Resident Policies and Daily Operations

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RECREATION AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

shelter activities

Residents are encouraged to participate in recreation and leisure activities in the Shelter when there are blocks of free time on the Daily Schedule. Such activities allow residents the opportunity to explore positive ways to spend their free time and facilitate social interaction with peers and adults. Staff is expected to be familiar with the Shelter's resources for indoor activities. Staff, especially Assistants and RSs, are also expected to initiate, monitor and, if possible, participate in these activities. A staff member, usually an RC, is assigned the responsibility for coordinating the scheduling of activities and making sure needed supplies are available for recreation and activities. The Care Coordinator and Assistant Director are available to assist as necessary with the planning.

Residents are usually expected to remain in the public areas of the Shelter during free time. They may choose to engage in individualized or group pursuits so long as their choice does not interfere with the general Shelter program at that time. Residents who request privacy or the opportunity to be away from the group may 1) use tokens on level three buy time alone in their room or on the front porch, or 2) be given permission by the RC to take a "time-out" alone in a suitable location in the Shelter, e.g. resident's room or outdoor patio. Requests to be alone may be denied when 1) in the judgment of the RC it is not to be safe for the resident to be alone, or 2) when it would interfere with Shelter programming, e.g. it is dinner time or the resident has a chore which must be completed.

What Can Residents Do in the Shelter?

• Reading materials
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Puzzle books
• Art & craft supplies
• VCR movies
• Writing materials
• Board games & cards
• Radio/cassette player & cassettes
• Video games Nintendo

On special occasions, such as holidays and residents' birthdays, staff may plan special activities. Some examples are an Easter scavenger hunt and a Halloween party. From time to time staff may also organize special craft projects for the residents, such as paper mache, tie dye, and bead work.

Movies

Watching movies should be not be a regularly planned activity and should occur only when there is enough free time allotted so that watching a movie does not interfere with the regular Shelter schedule. Movies are to be selected so that they are appropriate for the youngest resident to view. We can only rent G or PG, or PG-13 movies. NR, R or X movies are not allowed. Staff should consider whether movies may frighten or otherwise upset residents when approving the movie requested. Residents are allowed to choose movies to watch from the Shelter movie library.

Residents are not allowed to bring in their own personal videos or DVD’s for viewing. Staff should use discretion when bringing in their own personal videos or DVD’s for resident viewing and should seek the approval of the Care Coordinator or Assistant Director before doing so. Adding videos or DVD’s to the Shelter movie library should also be approved by the Care Coordinator or Assistant Director.

Selecting Rental Movies

Renting movies is regularly scheduled into the monthly Activities Schedule; movies are only rented when as scheduled. Movies are to be selected so that they are appropriate for the youngest resident to view. We can only rent G or PG, or PG-13 movies. NR, R or X movies are not allowed. Staff should consider whether movies may frighten or otherwise upset residents. Rental of movies should be scheduled no more than once a week and only on the weekend during the school year.

What Can Residents Do on the Shelter Grounds?

When weather allows, staff can supervise outside recreation activities on the agency's grounds. These activities tend to be fairly unstructured, such as throwing a frisbee or nerf football, playing basketball, volleyball or walking around the grounds. Residents are to remain within sight of the staff during these activities.

Staff are to stay outside with residents and are not to leave the group unsupervised. Staff are to monitor the activities and competitiveness of these activities to minimize behavior problems and the risk of physical injury or property damage. Paid staff should be present at all times for supervision; volunteers and interns are not permitted to supervise the residents alone at any time, on or off shelter grounds.

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away-from-shelter activities

Away from Shelter activities provide the residents with structured time away from the facility. These activities promote physical exercise, provide exposure to the community's resources for leisure and recreation and facilitate social interaction among the residents. During the school year, our goal is to take the residents out of the shelter on a planned activity only on the weekends. During school holidays, especially during summer break, our goal is to take the residents out daily as can be allowed with scheduling transportation.

activities schedule

There is a schedule posted on the bulletin board next to the RC desk. A new schedule is posted each month. The schedule lists some of the guidelines for choosing an activity. The RC/RS in charge of creating the monthly schedule is to be sure s/he adheres to the guidelines for choosing activity. such as renting a movie only 1 time a week. The RC should note in the observation log what the group did for activity.

when do residents go on activity?

REFER TO THE DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE

choosing the activity

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which residents go on activity?

Like meals and chores, planned activity is considered an important and necessary part of the daily schedule, thus residents are required to participate in the activity. Residents who refuse to participate in the activity will lose their points and possibly be given other consequences as well. Refer to the section on Behavior Management. Residents can only be excused from going under the following circumstances:

Guidelines

• Physical restriction known to the RC on duty, e.g. medical or health problem or injury.
• Illness known to the RC on duty before the group leaves on or begins the activity.
• A visit or appointment pre arranged by the case manager.
• Program restriction, e.g. freeze, restriction or an inappropriate level for going off grounds.
• Too many residents and too few staff.

There will be times when it is not possible for all the residents to go on a planned activity, usually due to resident group size, time constraints and the availability of staff to supervise. In these situations, the RC has two options for getting residents out on activity. The RC can divide the residents into small groups and arrange for 2 activity trips. One group studies while the other goes on activity. The other option is the RC can select 1 small group of 4 or 5 residents from the larger group. Usually, the RC should give preference to those residents not enrolled in public school (and thus home all day). The RC/RS can plan a physical activity on-grounds so that all residents can participate. Staff may also limited off-grounds activities to those residents on Levels 2 & 3.

There are often times when planned activities are included in the program as special privileges for residents. Examples may include trips to sporting or art events, special community events or events that require an entrance fee. These activities are limited to residents on Levels 2 and/or 3 who have proven their ability to maintain appropriate behavior. When these restrictions apply, they are generally noted on the activities calendar.

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which staff supervise activity?

Usually the RSs and paid Assistants take the residents out of the Shelter on activity. Occasionally RCs may also accompany the group; take out a group, this tends to occur over school holidays, in the afternoon, when and if it can be arranged for the Care Coordinator to cover the desk.

Under no circumstances are volunteers and interns to be responsible for supervising residents away from the Shelter on activity. Volunteers and interns can go with group and be the 2nd staff person helping provide supervision. A paid staff person must always be present.

Before a staff member can take any group of residents out of the Shelter for an activity, he/she must be trained and cleared. The Care Coordinator is responsible for arranging training and issuing clearance. The Care Coordinator will maintain a current listing of all staff cleared for activity and make RC’S aware of staff that cannot supervise activity.

staff/resident ratio on activity

In accordance with policies regarding one on one contact, 1 staff can never take 1 resident out of the Shelter for recreation activity unless it is a purchased reward trip that has been approved by the Care Coordinator or Assistant Director. This rule does not apply to unavoidable one on one contact in transporting residents to school, or appointments. If there is only one resident eligible for activity, 2 staff must be available to take the resident on the outing which means the outing may not take place.

