Valley View Transitional Living Procedures

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Transitional Living Program is designed to assist young men, ages 16-18, who are currently in substitute care, as they prepare for emancipation. Under the auspices of the Azleway Valley View GRO, the Transitional Living Program will provide individualized services to assist our clients in their preparation for independent living. Our program will offer educational, vocational and practical life skill training in several key areas. Voluntarily entered into, this program will assist residents in making the necessary preparations for their transition out of the substitute care system and into the adult world. Our mission is to provide these clients with the best opportunity to realize their potential as valued and productive citizens. SCOPE:
In addition to the general services offered under the guidelines of Azleway Valley View GRO, the Transitional Living Program includes a 26 week curriculum in Basic Life Skills including the following services and/or training:

  • Job Application Preparation/Interview Skills
  • Driver Training
  • Off-campus Employment in the Community
  • Transportation to and from Work
  • Completion of High School Diploma/GED (including credit recovery)
  • Practical Life Skills Training
  • Sex Education
  • Parenting Classes
  • Financial Planning & Budgeting
  • Career/Vocational Guidance Counseling
  • Assistance with Obtaining State ID, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card
  • Assistance with Financial Aid/Application to College/Trade School
  • Assistance with Obtaining a Vehicle and Liability Insurance
  • Mentor Program

CORE VALUES:

Integrity – A basic honesty with one’s self and others, which allows a person
to do the right thing even when no one is looking, and to tell the truth even when it hurts.
Responsibility – A willingness to be accountable for your choices and actions,
and accept the consequences of these choices…good or bad.
Productivity – The cooperative work of the mind, heart, and hands, which
allows for the effective use of one’s time toward a positive end—the betterment of self and society. ELIGIBILITY:
Participation in the Transitional Living Program will be at the discretion of Azleway Valley View Administration. Potential placements will be evaluated on an individual basis. In addition to the intake policies in place for Valley View GRO, placement decisions for the Transitional Living Program will include the following criteria:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Must be willing to seek, obtain, and maintain employment in the community.
  • Must agree to participate in all aspects of the program (educational, vocational, social, recreational and therapeutic).
  • Must agree to follow all the guidelines of the program, attend all required meetings/trainings, and comply with staff monitoring and direction.

Failure to meet requirements in any of the above areas may result in being placed on a probationary status and/or being removed from the program.

DRUG & ALCOHOL SCREENING:

Randomized drug screening will be carried out on a routine basis. Failing a drug test will result in the resident being placed on probationary status. Repeat violations will result in the resident being removed from the program. Residents understand and agree to search of self and personal belongings by program staff and/or a drug dog, used by a trained handler to search for drugs, paraphernalia, weapons, etc. Items found by the drug dog, staff or other law enforcement may result in charges being filed and/or removal from the program. Residents are not only responsible for their own personal property, but knowledge of contraband in the program area.

FINANCIAL POLICY:

In an effort to promote financial responsibility and sound fiscal decision-making the following parameters are set in place for all residents of the Transitional Living Program:
Residents agree to save a minimum of 50% of all earnings in an account set up and maintained by Azleway Valley View administration. Money in this account is set aside for future expenses as the resident transitions into independent living. Access to these funds will be very limited and must be approved through administration. Residents will receive receipts for any deposits or withdrawals made and will receive a monthly summary of deposits/withdrawals. Residents are encouraged to set up an individual savings and/or checking account with a local financial institution to facilitate the management of the remainder of their earnings. As a program resident, clients are not charged for any of their living expenses; however, to promote an appreciation of the resources necessary to provide transportation to and from a place of employment and to encourage them to save money toward the purchase of their own vehicle, clients will be charged a nominal “trip charge” of $1.00 each time they are transported to or from work. This fee will not exceed $10.00 per week.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES:

  • Residents may possess and use televisions, game systems, cell phones, and other electronic devices so long as they do not interfere with other program objectives.
  • Pornographic material of any kind is prohibited.
  • Possession of weapons is prohibited.
  • Possession or use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs is prohibited.
  • Curfew will be determined by cottage staff but will be no earlier than 10:00 pm and no later than 1:00 am.
  • Attendance at all program meetings/trainings is mandatory unless an excused absence is given.
  • The “Work Policy” is not an option. All residents must comply with these guidelines to remain in the Transitional Living Program.
  • To provide for the general maintenance and upkeep of the facility, chores will be assigned to clients at the discretion of staff.
  • One vehicle per client may be allowed on the premises, when the client can provide proof of current insurance, a valid driver’s license, and valid registration. (Copies of these items will be maintained in the client’s file.)

OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES:

  • All off-campus activities must have prior staff and/or administration approval.
  • Clients will not visit private residences without prior staff approval.
  • Clients must sign IN and OUT on the cottage log to document their movements. This includes scheduled work times and other off-campus activities.
  • Clients must be where they are expected to be at all times. (This will be checked)
  • Whenever possible clients must be reachable by cell phone or other forms of communication while off-campus.

WORK POLICY:

  • All incoming residents must agree to make a minimum of three (3) job applications per week until they have obtained employment.
  • All job applications must be reviewed by staff prior to submitting them to an employer.
  • Until a client has secured employment he may be required to do community service or other productive work around the program.
  • Residents must notify staff of their weekly work schedule and pay dates.
  • Residents may not quit their employment without first talking with staff or administration and obtaining approval.
  • Employment checks will be conducted by staff on a random basis for evaluation purposes.

TERMINATION FROM THE PROGRAM:

The following actions may result in immediate removal from the program:

  • Physical and/or verbal violence, threats or intimidation of any kind
  • Any possession or use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs
  • Sexual misconduct of any kind
  • Theft of property or possession of stolen property
  • Possession of a weapon
  • Repeated failure to abide by program rules or guidelines
  • Repeated failure to participate in program activities (attending school, maintaining employment, etc.)