1501 N Meridian
Wichita, KS 67203
316-942-3221
www.MaudeCarpenter.org

      Homes for children ....

                     Help for families

Christian Family Cottage
Residential Program Handbook (Revised 9/20/06)

Things you need to know to succeed!

Maude Carpenter Children's Home

Maude Carpenter, a teacher by profession, had no children of her own, but loved each one she taught. Following the death of her husband, a banker in Protection, Kansas, Maude moved to Wichita and spread her love to children whose families had been touched by tragedy, pain and hardship. She made a major financial commitment to help build the first building on the newly purchased site for the children’s home program that now honors her name. She was active with the children until her death, leaving a trust through her estate that continues to fund activities at the Children’s Home.

The Maude Carpenter Children's Home began as an act of benevolence in 1943 by a congregation of the Church of Christ in downtown Wichita. Though that particular congregation no longer exists, the agency remains associated and supported by the Churches of Christ.

State incorporation was secured in 1946 and land was purchased at 13th and Meridian. Churches of Christ and interested individuals (particularly Maude Carpenter) gave funds for construction of the first building on the old farm. At that time, the agency was an orphanage, taking in children to raise them. Many children stayed for years, grew up and still have contact with the agency. The very first child at Maude Carpenter is living with his wife in Terre Haute, Indiana, occasionally stopping by for a visit.

The Children’s Home has changed over the years, yet remains the central ministry of the agency. Children are placed at MCCH through various agencies or private referrals. The children come to MCCH with an array of problems ranging from physical and/ or sexual abuse to truancy and/ or chemical dependency problems.

Mission Statement

As a ministry of the Churches of Christ, the mission of Maude Carpenter Children's Home is to equip children and their families with skills for handling personal problems and pressure by promotiing Emotional, Social, Physical and Spiritual Strength through meeting personal problems.

A Commitment

At Maude Carpenter Children's Home we are committed to putting the child back in the family.

The Treatment Team (made up of various professionals from Cottage Parents, Therapist, and the Director of Services) is committed to treating the child and the family as a whole with the goal of putting the child back into the family. Believing each family member plays a specific role in the family, each must come together in the therapeutic setting to work at making each individual and the family functioning in a healthy way.

Parents must be committed to working with their child while at Maude Carpenter Children's Home and after discharge. This means attending various therapeutic sessions recommended by the Treatment Team. This is a requirement in order for your child to be placed at Maude Carpenter Children's Home.

The Child: You are being placed at Maude Carpenter Children's Home for specific reasons. Although you may not understand or agree, it is important for you to commit to being here with the attempt to go back to your family a higher functioning individual, along with your family. This means working the program by attending all individual therapies, groups, family therapies and other recommended activities made by the Treatment Team.

The Programs

The Christian Family Cottage is where the child is placed when they first come to MCCH. This program is located in the Harrold Cottage and is a structured program with a Level system for the structure. A total number of 7 girl’s ages 6 through 18 are housed in this cottage.

The Intensive Life Skills Cottage (ILS) is located in the Nelson cottage. This is an independent living program for females ages 16 through 21. The program is designed for girls to learn the necessary skills to become independent while maintaining adult supervision. Learning responsibility is an important aspect of the program.

Barrett Cottage is the relief cottage. Harrold, Nelson and Barrett Cottages all have live-in house parents to provide a Christian family model for each child. All of the cottage parents are on 24 hours a day 7 days a week with a week off for relief. When the parents from Harrold and Nelson each have their separate week off the girls are placed in Barrett during this time.

Introduction

Welcome to Maude Carpenter Children’s Home. We look forward to a growing friendship. You are here because you have verbally agreed that this placement is in your best interest at this time. Please take the time to read this booklet; it will acquaint you with the Christian Family Cottage process and program.

In the time to come, you will be making new friends and discovering new ideas. Most people feel a little uneasy at first, but this feeling is only natural. We were all new once too. We understand that getting adjusted is not easy. Let us know if we can help.

