LifeChange - Parent Information
LifeChange is committed to the very best care for your child, and has considered several policies to help provide that care, while at the same time ensuring success of the LifeChange program as it works with other children. It is our desire to fully inform parents about the functioning of LifeChange, and of the strategies and programs set up for your child. Following are a number of policies addressing topics of concern. Please read each carefully and feel free to discuss any portion of this information with our Program Director.
Parental Visits
The LifeChange program is dedicated to the family as a whole, and
encourages the full and total support of the family while a child is
involved in the program. While visits from the parents and other
family members are encouraged, LifeChange must limit the amount of
visits for obvious reasons. The LifeChange level system determines
parent visitation, which is limited to once a month. LifeChange
reserves the right to limit visits, should they not be in the best
interest of the child, the family, and our program. This may include
discipline or behavioral problems that occur with the child, or if
the emotional level of functioning for the child or the family is
not appropriate at the time of a scheduled visit.
Parental
Commitment
The most important variable involved in the success of a child’s
stay at LifeChange is the parent’s commitment to our process, and
their support and trust of the staff, program, philosophy, and
guidelines. It is our hope that all parents can get “on board” with
us in the process of our staff investing their lives and their
effort into the life of these young women. We feel like this happens
best when parents understand the intent of the program, communicate
with the staff, cooperate with our directives, and not get
manipulated by their child.
Communication and understanding are key ingredients to your child’s understanding of the partnership between LifeChange and the parents. It is crucial to the effectiveness of everyone’s efforts that all involved remain focused on doing nothing that might cause division within this unique partnership. If a child feels that there is not unity between LifeChange and their parents, they could continue in maladaptive patterns by exploiting the differences and weaknesses they perceive.
There are many different ways that parents can sabotage what LifeChange is trying to do for their child, often without realizing the problems that their words or actions can cause. A parent can often have the best intentions for their child and yet be short-sighted in the defeating patterns that exist in styles of relating with each other. If parents are not committed to working with us and supporting our decisions, they often end up working against us and/or undermining what we are able to do with the child. Examples of how this can happen include discussing a possibility of the child coming home without graduating the program and/or discussing timelines or dates that a child could come home without making graduation the determining factor. Any attempt to rescue a child from the consequences of their behaviors or the struggles that they need to go through will also deter the child’s progress. There are times that will be difficult for the child as they talk through painful topics, face truths about themselves, and learn to live in community with others. These are all great opportunities for change and growth, but if the child is not allowed to go through the difficult times, they will miss out on those lessons.
There may be times that a child will complain to their parents about things that are happening within the program. When parents jump to the defense of the child, promise to take care of it, and call the staff to complain and plead their child’s case, this also takes away from the influence we can have on the child. Sometimes the child has changed some of the details, not told the whole story, or is specifically trying to cause division or conflict between the staff and parents.
Our hope is that parents will always come to us with questions, and keep in mind the goal that we are working towards together. We are always willing to address questions and concerns, but hope that parents will remain trusting as we look for answers and solutions together, knowing that we are all looking out for the best interest of the child.
Mail and Other
Correspondence
New residents most often begin to receive mail from immediate family
within the first 14 days of placement. In rare cases we may ask that
mail be limited or not sent. This would be communicated with
explanation; more often than not it would be in circumstances of a
child whose anger needs space and time to settle. At our discretion
and through discussion with you, others may be able to send mail to
your child. The same procedures are used to evaluate your child’s
privilege of writing those other than immediate family. LifeChange
can purchase stationary/stamps for your child from their expense
account. Please send all mail with a return address. No mail is
dispersed without a return address. The child’s mail will be
uncensored, unless there is a concern regarding the best interest of
the child that would necessitate monitoring and/or opening of
incoming or outgoing mail.
It is normal for LifeChange to strongly suggest an internet ‘blackout’ during the first several months of the program. While we do not set this as policy, it is usually a beneficial experience for the child.
Gifts
Gifts may be sent to your child on holidays, birthdays, and special
occasions. If you are sending food or candy, we ask that you send
enough for the whole house to share. Food is not allowed to be kept
in the residential bedrooms.
Spiritual Life
LifeChange is a Christian ministry that is dedicated to a biblical
discipleship and counseling model, the guidance of Scripture for
family renewal, and the fulfillment and healing of a person’s life
through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The spiritual
life aspect of LifeChange does not force-feed the gospel or
spirituality, but seeks to invite residents into a relationship with
Jesus Christ through many different avenues. The spiritual life
component includes: required church attendance on Sunday morning,
weekly bible study and program events that provide opportunities to
give scriptural answers to the questions asked by residents. They
also have opportunities to ask questions and discuss their thoughts
with staff through residential living and regular interaction.
Trips Away from
the Facility
Your child will travel away from The Scott Street House a number of
times throughout the week. This will be to and from school, house
activities, ministry privileges, employment (as applicable), night
out with staff, program events or school events. LifeChange is a
relational ministry that strives to spend time with young people in
as many different situations and places as possible. Other trips
your child will take include trips home on holidays or breaks. Your
child will be escorted until she is beyond security checkpoints at
places of departure. An authorization form must be signed prior to
admission that releases LifeChange from responsibility for your
child when she is traveling alone to and from a particular
destination approved by you, i.e. home for the holidays, visiting
extended family, etc.
