We are proud to be a member of CARF

Commission on Accrediation of Rehabilitation Racilities

Admissions Criteria:

Participants are individuals who have been placed in the Youth Development Services group home, either by the Department of Family Services, the court system, or the youth’s parents.  Participants are generally between the ages of 10 and 18.

Group Format:

The group is both a directive and non-directive group, depending on the needs of the group members.  Directive activities include self-esteem exercises, activities that identify issues of the family and within the community, problem solving skills, communication skills, and appropriate emotional expression.  Non-directive groups would take place if there are immediate issues that group members request be addressed during the session.

 Goals of the Group:

1. Successfully work through the level system of YDS in a timely manner in order to be returned to the family home or a less structured environment.
2. Address the issues occurring in the group member’s life situation which required a placement at YDS.
3. Develop new and more appropriate skills so that a future placement outside of the home environment will not be necessary.
4. Process traumatic situations in the group member’s history which may be affecting the ability to function in their home or in the community.

Discharge Criteria

Discharge from the group would be indicated by a placement outside of the YDS group home, if the group member has reached the highest level at YDS and the YDS staff believes this level can be maintained without therapeutic involvement, or if the group member requests that discharge from the group be carried out.