While at MCCH you will be working towards special goals. With the help of others, you will choose your own goals, plan strategies, select resources and set the target date for reaching your goals. Working together as a team will give the best opportunity to reach those goals. Your team may include a variety of people.

We look forward to getting to know you and working with you. We are looking forward to participate in your success!

Resident's Rights

1. The right to maintenance, including adequate nutrition, clothing and shelter.
2. The right to send and receive mail.
3. The right to wear appropriate personal clothing and keep appropriate personal possessions.
4. The right to protection – to be free from fear, injury, neglect and abuse.
5. The right to medical care for the diagnosis and treatment of medical, dental and mental health problems.
6. The right to express opinions in an appropriate manner on issues concerning your own care, treatment and future plan. To participate in the formulation and review of your plan when appropriate.
7. The rights to be provided with opportunities to establish close personal relationships with other children and caring adults.
8. The right to have opportunities for healthful physical exercise and recreational activities, including some free, unscheduled leisure time.
9. The right to confidentiality of case record information, to the extent allowed by law and governmental regulations.
10. The right to be heard, to identify problems and express grievances in accordance with written procedures.

Grievance

A grievance is a complaint against Maude Carpenter Children’s Home, your cottage parents, staff or employee. It is NOT a complaint about the terms of your case plan or court orders. A grievance should not be filed before attempting to work out the problem with your cottage parents.

1. Grievances shall be filed in writing within 3 days of the incident.
2. Grievances shall be specific and shall include a description of the alleged problem, the date, time and location of the incident, who was involved, how you were affected and what you would have liked to see occur.
3. If the grievance is not resolved at this level, you may appeal the decision to the Director of Services.
4. The decision of the Director is final.

If you believe that your cottage parents or the staff has interpreted rules and/or regulations in an incorrect or inappropriate way, you have the opportunity to “grieve” the issue. Obtain a grievance form in your cottage and fill it out completely. Ask your cottage parents to give the grievance form to the Director of Services. You need to continue to follow previous instructions and directions during the grievance process.

Visitation

Our experiences have shown that thirty days should elapse from the date of admission before a parental visit on campus would be in your or your parent(s)/guardians(s) best interest. You will need adequate time to adjust and accept the whole idea of your placement at MCCH and separation from your family. We have found that this process is hindered if these visits occur too early or too frequently after the admission. Your parent(s)/guardians(s) also require sufficient time to make the same acceptance and adjustment as you have made. After the third week of your residence, the Treatment Team will be able to determine your readiness for a visit and will discuss this matter with you.

There are several factors to consider regarding home visits. They include the length of time you have been in our program, your overall adjustment and progress, how you are doing on the level system program, what the specific placement goals and objectives are, whether or not you and your parent(s)/guardians(s) are emotionally prepared for the visit, just to name a few. Experience has revealed that there is a greater likelihood for readjustment problems after you return to MCCH after a home visit if the visit extends beyond three days.

There is also sometimes a greater likelihood for potential conflicts and problems between you and your parent(s)/guardians(s) if the visit is longer than three days. Under some circumstances an exception may be made; but, this is usually after you have been in our program for a considerable length of time, and it is determined that a positive adjustment has been made at MCCH. Longer visits are arranged when you are nearing the end of your placement and for various holidays.

Holiday and Vacation Visits

Telephone Calls

Even a telephone call becomes an event, not a routine or casual occurrence. It requires thoughtful preparation and proper timing. You are allowed in and out going phone calls based on the level you are on. See the level section for more information on this. As you progress through the levels, you will earn more telephone privileges. Times to make or receive phone calls are 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Well-meaning friends of the family sometimes call our facility and ask to talk with a certain resident. Since this may not always be in your best interest, parent(s)/guardians(s) will supply us with the name, address, telephone number and relationship of all persons who may be permitted to communicate with you and under what conditions and circumstances.

Due to inappropriate relationships that can sometimes interfere with your goals and objectives, we may restrict phone contacts even if they have been approved by your parent(s)/guardians(s). If your cottage parents and the Treatment Team approve, you may exchange phone contacts with friends from church and school, depending upon your level.

