Residential Treatment:

Recently international attention has been directed to a number of treatment facilities, therapeutic boarding schools, boot camps, wilderness camps and other programs for children and youth with special needs that are neither licensed nor accredited. Reports indicate that a significant number of children have been abused, neglected and in some cases even died while in these programs. As a result, many of these programs have been shut down, moved, changed their name or have lawsuits pending against them. If you are considering sending your child to any residential program that you cannot visit daily please spend time reviewing all options and getting as much information as possible before placing your child. Here is a brief list that may be helpful.

Things to consider when seeking placement for your child:

· Choose only a facility that is licensed by the state in which it is located AND licensed to provide the level of care to the age group it is offering.

· Use local resources when available, consider placement outside your home state as a last resort. Never send your child outside of the United States unless you are present to visit every day.

· When checking internet sites use caution, what you see may not be what you get. Talk to your physician, therapist and other parents about programs they are familiar with but also do your own research. It is best to speak with someone who has visited the facility. Contact a local Peer Navigator program for support and feedback. Make phone calls to find out if the facility is on a “watch list”. Do they currently have allegations against them for abuse or neglect? Be informed about the facility, including the staff, programs, rules, etc.

· Do they have trained, on site clinicians and/or specialty treatments to fit your child’s diagnosis? Are those specialists licensed or registered in that state and nationally?

· What type of treatment is their specialty? How many children with that need have they served? What is the average length of stay? What is the outcome?

· Do they allow drop-in visits from parents or caregivers? If possible “drop-in” before you send you child there.

· Find out how often you will be able to talk to and or visit your child. Will your child ever be denied access to a phone? At any time is communication prohibited, restricted or monitored?

· What kinds of discipline do they use? What type of physical restraint is used and how often? What do the seclusion rooms look like and how often are they used? Do they use chemical restraint? How and when will a report on the use of a restraint on your child be sent to you?

· Ask for the name of the licensed doctor or registered nurse on duty during operating hours and for the facility policy on medication/s.

· Does the facility offer special education? Are the teachers credentialed and academics accredited? Will they accept transcripts and IEP or 504’s from Alaska schools and will they transfer back when the child returns home? Will your child graduate with a GED, a certificate of attendance or a diploma? Ask questions as if you are looking for a school for your child.

· Be sure you understand fully how the program will assist you in transitioning your child back to your home school, local behavioral health services and your home.

· Be sure you understand what and how much your insurance will pay and how much will be paid by Medicaid or other state/federal funds. Will there be charges you will have to pay? Is there a co-pay amount?

· DO NOT give into marketing pressure from a facility to admit your child “before it is too late” or “before things get worse”.

· BE CAUTIOUS! Consult with local Mental Health professionals to obtain a full and comprehensive assessment before making a decision or developing an intervention plan.

· Web Resources: http://astart.fmhi.usf.edu/ http://www.caica.org/ http://www.isaccorp.org/ http://www.helpatanycost.com/questions.php