Family Information
The Referrals Process...
How Does the Referral Process Work?
When a youth is court ordered by a judge to go to an alternative living environment (placement) they are generally transferred to the legal custody of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. The WVDHHR assigns each youth a caseworker who is responsible for finding appropriate placement for the youth. The WVDHHR worker will then refer the youth to agencies offering the specific services that have been deemed appropriate for the youth. When we receive a referral at The Children’s Home of Wheeling, we read and review all of the information provided on the youth and then determine if the youth is appropriate for placement at our facility. A number of factors are considered in order to ensure that we are the best possible placement for the youth.
What Happens When the Referral is Accepted?
When a youth is accepted into the program the WVDHHR worker sets a time with our case manager to complete admission. It is encouraged that parents participate in the admission meeting when permitted by WVDHHR. This participation helps us to have a clear understanding of the youth’s life prior to placement. The youth is then given a tour, assigned a bedroom, and introduced to the group.
What Type of Services will the Youth Receive While in Care of Us?
The clinical team at The Children’s Home of Wheeling will develop an individualized treatment plan based on the youth’s needs and issues. These issues range from substance use and abuse, truancy, family system needs, and other mental health disorders. The youth will be assigned a case manager and a therapist and will participate in individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy when indicated. Youth will receive a psychiatric assessment and oversight of any prescribed medication. Each youth will see a physician, dentist, optometrist, and any necessary specialists while in care. All youth will work with the education coordinator to ensure that all of their academic needs are being met.
Youth attend public school when residing at The Children’s Home of Wheeling and are assessed for any additional education
or life skills needs. The youth will also work with the residential activities coordinator to discuss their individual likes and dislikes and determine the types of activities in which the youth will participate. Several activities are offered at The Children’s Home
of Wheeling. We have a full size gymnasium, traverse climbing wall, exercise equipment, and recreation areas. The youth also have the opportunity to participate in art, music, church, and community activities that expose them to a variety of social and cultural areas.
How do Families Communicate?
There are a number of ways that families can communicate with The Children’s Home of Wheeling and the youth while in placement. All youth are permitted phone calls to anyone approved by WVDHHR during scheduled phone times. Families can contact the youth’s case manager to check in on the youth and their progress at any time. Youth may write letters to family members approved by WVDHHR at any time. On and off-campus visits are also permitted according to the phases program. More details can be found in the Youth
and Family Guide.
What is the Discharge Plan?
Each youth has a discharge plan designed to meet their individual needs The length of stay varies based on the youth’s progress in the phases program. Average length of stay ranges from 4.5 to 6 months. Some youth have remained in care for extended periods due to individual needs. Many factors are assessed for discharge and the youth’s multi-disciplinary team maintains contact with The Children’s Home of Wheeling throughout
the youth’s stay.