Letters

Gifts

Room (Cottage) Search Procedures

Personal Possessions

An early adjustment you have to make, in the interest of harmonious group living, lies in the necessity of reducing and simplifying your personal possessions. You are not permitted to possess a cell phone, TV, MP3 players or iPods or related devices during placement. You may, however, possess a radio with a built-in tape player or a CD player with prior approval from your cottage parents. You will be allowed only manufactured CD’s approved by the cottage parents. The content of your music will be evaluated and anything deemed inappropriate will be confiscated. Inappropriate music includes crude, rap, music that talks about sex, anti-authority themes, crude or obscene language, suicide or violence, drugs and alcohol.

Other possessions such as musical instruments, hobby kits, and sports or recreation equipment may be possessed at your own risk. Residential living carries with it certain behaviors, which includes residents engaging in sharing personal belongings with others in your cottage. In spite of constant efforts to discourage such behavior, there is a continued interchange of personal belongings between residents, with or without the owner’s consent. In view of this whole situation, MCCH is unable to accept responsibility for articles lost, broken or claimed by another resident.

No alcohol based mouth washes, shampoos, etc., no aerosol products.

Religious Policies

All residents will attend a local Church of Christ congregation with their cottage parents. Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday night services are attended for spiritual growth and positive relationships. Your cottage parents will be your spiritual mentors and leaders of your spiritual program, which will include individual/group Bible studies.

CONDUCT: While during the church service, it is important to show respect while you are there. You should be quiet, no talking, sitting up straight, and no sleeping, if you choose not to participate then show respect to God and those who choose to worship.

Churches of Christ are non-denominational churches, which mean members call themselves Christians and believe in only using the Bible to find God’s truth. Church services are a great time to explore your understanding of life and God. However, you are not required to participate in church services by singing, joining in group discussions, praying, taking the Lord’s Supper, giving of money or reading the Bible. Only Christians should take the Lord’s Supper. It is a memorial to Christians of the life, death and resurrection of Christ. Therefore, the Lord’s Supper is very important and not to be taken lightly. If you wish to partake in the Lord’s Supper, you must be active in the other aspects of worship (e.g., prayer, singing and listening) and regularly identify yourself as a Christian.

Education

All residents residing at MCCH are expected to attend school. MCCH works closely with the schools to assist whenever needed in dealing with behavioral problems that commonly occur in the school setting. You must take a full schedule of classes and cooperate with school faculty and staff.

After successfully completing high school, MCCH will assist you in furthering your education. We will help you apply for grants and scholarships to attend a college or university or a vo-tech school.

Physical and Social Development

You are allowed to participate in a variety of games, sports, social and artistic pursuits, clubs and other activities during your stay at MCCH. For organized school activities like sports, you will be required to maintain grades of a “C” or above in each class and to cooperate with all requirements of the activity. Your level may play a part in the Treatment Teams decision.

In addition to athletics, school and church-related activities, other social activities are scheduled regularly in each cottage. Shopping trips, trips to museums, camping, bowling, movies, field trips and other outings are a part of our efforts to enhance physical as well as social development.

Reports to Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

• Some contact is by phone calls between your Therapist and your parent(s)/guardians(s). This method of contact is not specifically scheduled, and is mostly used on an “as needed” basis. Phone contact can be initiated by your Therapist or by your parent(s)/guardians(s).
• The second type of contact is through the family therapy session with your Therapist, your family and yourself. All families are required to be involved in this type of counseling, and we do advise it and facilitate it when we feel it will help you and your family.

Discipline

Adjusting to MCCH

• You are responsible and accountable for your own behavior and its consequences, be it positive or negative.
• Privileges, restriction and discipline are basically the result of the choices you make. In other words, you will get out of life what you put into it.
• Talking out appropriately (discussing problems, conflicts, concerns, etc.) with the appropriate persons (cottage parents, Therapist, etc.) is the preferred choice in solving problems and differences, rather than acting out inappropriately.
• Working your program is the ultimate goal while you are at MCCH and that is what is expected of you.

