Upon acceptance and prior admission to Fresh Start, a planning conference will be held attended by one of the directors of Fresh Start, the youth's social worker, and when in the best interest of the youth, the youth's family.
The planning conference will focus on the past history, plan of care, length of stay, and when applicable the degree of family involvement, such as regular home visits and family sessions.
Progress conferences will be conducted every three months involving the resident, his/her social worker, child care staff, the operator, probation officer if required, and whenever possible the youth's parent(s). The progress conference will provide an opportunity for the youth to participate in planning for his/her future.
Discussion will surround the youth's functioning in regards to daily routines, response to limits, relationships, academic achievement, responsibilities, health, and personal interests. The plan of care will be discussed, goals and objectives reviewed and or modified, and when required, new goals set.
The inclusion of the operators and staff will allow the youth to be involved in the progress conferences and challenge any areas of concern that he/she may have in regards to his/her progress. The presence of the social worker is of the utmost importance in order to be of support to the youth. Involvement of the parents, if deemed advisable, will be strongly encouraged.
Fresh Start maintains a professional affiliation with a community psychotherapist to assist with individual counselling for our youth, as well as a pediatrician who assists in monitoring youth medications and providing medication adjustments as neccessary. In addition Fresh Start has strong community ties with our local physician and dental provider in order to ensure that health of our youth is mainatined.
