To meet our goals to 'stabilize' and 'support' residents, our programs provide the following:

• Active Engagement: Resident Care Workers demonstrate an active interest in the youth's experiences, beliefs and perceptions. They express care and concern for their welfare and well-being.
• Predictability: Structure and routine is maintained; expectations are well-defined and followed.  This includes a house activity schedule: awake times, meals, chores and recreation. Appropriate planning is made in advance as much as possible so the clients know what is expected (e.g. recreation schedules, holidays). Schedules are posted via calendars in the clients’ rooms. Each client is reminded of his or her day schedule each evening as part of bed time routines. House rules, which include behavioral expectations, appropriate television programs and activities etc., are explained to client at intake, posted in common areas and consistently followed by staff.
• Consistency: We use contingent rewards and consequences (that are natural and logical, and not punitive or rejecting), each resident youth has an incentive program to promote positive behaviors.
• Emotional and physical safety: We strive for a neutral emotional stance, meaning we make few emotional demands of the youth and do not take their behavior personally. We maintain a culture of zero tolerance for violence and follow the guidelines for MANDT crisis intervention. Our residential staff are trained in following the MANDT Guidelines.