Admission Criteria: Family
In addition to meeting the admission criteria for adults the following criteria will be evaluated in considering a family unit for admission to the program:
- Admission of families will depend on the available accommodations and the size of the family unit, as well as the age and sex of the children. A list of families is maintained and families are notified when space becomes available. This is not done on a first-come, first-serve basis due to space restrictions. For example, a family with three children may have been on the list for some time, but the space available may only accommodate a single parent with one child.
- Immediate admission of the total family unit is considered only if the parents are parenting their children at the time of request for admission. In some instances, the parent(s) may be encouraged to make alternate arrangements for the child or children for an initial 30-day assessment period. This is generally the case if the parents are unsure about remaining in residence for any length of time and/or if special needs exist. In many cases, children are in care with child-care agencies at the parents' admission, and any plan to have the children live in residence with the parents is gradually worked towards in conjunction with staff, the parents and the childcare agency.
- In most cases, couples initially live separately while in residence. Children live with one of the parents during this assessment period. This allows a time of orientation for the parent(s) with recognition that they have individual issues to address, as well as family issues. It also prevents couples from attempting to deal with their problems in their own room, by themselves, using their old, often ineffective ways of interacting and problem solving.
- Each family member’s needs are assessed separately. In every case, however, parents are involved in any decision-making regarding their child(ren)’s needs.