Usually we send no more than 5 residents out with one staff, although some experienced staff can take up to 6 residents on activity, if the RC believes the group will be well behaved. If two staff take out more than 6 residents, the residents must be divided into 2 groups and participate in separate activities, such as one group plays pool at the IMU while the other group plays video games, or both groups go to Putt Putt and play separate courses.

activity reports

Activities will be reported in the Observation Log. Any noteworthy behavior of a resident that occurs during an outing will be recorded in the Observational Log under the documentation for that individual resident. The RC on duty is responsible for filling out an activity report before the activity and completing the report upon the group’s return. Blank activity reports are kept in the file cabinet in the RC office. You can download a blank activity report, too. Completed activity reports are to be filed in the hanging file designated Completed Activity Reports. An activity report is considered completed once it has been correctly filled out, signed by the RC(s) on duty and the supervising RS or Assistant, and the receipt (when appropriate) is attached.

Example Report

AWAY FROM SHELTER ACTIVITY REPORT

Date:   /   /       Day:	M	TU	W	TH	F	SA	SU


Time:______am pm


Supervising Staff:_________________________________________



Residents:1._______________               6._______________ 


          2._______________               7._______________


	  3._______________               8._______________ 


          4._______________               9._______________


	  5._______________	         10._______________


Activity (Be specific as to what the group will be doing and where

they are going):___________________________________________________






 
Amount $ Taken:_________                        Bee Sting Kit:____________

Amount $ Spent:_________                        First Aid Kit:____________ 

Amount $ Returned:_________                     Significant Behavior: Yes      	No

Amount $ Charged:__________


Receipt Attached:  Yes       	No        	N/A

Pass Returned:  Yes       	No        	N/A



Vehicle Used:__________                         Damage (if any):____________


Driver:________________

Van Keys Returned:  Yes       	No       	N/A




OM Signatures:________________________   Staff Supervising Activity Signatures:



(Departure)___________________________   1.____________________________________



(Return) _____________________________   2.____________________________________

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paying for activities

Activities are paid for in one of three ways: a pass, charge, or cash. Activities that require an entrance fee will have to be arranged for in advance. In some cases, tickets are purchased in large quantities for certain activities and dispersed throughout the year. Examples include putt-putt, bowling and pool tickets to the IMU, and movie money. In most cases, these tickets are kept by the Care Coordinator. When these activities are scheduled, the RC and the Care Coordinator will coordinate the availability of tickets.

Other activities that require an entrance fee may be made available to Shelter residents through donated passes by the sponsoring organization. It is generally the responsibility of the RC/RS Activities Coordinator, the Care Coordinator or the Assistant Director to contact the appropriate personnel to arrange for these passes.

Entrance to some activities may be arranged on an individual basis through pre-payment for the activity. Advanced notice of at least three weeks is required in order to make the funds available through the county auditor’s office. In addition, advanced arrangements may be made that will allow us to ‘charge’ the activity so that payment may follow the actual event or activity. These arrangements need to be made through the Care Coordinator or Assistant Director.

In the event that staff chooses to pay for resident activities out of their own pocket, please note that reimbursement will occur ONLY if prior approval has been obtained from the Care Coordinator or Assistant Director.

Activity Fund

Cash for activities is kept in the Assistant Director’s filing cabinet. When cash is spent, the information is recorded in the cash ledger and a running total is kept. If the cash report doesn't match the money in the envelope, the Assistant Director will ask the Shelter Coordinator to help locate approp. receipts or information to explain the situation.

(This no longer exists since it is technically not legal!-Robin)

Rules for Paying for Activity

• The staff obtains the needed tickets, passes or, on the rare occasion, cash from the Care Coordinator or Assistant Director and keeps them on his/her person.
• Any time we spend cash or charge an activity, staff must get a RECEIPT, which should clearly state the name of the business, the date and the amount. Handwritten receipts must be signed by the proprietor.
• Upon return, the receipt and any change should be turned in to the Care Coordinator’s or Assistant Director’s mail box.
• If the staff does not get a receipt he/she is responsible for reimbursing the agency for the money spent, unless he/she returns to the establishment within 2 business days and gets a substitute receipt.
• We provide up to $2.00 for each person (staff & resident) on regular activity; we allow up to $3.00 for each on special activity.

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transporting residents to activity

Residents are to be transported to activities in the Shelter van. Staff supervising activity should be cleared to drive the van. Staff and residents should follow the rules for the van detailed in the Transportation Policy in the section on Resident Policies and Daily Operation. Generally, residents are not allowed to walk to an activity.

parking for i.u. activities

When we take residents to away from the Shelter activities on the IU campus, because the Shelter van has municipal license plates, we can park in any zoned space on the campus, such as "A" or "C" spaces. We cannot park in reserved or handicapped spaces. We should not use the campus pay lots. On the occasions when it is necessary for staff to pay for parking, the staff member will need to obtain a receipt which can then be turned in for reimbursement.

preparing group for activity

Once the RC has made arrangements for the residents to go on activity by

• choosing group(s) to go
• selecting which staff will supervise
• selecting what the activity will be
• ascertaining how activity will be paid for, and
• giving out passes to supervising staff, then

the RS is to prepare the resident group to go out.

Guidelines

• Make sure residents are dressed appropriately for the activity
• Review activity rules.
• Ask if anyone has to use the bathroom.
• Review the van rules

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when group returns from activity

When the group returns from activity, the RC is to check with the staff who supervised activity to review how the activity went, resolve any problems and record residents’ behavior. The RS or Assistant should return any money, passes or receipts; the RC should complete the Activity Report.

logging information about activity

Activities are recorded in Shelter Logs, noting

• what was the activity
• who supervised, and
• which residents went

In addition, the Assistant or RS should note in their log entries how each resident behaved. The RC is to note any behavior problems in their Log entries.

activity rules

The RS or Assistant supervising activity is expected to enforce the rules and utilize the Behavior Modification System. Ultimately, the RC on duty is responsible for the overall safety and management of the residents. The following rules are to be adhered to:

• Staff cannot tell the residents what the activity is until the group leaves the Shelter. This is to reduce negative sentiment and group resistance. In addition, residents will not have the time to contact friends about activity plans.
• Use the Behavior Modification System.
• Adhere to the Van Policy.
• Residents cannot go to the bathroom on regular 1-2 hr. activities.
• Residents may have bathroom privileges on those activities listed in rule #5. When a resident is in the bathroom staff should wait outside the door with the rest of the group.
• Residents must always stay with the group and be within staff's vision. Residents should not run ahead or linger behind, especially when coming and going from the van. If residents do not stay with the group then consequences will be given.
• Residents cannot take their own money with them on a Shelter activity.
• Residents cannot talk to non Youth Shelter persons, including passing phone numbers and addresses.
• At the YMCA residents may not use the weight room.
• Sunning is allowed on activity with the consent of the RS supervising the activity.
• If a planned activity is unavailable, the Assistant or RS should consult with the RC regarding an alternate plan for activity.
• If there is an injury, accident or fight, or if a resident runs, is caught smoking, refuses to stay with the group, or does any other serious misbehavior, staff should return the residents to the Shelter immediately. The offending resident/s will be given consequences upon return to the Shelter as outlined in the Behavior Modification Program. In case of an automobile accident, follow the procedure in the Van Policy.
• If a resident(s) runs away while on activity, supervising staff's responsibility is to maintain the safety and behavior of the remaining residents, i.e. don't follow or chase down the running resident. If possible,the RS or Assistant should contact the Shelter immediately and then return with the group.
• A violation of any one of these or other Youth Shelter rules is grounds for returning the entire group to the Shelter immediately.