Inappropriate Behavior

Because you may not be aware of all the specifics of what we call inappropriate and appropriate behavior, a list is provided below which shows the minimum standard of behaviors to avoid. It does not include all the possible problem behaviors. Your cottage parents and Therapist will guide you in learning about other problem behaviors that are also considered inappropriate and negative. This is only a partial list of behaviors to avoid.

Cottage Conferences

Cottage conference is a time for you to learn to sit down, and in a rational and democratic manner, learn to talk about issues that are affecting you. This may include problems at school, problems within the cottage with a peer, or problems with cottage expectations (rules). Cottage parents will conduct these to ensure that they are conducted in an orderly and appropriate fashion. They will be held at the discretion of the Cottage Parent. Your parents may be asked to attend and participate in the Cottage Conference.

Clothing and Dress Standards

You are to be properly dressed at all times. Inappropriate clothing will be confiscated. Appropriateness of proper dress (outfits) will be determined by your cottage parents. If you have any question concerning appropriateness, please ask your cottage parents.

In order to assist you in understanding what is considered appropriate, the following guidelines have been adopted:

• No article of clothing may be worn if it shows or suggests smoking, alcohol, drugs, is sexually suggestive or has any negative message (i.e., any garment displaying words or images which are aggressive, vulgar or distasteful.).
• You may wear factory-made sleeveless shirts or tank tops but not hand cut-offs. Sleeveless shirts may not be worn to meals, school or church unless under another shirt. Girls may wear sleeveless blouses (not including tank tops and/or halter-tops. Girls may wear tank tops and tops with spaghetti straps during warm weather if covered by an open blouse.).
• Shirts that expose the stomach or cleavage may not be worn at anytime.
• Shorts may be worn to school if school allows. Shorts may not be worn to church. Shorts can be no shorter than your fingertips when arms are hanging at side.
• Spandex and other tight-fitting clothing are not permitted unless worn under other clothes.
• Clothing which has been severely sliced, ripped or marked may not be worn.
• If you wear buttoned shirts, you may leave the collar and one more button undone. Zipped tops should be unzipped no lower than the opening of a buttoned shirt.
• Girls must wear bras under any dress or top.
• You may not go bare-footed outside of your bedroom. In the rest of the cottage you must wear at least slippers or socks. Socks or footies should be worn by residents with tennis shoes. Tennis shoes should be laced and the laces should not drag.
• Shoes and socks must be worn and kept on when leaving the cottage. This includes in the gym.
• You are to wear pajamas or nightgowns to bed. If desired, a T-shirt and pair of shorts can be labeled and used only as pj’s. Robes will be worn over pajamas and nightgowns when requested by cottage parents.
• Bandannas may not be worn nor kept on campus.
• Girls may not wear more than 2 sets of earrings in ears.
• No piercing of any kind is permitted while a resident at MCCH.
• Sagging is inappropriate.
• No borrowing or lending is allowed. If this happens it will result in one level drop.
• On Sunday morning girls wear dresses or approved dress slacks and top to church. Sunday nights and Wednesday nights are more informal, but even casual clothes should present a neat appearance. Shorts are not worn to church. Flip flops are not to be worn to Sunday morning service.

Daily Chores

Furniture

Bedrooms

Bedroom doors are to be left open at least 12 inches. You may close the door at night for bedtime and while changing clothes with the permission of the cottage parents. No resident is allowed in another resident’s room.

Bedrooms will be checked several times a day. Beds should be neatly made. A completely made bed includes a plastic mattress cover, a mattress pad, a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, a blanket or comforter, pillow and pillow slip. It is important that the area beneath the bed remain clean, nothing under the bed. The bedroom floor should be vacuumed, shelves and/or footlocker organized, clothing and personal items properly stored, waste basket emptied and lights, radio or other electronics turned off when not in use. The floor is not to be used to store your items.

You must sleep in your assigned bed. Comforters can be removed from the beds at bedtime. Sleeping on the floor is not acceptable. Food and/or drink items are not allowed in bedrooms. Water in an approved container may be in room with permission of cottage parents. Electrical items are not to be put on the carpet such as electric clocks, radios, etc.

