Therapeutic value of a dress code

by Bill Gorman, Director, Bridges Treatment Center

For 40 years, including the past 17 years at Bridges Treatment Center, I have seen children from all walks of life and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Many children at Bridges Treatment Center have very little, and the best article of clothing they own may have come from their local church, Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Unfortunately, they live in a society with the mistaken idea that material things are the mark of success, one that puts great stock in name tags such as Polo, Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch. Children at Bridges whose clothing is expensive, stylish and tailored reinforce the poorer children's perception of once again having and feeling less than their peers. In addition, undesirable incidents surrounding children's clothing (torn or worn-out jeans, drug-related T-shirts, or inappropriate art work) interfere with the daily on-campus routine.

In 1998, we decided to eliminate the focus on clothing and steer the children in a more positive direction. We approached the idea of a dress code from a positive perspective. A committee selected colors and styles that were presented to the children at a fashion show. Risers, tables and chairs were set up, and we served popcorn and soft drinks. To music from a boom-box, 12 children—male and female—modeled the different styles and colors that were chosen on a trial basis. A dress code subsequently was established.

The therapeutic values of a dress code far outweigh the costs. The intent was not to produce a regiment of robots where everyone looks alike, thinks alike and acts alike, but to provide an equal opportunity for all of the children to have a feeling of belonging and being just as important as the next person. After six years, we have had no problems and hopefully, have eliminated the socioeconomic disparity which was reinforced by the clothing choices available to many of the children.

I truly feel that most of our children are proud of where they are. Most of them see Bridges as a wholesome, secure environment designed to help them deal with behaviors they cannot handle by themselves. A standard of dress helps enhance their feeling of belonging, instilling pride and a feeling of security in many displaced children.