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special activity

Special Activities are scheduled for residents with highest levels who purchase the outing with their tokens. This purchase is reported to the Shelter Care Coordinator who gets final authorization from Counselors and coordinates payment for the activity obtains the money from the Assistant Director. Special activity regularly takes place on a weekend during the school year and as can be scheduled at other times of the year. The Shelter Care Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating any Special Activity, planning with the residents what the activity will be and arranging for a staff to supervise the activity.

Special Activity Rules

The residents must adhere to all activity rules while out on Special Activity. Policy and procedure concerning activity, such as documentation such as filling out activity reports, using money from the Activity Fund, etc., apply to Special Activity as well.

television policy

Staff must monitor both how much T.V. the residents watch, as well as the suitableness of the programs. Residents should not view more than 3 hours of T.V. per each day and evening shift. The maximum 3 hours is allowed only when the number of staff on duty or other conditions make it impossible to constructively use the residents' time in other ways. An exception to this may occur when a video or program is being used for educational purposes.

Staff should determine what programs are appropriate for residents to watch. All programs should be appropriate for the youngest resident to view. In general, monitoring depends on the kinds of residents in the Shelter, but staff should always err on the side of caution. For example, some groups cannot handle watching professional wrestling. At no time are music video channels, such as MTV, BET or VH-1, allowed due to the frequent inappropriateness of songs and/or videos. Generally, talk shows such as Jerry Springer, Montel Williams, etc., are not allowed. It is impossible to accommodate each resident's taste, but hopefully, everyone will be able to watch something they enjoy for approximately 1/2 hour. When residents are not able to resolve T.V. conflicts, the staff should choose a station or turn off the T.V. Staff should be within sight and sound of the T.V. during resident viewing.

Television viewing is a privilege which can be withheld for inappropriate behavior as the staff determines necessary or as determined by the Behavior Modification System. Television viewing can be withheld from an individual or group due to misbehavior.

Video Systems and Games (Nintendo)

All video system controllers and games are kept in the Operations Office cabinets. Residents must return controllers and games to the office immediately after use. Playing video games is a Shelter privilege and daily time allotted to play corresponds with the behavioral management level of the resident. Daily time is as follows:

• Level One: 20 minutes
• Level Two: 40 minutes
• Level Three: 60 minutes

(Times are doubled on holidays and weekends)

Residents will sign-up in the mornings (only after chores are completed) for 20 minute allotted time periods to occur during free time throughout the day. Residents will sign up according to levels; level threes first, then level twos and finally, level ones. Order will be decided based upon length of time on the various levels. For example, Resident J on Level 3, Day 5 signs up before Resident L who is on Level 3, Day 2. Residents cannot sign up for back-to-back 20 minute time periods except for weekends and holidays. During weekends and holidays, the maximum time residents can sign up at one sitting is 40 minutes.

Residents are expected to monitor their own use of the games systems. If sign-up and/or monitoring becomes a problem for a particular resident, loss of game time for the day may be an appropriate consequence. Residents can sign up for either a single use time slot, or a two player time slot if in agreement with another resident. Please note: if residents choose to use a 20 minute, two-player time period, the 20 minutes counts against both residents’ game time total.

Adjustments to the game schedule sign-up sheets can be made at staff discretion based upon the daily schedule and as time allows. Video game time should never supercede regularly scheduled daily programs such as meals and snack, focus, study time or bedtime. Daily time will not rollover nor can a resident bank or save their time for another day.

Nintendo controls and games are kept in the Operations Office closet. Residents must return games and controls to the office immediately after use. However, if a resident has to stop playing before his/her time is over he/she can pause the game and turn in the controls. For example, a resident has to stop playing a game because of lunch. She has 5 more minutes she can play after lunch clean-up. She can pause the game and turn the controls into the office. After lunch she can return to the game and use the 5 minutes.

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Movies

Watching movies should be not be a regularly planned activity and should occur only when there is enough free time allotted so that watching a movie does not interfere with the regular Shelter schedule. Movies are to be selected so that they are appropriate for the youngest resident to view. We can only rent G or PG, or PG-13 movies. NR, R or X movies are not allowed. Staff should consider whether movies may frighten or otherwise upset residents when approving the movie requested. Residents are allowed to choose movies to watch from the Shelter movie library. Residents are not allowed to bring in their own personal videos or DVD’s for viewing. Staff should use discretion when bringing in their own personal videos or DVD’s for resident viewing and should seek the approval of the Care Coordinator or Assistant Director before doing so. Adding videos or DVD’s to the Shelter movie library should also be approved by the Care Coordinator or Assistant Director.

VCR Movie

Renting or borrowing movies is planned into the monthly Activities Schedule. Movies are only rented when it is on the schedule and then only from Full-O-Pep, the library or loans from individuals, as well as utilizing the agency supply. The movies must be appropriate for the youngest resident to watch. We can only rent G, PG, or PG-13 movies. NR, R or X movies are not allowed. The RC should complete an Activities form when renting movies. We cannot show movies that have not been professionally taped for retail. Home taped programs/movies violate copyright laws.

Television Rules

 

• Residents cannot have their own T.V.'s.
• Residents can watch up to 3 hours of T.V. time per each shift. (except overnight shift)
• Residents must get staff permission to turn on the T.V.
• Residents must get staff permission to change the channel.
• The television cannot be on during meals, snacks, YSS, chores, quiet time and study time.
• Watching television is not allowed until regular chores are completed.
• When VCR movies are shown, they count as part of the 3 hours of T.V. time per shift.
• Residents are not allowed to watch any horror movies, even those edited for T.V., no music video channels and no shows with excessive violence or sexual content (including talk shows such as Jerry Springer, Jenny Jones, etc.)
• Residents on freeze or restriction are not allowed to watch T.V.
• Staff are expected to monitor what the residents are watching on T.V.
• Residents cannot watch daytime or afternoon talk shows.
• Residents cannot handle the VCR controls or the T.V. remote control.
• Video game time does not count toward the 3 hours of T.V. viewing.
• On school days residents cannot buy video game time until after school; for residents who are home during day school = YSS.