Bathrooms

Bathroom cleaning is assigned to an individual resident each week; however, keeping the bathroom clean is everyone’s responsibility. Only one resident is allowed in the bathroom at a time.

Residents use the bathroom assigned to their bedroom unless specific permission has been given to use another one. Always remove towels, wash cloths, hangers and personal care items from the bathroom. Dirty and/or used towels, wash cloths and clothes are put in your laundry hamper daily. You are to shower before bedtime each night. Morning showers are acceptable if approved by your cottage parents.

Hygiene

You will be given a hygiene box supplied with deodorant, toothpaste, tooth brush, dental floss, comb, brush, shampoo and conditioner. Residents will purchase hair styling products and make-up. Residents pay for premature re-fills of misused or lost hygiene items. Hygiene boxes are to be returned to their storage place when not in use.

• You are required to bathe or shower daily (more if needed) with soap. Hair should be shampooed daily.
• Deodorant should be used on a daily basis.
• Clean underwear and clothing should be put on daily.
• PJ’s should be put in laundry at least once a week.
• Bangs no longer than the eyebrows. Shaving lines in the scalp must be approved. Residents may choose to have their hair cut somewhere other than the designated place; however residents assume any costs over that normally paid by MCCH. A request to cut your hair in a shorter style will be made if you do not take proper care of your hair or if it is unruly.
• Hair coloring or tinting is not allowed.

Schedules

The Christian Family Cottage Program

• Your ability to cooperate in the day-to-day routines of cottage living. This includes taking responsibility for personal hygiene, keeping your closets and dresser drawers’ orderly, making your bed each day and completing cottage and campus work assignments carefully.
  
  
• Your ability to cooperate with the rules set forth regarding traveling to and from school and the regulations of the public school.
  
  
• Your ability to respect other persons and their property, as well as cottage and campus property. This includes refraining from name-calling, swearing, fighting and arguing.
  
  
• Your ability to behave in an acceptable manner in the cottage, at school, at church and during on-campus and off-campus activities.

The key word in this program is YOU! If you earn higher privilege levels, only you get the credit. If there are problems, only you can work the solution (we will be there to assist you). This program will be used to teach alternative behaviors and self-control as well as teaching daily living and social skills. Your cottage parents and the staff, who will be working with you as you progress through the program, expect you to be successful. We are here to help you complete your goals.

Four Basic Social Skills (Goals)

1. FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Look at the person.
2. Acknowledge the request with “OK”, “I understand”, etc.
3. Follow the instruction.
4. Check back when the instruction is complete.
Rationale: You will be asked to follow instructions in almost every aspect of your life. The ability to follow instructions fosters a pleasant, cooperative relationship with other people (teachers, boss, parents), avoids wasting time and allows you more free time.


2. ACCEPTING CRITICISM
1. Look at the person.
2. Acknowledge the criticism with “OK”, “I understand”.
3. Do not argue, pout, sulk or threaten.
4. If you earn a consequence, accept it.
5. If you disagree with the criticism, wait until the other person has finished speaking and then rationally (speak calm, look at the person) ask to discuss the situation.
Rationale: When you can accept constructive (helpful) criticism, you prevent serious problems with people in authority (teachers, boss, parents, police, etc.). You also demonstrate maturity and the ability to deal with tense emotional situations.


3. ACCEPTING THE ANSWER “NO”
1. Look at the person.
2. Acknowledge by saying, “OK”.
3. Do not argue, whine, pout, swear, etc. Avoid negative behaviors.
4. If you do not understand why the person said “no”, calmly ask for a reason.
Rationale: Throughout your life, probably not all of your requests will be granted. Learning to appropriately accept “no” demonstrates maturity and the ability to accept not always having things your way. It also increases the likelihood that the same person will say “yes” to future requests.


