ADMISSION CRITERIA:
The program will serve up to sixteen male and female youth between the ages of 16 ½ and 17 years of age. Level of Care 3 and 4 youth will be considered for admission.
Youth diagnosed with a Depressive and/or Anxiety Disorder who have developed relative stability with medication and therapy and who are motivated in working toward independence will be considered for the program.
Youth diagnosed with a Conduct Disorder who have developed relative self-control and are motivated in working toward independence will be considered for the program.
Youth diagnosed with a Thought Disorder who have developed relative stability with medication and therapy and who are motivated in working toward independence will be considered for the program.
Youth who are sex offenders, imminently dangerous to self or others, medically fragile, active substance abusers or have moderate level of mental retardation and below are not considered as candidates for the program.
Other youth will be considered for admission based upon their presenting needs and the ability of the program to meet those needs.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Jameson Center Transitional Living Program will assess each youth, utilizing the Daniel Memorial Independent Living Skills Assessment.
Skill levels are established for each youth in money management/consumer awareness, food management, personal appearance, health, housekeeping, transportation, educational planning, job seeking skills, job maintenance skills, emergency and safety skills, knowledge of community resources, interpersonal skills, legal skills, religion (optional), leisure activities and housing.
An individualized transitional care plan is developed, based upon the skills assessment and implemented and monitored by the youth development team. The youth development team includes the youth, the TDPRS worker, counselor, case manager, psychiatrist, and child placement specialist.
Youth may attend the local high school, prepare for the G.E.D., and/or attend trade, technical school or college depending on their interests and abilities.
Youth will live in an attractive residential setting with no more than two youth sharing a room. They will actively participate in shopping, meal planning, housekeeping and other activities in relationship to curricula established for development of personal, home and community living skills.
Youth Development Workers will provide monitoring and supervision of the residence on a 24-hour basis. Each worker has received extensive pre-service training to enhance their ability to facilitate youth growth and development.
Youth must contract to follow house rules that outline personal and group responsibilities as well as rules designed to protect the safety, privacy and dignity of all youth. Prohibited activities are detailed in the house rules as well.
Youth will be encouraged to work in part-time jobs, to save money and prior to their 18th birthday, as possible, to begin full-time employment. In cases in which a youth turns 18 and requires more time to achieve independent living, The Children's Center, Inc. also operates a transitional living program for older homeless youth ages 18-20. The youth can continue transition if he/she is diligently working to succeed in their program.
LICENSE:
The Jameson Center is licensed as a child placement agency by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. The Jameson Center's Transitional Living Program utilizes agency foster group home standards.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