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radio policy

The Youth Shelter has both a radio with a headset and a radio/cassette player that residents can use. Residents cannot have their own radios, either the Walkman type or the bigger box type. Residents can have one cassette tape, but may not exchange the tape originally inventoried in. Staff determines if cassette tapes are appropriate for the residents to listen to. When not in use, the radios and the cassettes are kept in the office. Residents should return these items to the office immediately after using them.

The radio with a headset is a special privilege which must be bought with tokens. Residents do not have to purchase radio time when the whole group listens to music during activity time. Listening to the radio/cassette player is a privilege which the staff can deny due to misuse of the radio or a cassette or due to an individual or a group's misbehavior.

Radio Rules

• Residents cannot have their own radios.
• The radio/cassette player cannot be taken outside or into a residents' bedroom.
• Residents can buy the headset radio with their tokens; They cannot take the headset outside or in their room.
• The radio and T.V. cannot both be on in the same room.
• The radio cannot be on during scheduled activities, such as meals, snacks, and study time.
• Residents cannot listen to the radio until regular chores are completed.
• Residents cannot listen to other residents' cassette tapes without staff approval; the owner of the cassette tape must inform the OM he/she is giving her consent for another resident to listen to his/her tape.

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Resident Possessions Policy

Residents can have up to 5 complete changes of clothing, some other clothing items, such as shoes, coats, etc. and other personal possessions not in an excessive amount, such as toiletries, school books, etc. All residents' possessions are searched and inventoried in at admission. Refer to the Admissions section for more details on the inventory process. The following pages contain detailed lists of what kinds of things residents can have. Residents may not borrow or loan, buy or sell, give away or share their possessions. The Shelter staff reserve the right to make random searches of residents, their rooms, and their belongings. The agency is not liable for residents' clothing or personal possessions lost, stolen or damaged. Residents should not keep clothing or other possessions at the Shelter that are valuable to them.

clothing

Clothing must comply with the Shelter's Dress Code and should not require special care, such as dry cleaning. All clothing is to be labeled clearly with the resident's first and last initials before it is released to the resident. Overnight staff launder the residents clothes nightly. Refer to the section on Resident Hygiene for more details regarding laundry. Residents keep their clothing in their rooms.

money

The Shelter Program does not allow residents to keep money on their person or in the file. Any money that comes in at the time of intake should be given back to the legal guardian as soon as possible. Until money is returned it should be stored in the Case Manager's desk.

toiletries and make-up

Residents are allowed to have their own toiletries, such as toothpaste, shampoo, hair spray, etc. Smaller items are placed in a sealed, plastic bag, labeled with the resident's first name, and stored in the RC closet. Larger items are labeled with the resident's first name and stored in the Shelter Operations office closet. The Shelter supplies toiletries to residents on an as needed basis. Razors or other sharp items cannot be kept in the plastic bag.

Residents can have a maximum of 5 pieces of make up. Make up is to be bagged and labeled with the resident's first name and stored in the Shelter Operations closet. Under no conditions are residents allowed to share or loan make up. For more detailed information refer to the write-up on Supplies in the section on Health and Hygiene.

medications

Any medications brought into the Shelter for a resident to use which are not on the Shelter's list of doctor approved over the counter medications must have a written prescription. This includes items such as eye drops, vitamins, medicated lip balm, etc. All medications are inventoried in the resident's file and in the Shelter Medications Log. For more details refer to the write up on Medications in the section on Health and Hygiene.

cassette tape

A resident can have 1 cassette tape. Staff determine if the tape is appropriate for the resident to listen to. A resident cannot exchange his/her tape for another tape, unless he/she has the RC's permission to do so. All tapes are labeled with masking tape with the resident's first name and stored in the Operations Office . Residents cannot have TVs radios, stereos, or tape players.

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food or drink items

Individuals who bring in food or drink items for a resident should arrange to bring in enough to share with all residents. On special occasions, such as holidays or birthdays, a resident can have free, at snack time, food or drink items that were brought in only for him/her. Parents and Visitors are asked not to bring in special food for individuals during visitation.

confiscating resident possessions

During Inventory

Any excess or contraband items confiscated during the initial inventory and search process should be returned to the parent/guardian as soon as possible. Until such items are returned, they should be stored in the Shelter mall closet and noted on the resident's inventory sheet. Items to be returned do not have to be individually labeled or inventoried, but can be bagged, labeling the bag with resident's first name and last initial.

Anytime After Inventory

Once staff complete a resident's inventory, anything a resident brings into the Shelter that is not on his/her inventory sheet is confiscated. The Shelter Coordinator will decide what to do with the confiscated item(s). Also once a resident's inventory is complete, a resident cannot exchange his/her clothing or other possessions for different items, unless he/she has permission to do so from the Shelter Coordinator.

If a resident borrows, loans, trades or gives any of his/her possessions to another resident without staff permission, the residents involved are to receive a level drop and the items will be confiscated until the resident's release from the Shelter. Permanent possession changes, such as giving away items, must be arranged by the Shelter Coordinator and require permission from the resident's guardian - this is seldom facilitated.

Any resident laundry that is not picked up in the morning is confiscated for 24 hours. These confiscated items are stored in the Shelter Operations office. For related information refer to the write up on Searches in the section on Emergency and Safety Practices.

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storing confiscated possessions

Small confiscated items can be stored in the Office in the "Confiscated Items Box." However it is preferable to store all confiscated items with other resident belonging in the Shelter mall. Weapons should be turned over to the Shelter Coordinator. Money should be turned over to the Case Manager to store.

When a Resident Runs Away

Within 20-24 hours of a resident running away, the residents' personal possessions should be gathered, bagged and the bag labeled. Staff should store these items together in the Shelter mall, until the resident returns from the run or the Case Manager arranges to have the possessions released. If a resident is court ordered or a DFC placement and runs away, their personal possessions cannot be released to their parents without first checking with the Probation Officer or Case Manager.