4. RATIONAL PROBLEM SOLVING
1. Wait for an appropriate time to express your grievances. Talk with the person alone, after class, etc.
2. Look at the person and acknowledge that person when being spoken to by saying “OK”, “I understand”.
3. State your grievances without yelling, arguing, or cursing.
4. State the positive parts of the situation before presenting the negative.
5. Present the problem in a constructive (helpful) way. Make it non-personal and non-threatening and offer possible solutions.
6. Listen to both sides of the problem and try to solve the problem. Do not run away from the issue at hand.
Rationale: Rational problem solving is the most constructive, effective and efficient means of dealing with problems. Learning to solve problems in this way will help you resolve your grievances without hurting yourself (school suspensions, being fired, being grounded/losing privileges, etc.) and it helps you negotiate solutions more to your liking.

Encouraging Successful Decisions

• Level System – A system that stresses success and mastery. Opportunities and privileges are based on your daily choices.
• Time Away or Time Out – Getting away from the immediate environment. You may choose to take time away by yourself or you may be asked to take a time out for a period of time. A time out is usually a short period of time spent by you, away from the rest of the family. A quiet room is usually used because of the total privacy it offers to someone who is upset.
• Tasks – Projects that have something to do with the behavior that earned them. Sometimes tasks involve practicing doing a behavior right. For example, practicing 3 times making a bed if there are problems in this area.
• Suspension of Specific Privileges – Privileges, which are abused, may be lost for a period of time. For example, you may be restricted from watching TV, or someone might lose the privilege to participate in an off-campus activity.
• Counseling/Processing After Decisions – Stopping repeated poor choices often means talking-out instead of acting-out problems. False beliefs and strong feelings are many times connected to lost opportunities and failed choices.
• Return to Level 1 – This may result from repeated behavior problems or breaking one of the most important rules. Level 1 means working all over again for privileges.
• Fines – Charges for misplaced, lost or damaged property or to pay for expenses incurred as a result of your behavior (e.g., missing a bus and needing a ride).

Level Descriptions and Privileges

Level Zero: You will be placed on Level Zero if you are not compliant with the program rules or expectations as determined by any member of the Treatment Team. There are NO privileges on Level Zero. You will be in your room unless directed by a member of the Treatment Team. You are not allowed to interact with anyone other than a member of the Treatment Team. No visits, phone calls or passes are allowed. The time you are on Level Zero is determined by your behavior and how you handle being on Level Zero. The Treatment Team will decide when you are off Level Zero. It may be possible to move from Level Zero to Level 2 based on your attitude and behavior if the Treatment Team sees this is appropriate. Escorted by staff.

Level 1: If you make a very poor decision or repeatedly make the same poor decision, you may earn demotion to this Level. On Level 1 you are not allowed to interact with other residents. There are no privileges or home passes on this Level. You will eat your meals separate from the group. You may have on-campus visits during visiting times, however, the Treatment Team must arrange these visits in advance and the visitor must be on the approved visitation list. Escorted by staff.

Level 2: On Level 2 you begin to have a few privileges. There is a ½ hour to do each of the following: watch TV, be outside (supervised), and use game supplies (NO Sega/Nintendo/Game Boys/ computer time). You can also have a 5-minute family phone call per day. When using outside time on Level 2, you must have cottage parents or your Therapist with you. On this Level you may only leave campus for school, therapy or doctor appointments and MCCH functions. Escorted by staff.

Level 3: You will enter MCCH on this level. On Level 3 you may have a daily 10-minute family phone call. There is an hour available to do each of the following: watch TV, be outside (in sight of your cottage parents and in the appointed area) and use of the game supplies. Computer/Sega/Nintendo/ time can be used for 20 minutes. You will earn a $3.00 weekly allowance. On this level you may only leave campus for school, therapy or doctors appointments and MCCH functions. Escorted by staff.

Level 4: Very good work has gone into achieving this Level. You have shown an ability to handle responsibility and you are ready to handle more privileges. You have earned the privilege of going on upper level outings (activities designed just for Level 4 & 5 and designated by cottage parents) and you will be permitted to take off-campus walks in the company of a Level 5 resident (with cottage parents approval). Off escort on campus. Level 4 residents can be on campus without direct supervision. You will have the opportunity of a daily 20-minute family phone call. Computer/ Sega/Nintendo can be used for 30 minutes and 2 hours of TV time. You may sit anywhere at church with permission. Your weekly allowance will be $4.00.

