The use of established curriculums will assist our staff in teaching skills to youth and parents. These skills will not only help solve the problems for which they sought help, but will also provide assistance in solving difficulties that may arise after services have ended. Depending on the child/youth’s age one of the following curriculums will be provided and taught to the parents: For children aged birth – 36 months, Baby Play and Learn and Touch Points; Common Sense Parenting of Toddlers and Preschoolers will be taught to parents of children aged 2 – 5 years old; and Common Sense Parenting is taught to parents of youth aged 6 – 17 years old; For youth aged 8-17, various topics will be presented to teach skills that will allow them to be successful both in and out of the home, and will help them make better choices. These topics can include; Self Esteem and Social Skills, Activities that Build Self Esteem, and Character Building Activities.

The one-on-one interaction that occurs with families take place in their home, at our office or a place of their choosing, at a time that is convenient to them. On average, visits occur every seven to ten days throughout the service period. If the family is in need of more assistance additional in-homes will be scheduled. Providing services in the home and at a time convenient to the family reduces the disruption to the youth and family. Parents do not have to miss work, and the youth can remain in school. Typically, in-home visits result in families being more relaxed, resulting in more productive sessions. Our direct care staff is also able to provide more effective suggestions, since they have a better understanding of the family’s situation.

Our crisis intervention service assist both current families, and families seeking assistance. If a youth or family that we are currently working with is in need of assistance, they can call 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year to receive immediate help. If a crisis should occur, these service allow youth/families to obtain assistance at that time instead of waiting until their next in-home visit. By providing access to professional assistance, youth and families can obtain help when a situation occurs and prevent it from escalating into a potentially more serious problem.

For youth or families calling our program for the first time, if it is determined that they are eligible for our service and would like to participate in our program, an initial in-home visit will be scheduled at that time. If needed, crisis calls will be scheduled immediately, with staff responding at the family’s home. An initial in-home visit for non-crisis will be offered to the family within 48-hours. For families that are not eligible for Stay Together service, or wish to try another type of service, referrals will be made during the initial phone conversation. Referring families to appropriate programs allow them to be linked to an appropriate service as soon as possible so that they can begin receiving the assistance they need.

Shelter care can be provided to youth ages ten through seventeen that have runaway or have been kicked out of their house. Short Term Shelter ensures that the youth has a safe place to stay until he/she returns home. When a youth enters shelter, the Stay Together Program’s goal is to reunite the youth with his/her family as soon as possible. Once a youth returns home our staff will continue to provide services to ensure that the youth’s return is successful. The average length of stay for Short Term Emergency Shelter is 1 – 2 days.