When a resident returns from a run, staff must search the resident. Any items, including clothing, he/she brings in that are not on the resident's inventory are to be confiscated. Normally, the items will be returned to the resident's parent/guardian at discharge.

resident possessions left at the shelter

The Shelter notifies the parent/guardian by mail when a resident leaves personal belongings at the Youth Shelter. The agency policy is that the parent/guardian will have 30 days to claim the property; after 30 days, unclaimed items will become property of the Youth Shelter. Unless other arrangements have been made by the Shelter Coordinator, a resident's personal possessions can only be released to the youth's parent/guardian or authorized representative. A resident's personal property cannot be released to the ex-resident.

youth shelter clothes

The Shelter maintains a supply of clothing stored in the Shelter mall. Residents can wear Shelter clothes when their clothing is inappropriate or inadequate. It should be noted on a resident's inventory if he/she is borrowing Shelter clothing. Shelter clothing should be returned after use or at exit, unless the Shelter Coordinator or Assistant Director has arranged to give these items to the resident.

items residents keep on their person / in room

• 5 changes of clothing and something to sleep in
• Up to 2 pairs of shoes
• Outerwear - jackets, gloves, etc.
• School materials, e.g. books, notebooks, folders
• Personal items e.g. photographs (not in glass frames), cards, diaries, etc.
• Jewelry
• 1 stuffed animal
• Hygiene items
• 5 pieces of make-up

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items residents use but keep in om office / closet

• Electric razors
• Laminated ID cards/plastic cards - keep in file
• 1 cassette tape
• Book Bags or Backpacks
• Medications medications require a written prescription
• Perfume or cologne
• Disposable razors - residents turn in razors immediately after use; staff throw these out
• Food items
• Curling iron
• Purse
• Bookbags/ Baackpacks
• Perfume/Cologne

items residents cannot have / to be confiscated

• Metal nail files or clippers
• Finger nail polish and/or remover
• Safety pins, razor blades
• Mouthwash
• Anything which could be used as an inhalant
• Any drug related/alcohol related paraphernalia or clothing
• Bank Account Records e.g.checking or savings account book
• Scissors
• Hangers
• Extra cassettes & make-up
• Steel toed boots
• Heavy metal magazines
• Satanic literature
• Blow dryers
• Bandanas, hats, visors, headbands
• Any clothing not allowed in the dress code or in excess of 5 changes.
• Any type of knife or weapon (store in locked cabinet by Shelter Manager)
• Radios, tape player, stereos, and TVs
• Hair items, e.g. bleach, hair color, permanent solutions
• Sunglasses (unless prescription), gloves (unless for winter)
• Cigarettes, lighters, matches, or other smoking materials
• Drivers License
• Items with gang symbols
• Aerosol cans
• Chains
• Phone Card
• Chewing tobacco
• Beepers

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Dress Code

Residents are to adhere to the following guidelines regarding appropriate dress.

• Cut-off shirts are not allowed.
• Cut-off shorts or cut-off sweatpants are allowed at the discretion of the RC
• No ripped or torn clothing, ( can have holes in pants if hole is at knee or below.)
• No midriff shirts or halter tops. ( No belly button viewing).
• No hats or headbands (hats are OK for cold weather outings).
• No clothing advertising or advocating use of alcohol or drugs, including clothing advertising bars.
• No sunglasses unless prescribed.
• Gloves OK only for cold weather or as needed for work.
• No bandannas.
• No earrings longer than 1/2 inch for residents.
• Shoes and shirts required at all times. (slippers worn indoors).
• Shorts and shirts of appropriate length and fit at the discretion of the RC.
• Residents cannot alter clothing, such as cutting pants into shorts, cutting out sleeves of shirts, without parent/guardian and Shelter Coordinator's permission.
• No "pop tab" jewelry.
• No clothing with gang symbols or satanic symbols.
• Residents cannot to write on their clothes.
• No beepers
• Residents cannot wear their coats or jackets in the house.

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Visitation Policy

who can visit

Visiting is limited to the members of a resident's household, unless permission for a special visit is given by the resident's Case Manager. Members of the resident's household are listed in the resident's intake packet. The RC should refer to this information first if there are questions as to whether individuals requesting to visit are actual household members. All visitors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Any non-household member seeking permission to visit must contact the resident's Case Manager on a weekday at least 24 hours in advance of the planned visit. All out of Shelter visits must be similarly approved.

The Case Manager will approve or disapprove of visits in accord with the youth's care plan and as approved by any placing agency. When the stays in the Shelter are two weeks or less, no arrangements for home visits are made. For longer stays, home visits are denied or approved in accord with the care plan.

visting hours

Visiting hours are scheduled on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and on Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

signing-in visitors

When visitors arrive at the Shelter they are to stop at the RC office and sign in with the RC. A note book is kept in the RC office for this purpose. The following information is to be recorded: 1) date, 2) who is visiting (visitors sign in their names), 3) resident who is being visited, 4) total time of visit, 5) visitor's relation to resident, e.g. (M), (F), (B), etc. The RC should make an entry in his/her Log entry indicating who visited which residents.

Example Log Entry

	Visitors:  	John   (M),(F),
		  	Sue   (SM), (B), (SS)

where in the shelter are visitors allowed?

The areas for visitation are limited to the living and dining areas and the visitors’ room, and the entry hall. We do not use bedrooms for visitation . Residents who do not have visitors should be kept busy away from the visitors. When privacy is needed, the Case Manager or On-Call will approve other locations for a visit.

special visits

Special visits out of the Shelter or by non household members must be arranged by the Case Manager. Information about such visits is recorded on the resident board and in the Shelter Log. If arrangements have been made for an out of the Shelter visit, the resident is to be signed out by the visitor on a Temporary Absence Sheet in the front of the Shelter Log.

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visitor smoking policy

Visitors who smoke must do so outside on the porch. Residents cannot be outside in this area when visitors are smoking. Visitors should be asked to dispose of the cigarette butt appropriately. Please do not throw the butt on the ground.

problems with visitors

If a visitor is disruptive to the program or a resident, i.e. an intoxicated visitor, the staff on duty have the right and the responsibility to ask the visitor to leave. Any problems with visitors or visitation should be noted in the Log and referred to the Case Manager or the On Call depending on the nature of the problem.

visitation rules

• Visiting hours are Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and on Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.
• Visiting is usually limited to the members of a resident's household.
• Visiting is restricted to the Shelter building; visitors must stay in the living and dining areas or visitation room or entry hall.
• Special visits outside of visiting hours, outside of the Shelter or with persons who don't live in the resident's household must be arranged with the Case Manager, at least 24 hours in advance.
• All visitors must sign in at the RC office.
• Visitors must turn over to the RC all items they want to give a resident.
• Visitors must smoke outside. Residents cannot be outside when visitors are smoking.

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Telephone Policy

calling hours

All phone calls are to be dialed by the Residential Coordinator or assigned staff. Incoming calling hours are from 3pm to 9:00pm. Residents are allowed outgoing phone calls according to the Level that they are on. A restriction level does not make any outgoing phone calls whereas a Level 3 resident can make 1 parental phone call and two social phone calls. Refer to the Behavior Management Level system for further guidelines. All phone calls are limited to 5 minutes length. These calls are to be made or received at the discretion and convenience of the RC. The order in which phone calls are made is decided by the level system as well.

to whom may residents speak?

