AG 2004 06 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COMPONENT NARRATIVE (Attach for each component) Briefly describe what the program expects to achieve and why. The narrative should address each of the following Items (1) Identify the staff and their responsibilities to the program, (2) describe the physical facilities in which the services will be defivered, (3) discuss any areas of concern that could affect the success of the program, (4) discuss why these resources used in the manner described should be expected to alter inappropriate behavior, (5) describe the referral, screening and admissions procedures, (6) describe the means of working with youth and families, (7) describe the protective factors the program will use to address the identified risk factors, (8) describe the daily program activities, (9) describe the termination procedures, and (10) describe the interaction with juvenile court. (1) There are three Home Based Counselors who work full time to serve the juveniles referred to the program. Each worker is responsible for carrying 10 cases. The workers must meet with every family on the caseload weekly, and will also do school visits with the juveniles referred for service, particularly when a school problem exists. Frequent contact assures that the children and adults are following the case plan, or if not, the Home Based Counselor is confronting the problem. All families are given a pager number for the worker so that they can receive assistance as needed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cases are maintained for an average of four to six months, depending on the family's progress and participation in the program. (2) Generally speaking, Home Based Services are provided in the family's home. This feature of the program is helpful in eliminating many barriers to services, such as lack transportation. Some teenagers are resistant to counseling and the parents may have difficulty getting them to an agency. Bringing the counseling to the family's home makes it possible for all family members to participate, and creates a more open environment, as opposed to a sterile, clinical setting. The Home Based Counselor has flexible work hours to meet the needs of clients. Furthermore, seeing the family in their "natural setting" allows them to be more comfortable, and they often demonstrate more honesty, providing valuable insight for Home Based Services. Home Based Counselors are able to meet with the family in other settings when appropriate. Working primarily in the family's home, the Home Based Social Worker has an opportunity to see directly the influences not only in the home, but in the community as well. The counselor is therefore better able to offer feedback and seek resources for support. Home Based Services works prevalently in the community and is aware of various resources. The program works closely with D J J, the schools, and other agencies to help support the family. Home Based Social Workers will also serve as advocates and deliver case management services at schools or other agencies in the community to assist families when needed such as in court. (3) While Home Based Services is a voluntary service, the success of the Home Based program depends upon a family's willingness to accept responsibility and make a commitment to change, not just the adolescent but the parent as well. Many parents are reluctant to recognize how their behavior directly impacts the behavior of their ¢' ~dren. The family is in control of their destiny. The Home Based counselor can teach the family certain skills to help them be more successful, but the worker cannot make the changes for them. Home Based couselors can enhance and build more effective communication between the adolescent and parents. Parents will also be able to learn more effective parenting skills with their adolescents. (4) Various tools and resources are shared with the family on relevant issues affecting the family to promote greater success. As a team approach, the parents, children, and the Home Based counselor work together to achieve goals. If a child has a Court Counselor, mental health or other service provider involved, that person will be a part of the treatment team. School teachers, guidance counselors, and school social workers are frequently consulted on behalf of the child. In working with families, it is important to recognize that all family members have an agenda. The case plan should include input from everyone so that the family is vested in the intervention, which will become a "win/win" situation if the family has buy-in. The parents are able to get some of what they want; the children are able to get some of what they want; and the Home Based counselor is able to help achieve the goals identified by the referral source (Juvenile Services). It is also important to note that the Nurturing Parent Program is now being utilized as well as the Active Parenting of Teens curriculum to help provide parents with information to better relate to their youth and develop strategies that are fair and consistent to more effectively handle and eventually change defiant behaviors. As a further enhancement of the Home Based Program, adolescents will also be referred to the program's Anger Management Group to further work on conflict resolution and handling their anger in less destructive ways. (5) The referral, screening and admission for Home Based are as follows: Juvenile Court Counselors fill out a referral form and typically mail this to DSS. Within 72 hours of receiving the referral, the supervisor will assign the case to a Home Based worker and that person will attempt to contact the family. If the Home Based counselor cannot reach the family JOPC PROGRAM AGREEMENT, 2004-2005. F' 5"