Discipline
Discipline can be used as a tool to move a child in the correct
direction building character and esteem, or it can be used as a
weapon to destroy a child's spirit, motivation, and self-esteem.
LifeChange believes that correction for inappropriate behavior is
necessary, but must follow strict and ardent guidelines to ensure
the success of any discipline. Discipline must therefore be
consistent, purposeful, fair, and proper, depending on the
individual needs of a child. No disciplinary measures will be
physically or emotionally damaging to any child. There will be no
harsh, cruel, or unnecessary punishment. There will be no "hazing"
of any child. Furthermore, no punishment will befall in any action
or word that might be detrimental to the child's spirit, or
demeaning to his/her character in regards to academics, family
background, past mistakes, or any social, physical, or emotional
limitations.
Dismissal
It is our hope that the LifeChange program will be successful in the
life of your child. While success cannot be guaranteed, our
faithfulness to the program can be. That faithfulness, coupled with
the working attitude of your child and the ministry of the Holy
Spirit will hopefully produce a changed heart. However, if it
becomes apparent that the admission process did not give us the
complete picture of your child’s needs, and if their needs deem
intervention or treatment beyond the scope of LifeChange, we would
communicate our concerns and assist you with referral options that
might best suit your child’s needs and your investment of time and
money. Additionally, at times, the ‘workability’ of a child may
limit the effectiveness of the program and therefore become a
negative influence on other residents. It is of utmost importance
that your child displays respect towards LifeChange and its staff,
as she struggles through her difficulties. If, at any time,
LifeChange feels that our efforts are proving futile after we have
exercised all our skills or if there is a blatant violation of the
principles set forth, your child may be asked to leave the program.
While it is our overall desire to not allow this to happen, LifeChange cannot allow any one child to dictate or destroy the program’s effectiveness for others in the program. Grounds for dismissal may include: drug usage, blatant disrespect for authority, a consistent negative influence on other residents, persistent disruption of the child’s house, any type of physical threat to a resident or staff, a blatant destruction of personal property, suicidal attempts or threats, lack of progress through the level system, repeated violation of policy and/or discipline measures are no longer effective.
Parents will be contacted immediately upon the staff’s first discussion about the possibility of discharge. In the event a participant needs to be discharged from LifeChange and be admitted to a different program, we will make all efforts to work with parents in an appropriate timeframe to secure admission to another program. LifeChange must, however, make decisions based on the best interest of all participants, and on rare occasions LifeChange will have to ask a child to be discharged with only 24 hours notice to the parents.
Academic
Participation
LifeChange believes strongly in giving your child their best chance
for academic excellence. We have a proven track record of assisting
struggling students with fulfilling education experiences.
LifeChange offers two school opportunities for student residents.
Margaretville Central School is a local public school option, and
Catskill Mountain Christian Academy is our affiliated private
Christian school. Education at CMCA requires a separate tuition, but
most often results in the best experience for participants. Our
Academic Coordinator formulates individualized academic plans for
each student enrolled in CMCA and monitors the schoolwork of those
attending public school. For those participants interested in
college education, the State University of New York at Delhi is
nearby. Tuition and expenses for college are the responsibility of
each family; however LifeChange staff can assist you with making
class and schedule arrangements.
There is no question that extra-curricular activities at school play an important part in the life of any child. However, LifeChange feels that participation in extra-curricular activities are secondary to the treatment of specific problems with the potential of lifelong impact should they not be dealt with fully. At times, should it be necessary, we may pull a child from such activities if: attitude and actions are not displaying the respect demanded and required by school officials, the current demeanor of the child may cause further problems away from the LifeChange program or the participant is ‘skirting issues’ at LifeChange by attending these activities.
Items Required at Placement
LEGAL
-Copy of Birth Certificate
-Copy of Social Security Card
-Copy of Passport
-Copy of Divorce/Custody Papers if applicable
-Copy of any Court/Probation Orders
-Valid Picture I.D. for LifeChange file and travel – 2 copies
MEDICAL
-Any previous placement or treatment/counseling reports.
-Copy of current immunization record
-Completed Medical History Form
-Copies of last dental visit notes or letter from dentist stating
the last dental exam and recommendations
-Medical and Dental Insurance Information (copies of any Health
Cards)
-Minimum of 45-day supply of any medication child is taking
LIVING ITEMS
-Alarm clock
-Bedding for a twin bed - set of sheets, blanket, comforter, and
pillow/pillow cover
-3 white bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths
-No guns, knives
-Residents are allowed to bring athletic equipment, acoustical
guitars, etc.
-Pictures, posters, books, desk nick-knacks
-Personal razor
-Modest personal clothing, shoes, sneakers and boots – seasonally
appropriate
EDUCATIONAL
-Educational History Form
-Transcript from previous school, complete with any testing or
academic needs and recommendations.
-A current copy of the graduation requirements from the school
they’ve been attending. (If they will attend a different school when
they return home, then we will need a copy of that school’s
graduation requirements.)
Please don’t hesitate to call and ask about any other items that might be in question.
LifeChange: 845-586-4848
Program Overview
Components
Levels
Admission
Tuition and Fees
Contact Us
Downloadable Forms:
(Viewed with Adobe Reader)
Admission Application
Medical History Forms