Residents may make or receive phone calls from anyone, except ex residents and individuals who the parent/legal guardian has restricted the resident from having contact with. Restrictions established by the parent/ guardian are recorded in the intake packet, in the Log and in the Client Black Book. Residents can choose not to accept personal/social phone calls. The staff and resident can discuss what is the best way to communicate to the caller the resident's wishes to not talk.

logging phone calls

All calls made and received by residents are to be noted in the Shelter Log in the following manner:

Example Log Entry

	John (resident)--->(M) (arrow to right indicates resident placed call)
	Sue  (resident)<---(F) (arrow to left indicates resident received call)
	

monitoring phone calls

Occasionally, the staff will be asked by the parent/guardian to monitor resident phone calls or the Case Manager or administrative staff will require monitoring of calls. Monitoring phone calls may mean dialing the phone number or actually listening in on the call. If monitoring is required, it will be indicated on the Resident Board and specific directions will be written in the Log.

long distance calls

Residents who make long distance phone calls must call collect. Only the Case Manager or On-Call can arrange for residents to make a collect call. These kinds of arrangements would be noted in the Log. Long distance calls are recorded in the Telephone Log. Staff must dial all calls.

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supervising residents using the phone

Residents use the phone extension 2990 Operations office. When residents use the phone they can sit in the chair as designated. Before calling hours start, it is helpful if the RC makes a list of who wants to use the phone and the order in which those residents will make their calls. Especially on a busy night when most of the residents want to use the phone, preplanning is essential to make sure that those residents who want to use the phone have at least 1 call.

The RC or assigned staff supervises the residents when they use the phone. The staff use an egg timer to limit calls to 5 minutes. The staff should be aware of who the resident is talking to and any contact restrictions listed in the Client Black Book. Staff should be attentive to how the conversation is going, and be prepared to intervene if necessary, when a resident becomes upset or it appears he/she is talking with someone whom they are restricted from having contact with. Also, staff should be alert to a resident abusing phone privileges by doing such things as, making non-approved long distance phone calls, or making a call, hanging up the phone before the 5 minutes is over and making another call. Using the telephone is a privilege which can be monitored or withheld for inappropriate behavior as the staff determines necessary or as determined by the Behavior Modification System.

telephone rules

• Calling hours are nightly, 3 - 9 PM for outgoing calls.
• Residents are allowed to make/receive phone calls according to their respective levels.
• Residents use the 2990 line, extension phone in the office.
• Residents using the phone can sit in the office.
• Residents should not make outgoing calls during study time.
• Residents can talk with anyone with whom they are not restricted from having contact; residents are restricted from having contact with ex-residents.
• Residents can make business calls, as necessary and appropriate, outside of their allotted parental and social calls to individuals involved in their case.
• Unless other arrangements have been approved, long distance calls are made collect.
• Residents on restriction or freeze cannot use the phone except for necessary calls approved by the Case Manager or On-Call.

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Resident Mail

outgoing mail

The Shelter provides paper, envelopes and postage for residents to write letters to any individual(s) with whom they are not restricted from having contact. We do not provide the materials for residents to write individuals with whom they are restricted from having contact.

The Residents must purchase a stamp with tokens and can purchase up to 7 stamps a week. The resident may mail additional letters by providing for his/her own postage. Outgoing mail is placed into the Shelter Care Coordinator’s mail box after the residents has purchased the stamp.

incoming mail

Residents may receive mail from any individual as long as there are no restrictions ordered by a court on contact. Residents are asked to open their mail in the presence of a staff member to check that contraband items or items like money, are handled in an appropriate manner. Residents are not allowed to retrieve the mail from the mail box. All mail is first sorted by the Shelter Care Coordinator before being given to the residents.

Smoking Policy

residents

Residents are not allowed to smoke. Staff are to confiscate any cigarettes, lighters, matches or other smoking materials that a resident has on his/her person or in his/her possession. These confiscated items will be returned to the legal guardian at the earliest possible convenience or disposed of. A violation of this rule by a resident will result in restriction.

Residents are not allowed to wear clothing that advertises cigarettes, tobacco or any other smoking materials. Staff are to confiscate any such clothing and return the item(s) to the legal guardian at the earliest possible convenience.

Staff will destroy any smoking materials found during a search of the house as well as those materials found on the resident.

visitors

Visitors must smoke outside in the designated smoking area. Any visitors under age 18 must be supervised by an adult. No resident can be outside in the smoking area when a visitor are smoking. Staff must supervise any resident or group of residents who are outside elsewhere on the grounds when a visitor is smoking.

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Extra Curricular Activities Policy

A youth who is placed at the Shelter can, to the extent it is feasible, continue to participate in extra curricular activities, (such as sports, a job, choir, etc.), the youth was involved in before coming to the Shelter. Cases will be decided on an individual basis and by the Case Manager. When making such decisions the following factors will be taken into consideration:

• Parent/legal guardian's permission
• Behavior and maturity of youth
• Available transportation*
• Can youth participate in activity and meet Shelter program requirements, e.g. chores, study time, etc. and except in special circumstances be in bed by regular bed time.

The Shelter will make available the opportunity for a youth to participate in religious activities in accordance with the youth's religious faith so far as is practical. The Case Manager will decide these cases on an individual basis.

*Generally we expect the youth's parent/guardian to provide transportation. When feasible we can provide up to 50% of the transportation. For more details refer to the Transportation Policy in the Section on Resident Policies and Daily Operation.

when a resident has a job

The following are guidelines and rules regarding a resident who is allowed to work outside of the Shelter:

• The Care Coordinator or assigned Staff should verify the resident's work schedule with the resident's employment supervisor.
• The resident's work schedule will be recorded in the Shelter Log and on the monthly calendar.
• The Case Manager must approve all transportation arrangements.
• The Case Manager makes arrangements for supervision when resident cashes or deposits pay check.
• The Case Manager arranges what to do with money.
• Only 20 hours a week of employment is allowed while resident is in placement.

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Transportation

transportation policy

The Shelter provides transportation to and from school, and to and from any away from the Shelter activities. We normally expect the parent/guardian to provide transportation to counseling, medical, or court appointments, as well as any approved extra curricular activities, such as church, sports, etc.

If the parent/guardian is unable to provide transportation, he/she should be referred to the Case Manager to make other arrangements. When feasible we can provide up to 50% of the transportation. On occasion, some acceptable alternative means of transportation to work or an approved extra curricular activities include taking the bus or walking. However a resident cannot walk places unsupervised after dark. The Case Manager will inform the RCs of the details regarding these kinds of arrangements.

If the resident is a ward of the court or a DFC, the Shelter usually assists in as much of the local transportation as possible. When we are unable to provide transportation, the Case Manager will notify Case Workers and/or representatives of the court.

when a resident attends summer school

The Shelter provides transportation to and from summer school. Other approved means of transportation include the parent/guardian transporting, or taking the bus. The RC's will be informed of the details of these kinds of arrangements.

vehicles the shelter uses for transportation

Normally, the Shelter van is used for routine resident transportation, such as to and from school or to and from activity. On occasion staff use their vehicles for resident transportation. This mostly occurs when the Case Manager is transporting a resident to an appointment. RCs, RSs and Assistants should not use their own vehicles for resident transportation unless OK’d by the Shelter Care Coordinator or On-Call and they have cleared re: insurance.