Level 5: This level is truly an accomplishment and your cottage parents will mark you attaining and maintaining this Level for a week with a special celebration. Level 5 residents are permitted 30 minutes of daily phone privileges. You will receive a $5.00 weekly allowance. Off escort and can be on campus without direct supervision. Off-campus walks are also a privilege. You may carry up to $5 with you in cash. You may sit anywhere at church with permission and may have church associated visits after services. Level 5 residents can go to weekly activities designed just for Level 4 and 5. High school students can walk to and from school with cottage parent permission. Computer/Sega/Nintendo may be played for 45 minutes. There is unlimited outside, game and TV time. You also have the privilege of staying up 1/2 hour later on Friday and Saturday nights. Visiting residents at other cottages is allowed with permission of cottage parents from both cottages.

ALL ACTIVITIES AND PRIVILEGES ARE USED ONLY WITH COTTAGE PARENT PERMISSION!

Home Pass Privileges

Only Level 4 and above residents can go on home passes. To go on a Day Pass, you must reach Level 4 by 9:00 am the day of the pass. If it is a full weekend pass with an overnight, you must attain Level 4 by 9:00 am Friday (if you are unable to attain Level 4 by this time, no further passes will be issued for that weekend). It is routine procedure for cottage parents to “check in” your belongings upon your return and to search for items that are not allowed at MCCH.

On Grounds Visitation

Cottage life can be busy and due to numerous activities such as school, homework, therapies, groups, plus bed times it is important to keep a consistent schedule for the girls.

Unlimited is based on cottage parent approval and daily schedule of activities. All visits require prior arrangements with cottage parents and are subject to cottage parents approval of times and dates.

Bedtimes:

Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior

• Profanity, Screaming, Hateful Remarks, Putdowns & General Negativity.
• Harsh Treatment of Property – which result or might result in damage.
• Horseplay – Horse play is defined as any play where a person pretends to hit or punch, jumps on top of another person, pulls at someone (in a way that might pull them to the ground), tripping or any contact play in the cottage. Cottage parents will decide when play has become too rough and is therefore, horseplay.
• Breaking General Rules – Not complying with the rules in your Resident Handbook and not following cottage parent directions.

School – Your education is very important and school performance is monitored very closely. If you have a D or an F in one or more classes this will mean a level drop until the grade is brought up to a C or above. If the above poor grades continue this would mean a drop to Level 1 or Zero and the Treatment Team would then decide when you could have a level increase.

Frequent visits to the school nurse or counselor could mean several things, if this happens the Treatment Team will evaluate what needs to be done to alleviate this.

• AWOL – This covers problems ranging from runaway, skipping school, suspensions and leaving the cottage without permission.
• Stealing – Possession of another’s property. (Borrowing and lending is a drop of one level).
• Repeated Misconduct – Earning more than 2 time-outs per day.
• Assault – Verbal threats or actual attempts to physically harm self or others.
• Sexual Misconduct – Sexually inappropriate behavior such as exposure or conduct with another person.
• Willful Property Damage – Damaging walls through fits of anger; destroying personal or cottage property.
• Drug Use – Illegal use of drugs or alcohol or involvement with persons illegally using drugs or alcohol. (Smoking is a drop of one privilege level).
• Refusal – of programming or medication.

Room Time: Can be given for various reasons and is different from a Time Out. It will be at cottage parent discretion when you have room time and to let you know when you have room time, the reason and how much time will be spent.

Any inappropriate behavior done while off grounds such as on a pass, at school, church, activities, etc you may receive in house consequences even though consequences were given while off grounds such as in school suspension, consequences may be given once you return to the house.

Any of the above and/ or other program violations could result in an immediate drop to Level Zero.

All levels may participate in a MCCH function or event on or off grounds. Level Zero will be allowed to attend and participate in all scheduled therapies, groups and recreational times.

Application for Admission