The
Charlton School recognizes that many students would benefit from
continuing access to a range of services after discharge. This is true for those who move into an independent living
situation as well as for those who are returning to their families. The
following is a summary of the services that The Charlton School provides.
During
Placement
While in placement, the students at The Charlton School, particularly those
with a permanency goal of independent living, receive a wide range of services
designed to prepare them for independent living (see
Independent Living Program description). Those students who have a permanency goal of returning
to family are involved in ongoing, extensive family therapy with members of
their immediate and extended families while at Charlton.
All students and families are encouraged to participate
in Charlton’s voluntarily After Care Program. If After Care services are chosen,
they are provided by one of the two After Care workers who begins working with
the student and family 6 weeks prior to discharge. Immediately, school options
are discussed with the Ketchum-Grande principal, family, and home school
district and a plan is put into action for the student to return to their home
district in a recommended program. An assessment of a student’s goals,
strengths, and needs is completed during regular meetings with their After Care
worker. Also included in those individual meetings is the discussion and
formulation of a plan for a post-discharge contract as well as thorough
discussion of topics including support systems, health and medication issues,
sexuality concerns, and substance issues (where applicable) if follow-up is
required. A meeting with the therapist, After Care worker, student and her
family is arranged to openly share plans and concerns for the upcoming
discharge.
After
Discharge
Upon discharge from Charlton, most residents will return to live with their
family, while some will go on to independent living. During the transition
following discharge students are offered a number of services to assist them
for up to one year (with periodic reassessments).
The one-year process of involvement in After Care is
divided into four quarters which begins with a high level of intensity and
involvement and gradually reduces frequency of contact over the year. The
first quarter includes weekly phone calls to student, every 3 weeks
face-to-face contact with student, monthly phone contact with parents and
schools, and an optional family session at Charlton with their Therapist and
Aftercare worker. Face-to-face contact in the second quarter is monthly.
Weekly phone calls continue, and monthly family contact, family sessions, and
school contact continue. The third quarter includes weekly phone calls,
random visitation, monthly phone calls to parents and school, and sessions as
needed. The last quarter reflects a process of gradually reducing
involvement, encouraging proactive contact from the student and families yet
still monitoring for needs. Phone calls continue bimonthly and all other
contact is expected to lessen as the individual becomes more self-sufficient.
However, in times of crisis or on an as needed basis further sessions with the
Therapist may be scheduled. One final visit is planned prior to discharge from
the program.
The
focus of the After Care Program is to provide support, guidance, and feedback
to the former Charlton student in managing both daily living tasks and
crises. The After Care worker will also provide referrals to necessary
services and assist in planning for transportation and payment for these
services. Referrals to educational, employment, income, housing, substance,
and counseling services are made as necessary.