Van Policy

Residents and staff are to adhere to the following rules regarding the Shelter van and transportation.

Van Operation

Who can Drive the Van

• Before a staff member is cleared to drive the van, he/ she must show proof of a valid CHAUFFEURS’ license. Also he/she must pass a supervised driving test in the van. This will be arranged by the Shelter Coordinator. In addition, staff driving the van must have their name and social security number turned in to the county's insurance carrier.
• The Shelter van is strictly used for Shelter business. Staff are not to use the van for personal business.
• Staff should always retain their driver's license on their person. Staff should also abide by any restrictions on their license, such as wearing prescription glasses. Staff are responsible for driving carefully and within the law, including always wearing a seat belt.
• Staff are not allowed to make any unplanned stops or detours. If an errand, school run or activity has to be significantly re-routed or is unduly delayed, the staff driving the van should consult on the phone with the RC. All stops and mileage are to be recorded during the trip.
• If staff receive a parking ticket, that staff person will be responsible for it’s payment and should inform the Assistant Director. This is also true for moving violations.
• Staff are never to leave the van running and unattended by staff.

Van Keys

• When not in use the van keys are to be kept in the locked medicine cabinet in the Operations Office. Except when warming up the van in the winter (see warm-up procedures), staff are never to leave the keys in the van. When staff have to park and leave the van, such as on activity, or running an errand staff are to keep the keys on their person. The keys are to be returned to the locked cabinet as soon as possible upon returning to the Shelter. The Shelter Coordinator or On-Call staff are to be notified in the event the van keys are missing.
• The van must be locked at all times. Also, anytime the van is not in use, all windows should be closed.

Gas

• All gas is purchased at Monroe County Highway Department. Individual staff will be trained in the procedures by the Shelter Coordinator or Assistant Director. During the school year the daytime RS is to gas up the van every Monday and Thursday as part of the school run. During the summer the van should be gassed up every Monday. Staff driving the van should always check the gas level. Also any time the van is approximately 1/4 tank, the staff are to inform the RC and arrange to gas up the van as needed.

Van Maintenance

• Staff are not responsible for checking van maintenance (oil, radiator, etc.). The van maintenance is monitored by the Highway Department. If staff notice any kind of problem or damage, staff should report the problem to his/her immediate supervisor and the Shelter Coordinator. If the van breaks down when away from the Shelter (school run, grocery shopping, activity, etc.), staff should call the Shelter as soon as possible.
• The van vehicle registration is kept in the open compartment in the dash board of the van.
• The van is equipped with a small ABC fire extinguisher; it is stored under the seat of the van driver. The van is also equipped with a First Aid kit. These items are to remain with the van.
• Smoking is not allowed in the van.

Warming-Up the Van

• In the winter the RS should warm up the van approximately 5-10 minutes before the school run leaves. The RS should remove the ignition key from the key ring, so he/she can lock the door and the door key can remain available to the staff.
• Upon return from driving the van, staff should record the van mileage on the Mileage Chart in the van.

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transporting residents

Pick Up & Drop Off from/to the Shelter

When transporting residents anywhere in the Youth Shelter van, residents should be escorted by the staff to and from the van. This does not include dropping of picking up residents from school.

Pick-Up

Staff should park the van in the spot next to the shed in the front parking lot at all times. When it is raining the van can be pulled closer to the doors for pick-ups at shelter. Then turn off the ignition and enter the building to escort the residents to the van.

Drop Off

Staff should park the van in the spot next to the shed in the front parking lot at all times. If it is raining the van can be pulled closer to the doors for drop-offs. Then turn off the ignition and escort the children into the building. The staff driving the van should stay with the residents until the RC says it is OK to go park the van.

**When there is only 1 resident the aforementioned does not have to be adhered to. Staff can escort the resident to and from the Shelter and the van while the van is parked in its spot in the lot.

Pick Up & Drop Off from/to School, Appointments, etc.

Pick-Up from School

Staff should wait no more than 10 minutes at the first school, and no more than 5 minutes at the succeeding schools. Residents are to be picked up at various places at each school. See the school maps for transportation. If a resident doesn't meet the van, staff should not leave the van to search for the resident. Staff should notify the RC via phone that the resident did not meet the van. The RC treats the situation as a run-away. For more details refer to the write ups on Behavior Management program, Runaway Procedures in the section on Emergency and Safety Practices and School Run Procedures in the section on School.

Drop Off to School

All residents are to be dropped off in various pre-designated places at each school. Refer to the school maps for transportation. Unless instructed, staff do not leave the van to escort the residents into their schools. For more details refer to the information write up on the School Run in the section on School.

Pick-Up from Appointments, etc.

Staff can wait in the van 10-15 minutes. If the resident does not meet the van, staff may leave the van to inquire as to the possible location of the resident so long as no other residents are left in the van without staff supervision.

Drop Off to Appointments, etc.

Staff should drop the residents off in front and watch the resident enter the building or place of business. Unless instructed, staff are not required to escort the resident into the building.

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resident van rules

• Before the van begins moving, all passengers must have their seat belts securely fastened and sitting upright. Staff should check to verify that residents have fastened their seat belts.
• taff are not allowed to leave the residents unattended in the van. If staff need to leave the van for any reason except get gas or check out a maintenance problem (in these situations the staff should turn off the van and secure the keys on their person), the staff must take with them all the residents who are in the van.
• Residents are not allowed to eat or drink in the van.
• Residents are not allowed to handle the heating, air conditioning or radio controls.
• Seating: Staff can and should assign seating for the residents as needed. Small group assignments do not necessarily apply when transporting residents in the van. As much as possible residents should not be allowed to sit in the farthest back bench seat, to aid the staff in proving better supervision. The front, CO-pilot seat is also to be left vacant unless the van is too full. Boys and girls are not to share the same bench seat. Only when necessary, due to higher population count can opposite sexes share a bench seat and then it must be the very front bench.
• Residents are not allowed to yell out the van windows.
• Residents must remain seated with their seat belts fastened at all times. If a resident unfastens his/her seat belt and/or moves from his/her seat, the staff should stop the van (at the staff's earliest possible convenience and in safe manner for all passengers and other motorists) and not begin moving until the resident has returned to his/her seat and fastened the seat belt.
• Residents can loose points for their behavior in the van, if s/he does not follow van rules and meets the van at designated time and pick up spot.
• 1-on-1 Contact: The rules prohibiting staff/resident 1-on-1 contact do not apply to transporting residents in the van. However if a staff member(s) feels uncomfortable or at risk being alone in the van with a particular resident, he/she should consult with the Shelter Coordinator or On-call staff. Also the Assistant Director, Shelter Coordinator or On-Call staff may determine that no staff member can be alone with a particular resident even to transport. In either situation alternative arrangements to 1-on-1 contact will be made.

