Van Vleck House

Crisis Shelter

What age do you serve?

We serve children 10-18 years old.

How many crisis beds are available?

5

What is the staff student ratio?

We have a required ratio of 1 staff per 6 residents, but actually have two youth care workers on duty when the four children are home from school. We have one awake staff person while the students are sleeping at night.

How much does it cost?

There is no fee for the family for a 30 day crisis placement. The family is still responsible for the child’s expenses including health care, clothing and supplies.

How long can a child stay at the Crisis Shelter?

A crisis placement can last up to 30 days. During that time the Program Manager and Therapist will be working with the parents and the child to assess the situation and make a plan to improve it.

Is the facility a jail?

No. The shelter is a home with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining area and a living room. The doors and windows are alarmed to discourage running away and intrusion.

Do residents stay in the crisis shelter all the time?

No. Residents that are enrolled in school are transported to and from school every day. If one is employed and is handling the job successfully, he/she can remain employed, if parents approve and transportation can be arranged. The residents are also offered daily outdoor recreation with staff.

Is the shelter just for Teton County residents?

No. The Crisis Shelter receives a grant from the State Department of Family Services to serve Teton, Sublette and North Lincoln Counties.

Group Home

How old are kids that stay at the Group Home?

We serve children 10-18 years old.

How many residents do you have at a time?

We are certified for 10 children at the Group Home.

What is the Staff to Student ratio?

We have a required staff ratio of 1 child care worker to 6 residents in the Group Home but usually operate at 1 to 4 with at least 2 staff during all waking hours. There is one awake staff and one on call available during the overnight shift.

How is a child placed in the Group Home?

Most placements are court ordered by the Juvenile Court because a child is adjudicated a Child in Need of Supervision or Delinquent. We also have children who are placed by the Court on a Child Protection Order, taking them out of abusive situations. We can also take children placed privately. See Admissions section of website or give us a call for more information.

How long does a child usually stay at the Group Home?

It generally takes 4-5 months to complete the program if a resident is motivated.

If a child is court ordered, how much can a parent be involved?

We encourage parent involvement as does the Court. Parents are part of the multi-disciplinary team that makes recommendations to the Court. Residents can receive and make phone calls to family every day, unless problems arise. Visits are also encouraged but we request that they be pre-arranged. From intake on, parents are encouraged to be involved in treatment. We also inform parents of other appointments,- doctors, caseworkers, psychologist, etc – so they can attend as well.

Is the facility locked? Can the residents just walk away?

Doors are locked to prevent people from coming in without our knowledge, but residents are never locked in. Their bedroom doors and windows are alarmed so that we know if residents try to leave, or if someone is trying to come in. The requirements for the Group Home level of care is that they are not locked. Our staff/student ratio helps us keep track and stay connected with the residents.

Hirschfield Center for Children

What are the fees associated with the Hirschfield Center?

With the exception of most therapy services, there are not any costs involved to clients of the Hirschfield Center. If it is deemed appropriate for an individual or family to attend therapy, we will help to find a provider that meets the needs of the family. The Hirschfield Center does offer limited therapy services, however this will depend on the number of existing clients. We will work with the family and other available options in order to make counseling affordable.

Who is the Hirschfield Center for?

The Hirschfield Center exists to help children by preventing child abuse through stabilizing and strengthening families. We welcome all families who are at-risk for negative behaviors toward their children. Families that are interested in improving their understanding of their children’s behaviors and their parenting style are good candidates for services at the Hirschfield Center, as are families that are coping with the pressures of life in Jackson.

How old do the children have to be for a family to be eligible to participate?

Any family with children 18 or under may participate in the Family Advocate Project.

Can a family voluntarily receive services at the Hirschfield Center?

Yes. While some families are court ordered into the program, the majority come on their own. For example: how to talk with their children while going through a divorce, help develop consistent expectations and structure between two different homes; develop strategies to deal with difficult behavior or help parents that would like some assistance to increase their parenting skills. The Hirshfield Center also works very closely with other community agencies and will make appropriate referrals when there is an issue outside of our expertise.

What is the time commitment to participate in the Family Advocate Project?

The time commitment depends on individual family needs. The intake process requires about 90 minutes. The Family Advocate will complete some basic paperwork and then have the family complete some standardized tests that paint a picture of how a family functions. Individualized plans vary, but most families meet with a family advocate every week or two for about 1 hour. Family Advocates will work with parents on a number of wide ranging topics including but not limited to: parenting skills, child developmental, effective structure within the household, and strategies to cope with difficult behavior. Mentoring of children can be one or two times per week for one hour. Families tend to participate in the Family Advocacy Project between 6 months and 1 year.

Red Top Meadows

Who is appropriate for placement at RTM?

Red Top Meadows accepts adolescent males aged 12 to 17. The program is most helpful for boys who have difficulties with: peer relationships, lack of healthy connections, appropriate coping and social skills, decision making, sexual issues, self-esteem, depression, attention, school performance, recovering from trauma.

What is the cost for Red Top services?

Please contact us for cost information.

What is the staff to student ratio?

We can have up to 14 students enrolled at any one time. We have two therapists and two teachers in addition to the Education Director and Program Director. We have four direct care staff on during all waking hours and on weekends we have five. Wilderness trips include seven students with three staff. The average ratio of staff to students is 1 to 3.

What involvement do parents have with the program and their son?

We encourage family involvement. Children need family contact and support in order to face and change problems. Students’ are successful when they return home when families have been part of the change process.

• Students and parents can call each other daily.
• We encourage weekly visits, scheduling ahead of time is appreciated
• Family therapy sessions occur twice/month, if not possible in person than by phone.

How long do students stay at Red Top?

The average length of stay is one year, though for some students it is as little as 8 months to as long as two years. There is a strong correlation between to the student’s belief that he needs to make changes, his desire to change, and the family involvement, and his length of stay.