and possibility is a reminder of why this work matters.
We remain committed to raising the bar, measuring outcomes and holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards … because the safety and well-being of our boys and families depend on it.
November 2024
Safety and Preparedness in Action!
“ … CCBS kept the boys safe and largely unaware of the chaos outside. I was deeply impressed by the resilience, professionalism and heart of the staff. They went above and beyond and I am so grateful.”
– CCBS Parent
When Hurricane Helene swept through the Carolinas in September of 2024, Cherokee Creek’s emergency planning and training were immediately put to the test. Trees were down, roads flooded and power was lost for days.
A CCBS parent, who happened to be on campus to celebrate his son’s birthday that weekend, shared this first-hand account:
“When I arrived, the staff was already prepared with emergency supplies and sleeping arrangements.
As the storm intensified and the power went out, the staff remained calm and reassuring. They kept the boys safe, comfortable and engaged … continuing routines and even finding ways to make my son’s birthday special with cupcakes.
Only later did I realize the severity of the storm across the region. While entire towns were devastated, CCBS kept the boys safe and largely unaware of the chaos outside.
I was deeply impressed by the resilience, professionalism and heart of the staff. They went above and beyond and I am so grateful.”
This story is just one example of how accreditation, training and preparedness aren’t just checkboxes … they are daily practices that protect and nurture our boys, no matter the circumstances.
At CCBS, we believe safety and accountability create the foundation for healing, growth and lasting family change.
Think your son can benefit from our CCBS therapeutic boarding school?
Call to request more information about admissions.