AG 1994 05 16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 4 PROGRAM NARRATIVE Uwharde Group Home is a residential treatment facility for adolescent males ages 10-17. Referrals are made to the Executive Director from Juvenile Court, Mental Health, BSS, and schools. A referral form is sent to the Executive Director and if the child appears to be an appropriate referral, a visit is scheduled for the child, parents/guardian, and referral agent to visit the group home. Needs and problems are discussed to identify goals that may be appropriate. If the Admissions committee (Executive Director, Resident Counselors, and representatives from PAMH, Stanly County BSS, Albemarle City Schools, Stanly County Schools and Juvenile Court) feels the child is an appropriate referral, a complete application packet is given to the referral agent to fill out. After necessary paperwork, physicals, etc. are complete, an admission date is scheduled. If there is no waiting list, placement usually occurs within a month from referral. Four (4) Resident Counselors work on a 7 days on, 7 days off schedule with two being on duty at one time. When the child is admitted, Counselors go over all rules and explain the level system. He is also given an i,[roduction booklet that contains terms used atthe group home, explains the level system, and also contains a pdntout of the Daily Schedule and the house rules. Clie[~[s are placed on a point system and bank points to move up the level system. Points, as well as logical and natural consequences, are a part of the behavior modification system employed at Uwharfie Homes. Poii-~ts and privileges are earned (or lost) for positive (or negative) behaviors. Cliet-~t~ can earn regular weekend visits with positive behavior. Clients are required to attend school on a daily basis. The group home runs much like a family setting with regular "family meetings", daily study hour, chores and recreational activities. There is much structure and limits are set, but there is also free time. Appropriate social skills and accepting responsibility for actions are taught daily. Individual, group and family counseling are provided for all clients at Piedmont Area Mental Health. Resident Counselors meet with parent~ at the beginning and end of each weekend visit. A treatment plan is wdtten within thirty (30) days of admission and an evaluation meeting is held then and at least every ninety (90) days after that to determine progress. The average len~j[h of stay is 6-7 months but school grading pedods are taken into consideration when a graduation or exit date is scheduled. Most clients achieve some, if not all, of their goals while at the group home. Learning how to handle anger appropriately and utilizing appropriate behaviors for acquiring attention are two important goals that many of our clients achieve. Positive communication is also stressed with clients. One of the staff's greatest rewards comes from positive contact initiated by the client following discharge from the program.