in the event of an accident

• Staff are to stay at the scene of the accident until all police work is completed.
• If the police are called, staff should also call, (using cell phone), the Shelter at the same time to inform the RC of the details of the accident and any injuries to staff or residents.
• Staff should check for, assess and provide first aid to any resident or staff with injuries. If the injuries are minor, the staff at the scene should consult with the Shelter staff, regarding the necessity of and/or transportation to the hospital. If injuries are major or life threatening, staff should provide first aid and seek medical attention immediately, including using the cell phone to call for an ambulance. The staff driving the van can inform the staff at the Shelter of the situation, once s/he is reasonably certain, the residents are no longer in danger and medical personnel have assumed care for any major injuries.
• Normally police will provide the staff with insurance information of the other motorist(s), if there is one. If police do not provide this information, staff should be sure to obtain it. Refer to other motorist(s) to the Monroe County Youth Shelter for Shelter insurance information.
• In the event of an accident, the Shelter Coordinator or On-Call should be notified as soon as possible.

when staff use their own vehicles

Residents and staff are to adhere to the following rules and procedures any time staff use their own vehicle to transport a resident.

• Clearance: Before a staff member can use his/her own vehicle to provide resident transportation, he/she must be authorized to do so by the Assistant Director or Shelter Coordinator. A staff member must show proof of a valid driver's license and at least liability insurance coverage for his/her vehicle. He/she must also have valid license plates. In addition his/her car must be considered "safe" for transporting residents, i.e. working seat belts.
• RCs, RSs and Assistants should not use their own vehicles to transport a resident unless the situation has been OK’d by the Shelter Coordinator or On-Call.
• Behavior Management and Rules: Staff and residents are to adhere to the rules outlined in the Van Policy for transporting residents in the van, i.e. everyone must where a seat belt, not leaving the resident alone in the vehicle, etc.
• Accident: Staff should adhere to the Accident Guidelines summarized in the Van Policy.
• 1-on-1 Contact: Staff are to adhere to the guidelines regarding that are outlined in the Van Policy.

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Summer & School Holiday Schedule

There are changes in the Shelter Daily Schedule when the residents are not in school for, summer, winter and spring breaks. The following highlights the changes in the schedule:

• wake-up time
• morning chores
• meals & snacks time
• bed time
• activity

REFER TO THE ATTACHED SUMMER/HOLIDAY SCHEDULE AT THE END OF THIS SECTION FOR DETAILS.

98 manual1\respoday.op

shelter schedule instructions

Wake Up

This involves showers, medication dispensation and resident cleaning rooms. No television prior to the school run or TLC. Resident rooms should be clean prior to leaving for school or points are lost and room still needs to be cleaned before that individual can go to any other activity.

YSS

Residents who are 16 or older may be participating in the MCCSC GED program. Those residents who are in middle school or junior high are eligible to attend Youth Outreach as coordinated and accepted by the Youth Outreach teacher. Those residents who do not qualify for either TLC or Youth Outreach and are not presently attending regular school classes will remain in the shelter and work from the educational materials available or do assigned reading and reports.

The students will have a 15 minute break at 10:00 after which they will return to their studies. No TV is allowed on break.

School Run

The RS will leave on the school run no later than 2:20pm. If necessary, the RC or the Shelter Coordinator may instruct the RS to take some of the shelter residents along on the trip so as to minimize the number of residents left in the shelter. (However, no restricted residents may leave on this trip.)

Store Time

Residents are in charge of their own checkbooks, though the tally sheets will remain in the office and staff will continue to tabulate the account. If residents lose their checkbooks, they must pay one day’s worth of tokens, according to their respective levels, to get a new one. Residents can write checks to purchase designated items during the assigned 30 minute period. Any special snack items may be purchased for the 4pm snack time.

Snack

There is a 4:00pm and 8:00pm snack. The duration of snack time should be 15 minutes. Any special snack items may only be purchased for the4:00pm snack time and checks should have been written during the store period at 3:30pm. If a special snack is purchased, then it is a replacement for the menu snack item.

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Activity/Rec Period

Sunday afternoon through Thursday, all activities are on-grounds. Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday morning activities will incorporate off-grounds recreation for those on level 2 and above. Participation is required as part of the program. If an off-grounds activity is scheduled, those residents only on level 1 will be allowed to participate in an on-site activity during that period.

Meals

All residents sit together for meals when instructed to do so. There should be no restroom break during the meal period. Residents on restriction sit separated from the rest of the group. Staff may assign seats as necessary to maintain appropriate control of the group.

Everyone should be encouraged to eat what is prepared. If a resident does not eat some of everything that is offered, then s/he will not be allowed dessert, thus hoping to encourage proper nutritional meal value.

A resident may have one peanut butter (and jelly) sandwich only if s/he has eaten their share of the meal as planned on the menu – this option is not meant as a substitute for a meal the resident does not like.

Phone Calls

All calls are limited to a 5 minute length. All phone calls must be dialed by staff and no long distance calls are allowed. Abide by the following guidelines as pertains to resident outgoing or incoming calls: (If parents/guardians call to talk to their child, we must let them have contact unless otherwise noted due to a restrictive level or contact restriction.)

• Level "0" = 0 calls
• Level "2" = 2 calls (1 can be social)
• Level "1" = 1 p/g call
• Level "3" = 3 calls (2 can be social)

Using a sign-up sheet, each resident on Levels 3, 2, and 1 may sign up for on call; after that, Level 3s and 2s can sign up for one additional call; then, time permitting, Level 3s can sign up for their last allowed call.

ALWAYS check contact restrictions before allowing a call.

Focus Group

This group is held on Sundays-Thursdays, 4pm-5pm, during the school year and Monday-Friday, 10:30am-11:30am, during the summer break. The focus schedule, format and materials can be found in the second desk in the RC office. Participation in focus is required by all residents; refusal to participate will result in a level drop and two hour freeze.

Study Time

Study time is from 6:30pm-7:30pm, Monday – Thursday and 6:00p-7p on Sundays during the school year. Monday – Thursday, designated study time is from the time that focus ends until 7:30pm to be used for homework and showers when needed. TV is not allowed during this time.

Quiet Time

Activities allowed during quiet time include reading, writing, homework, drawing, coloring, puzzles, or other individual crafts or activities. There are to be no activities which involve communication with other residents such as card or board games, or which generate noise such as TV, radio or Ping Pong. The purpose of this time is to get residents quieted and settled down; because of this, no video games are allowed, even alone and with headphones.

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