Transitions
Youth Withdrawal and Stabilization Program
Transitions is designed to help youth and their families with problematic drug and alcohol use achieve their goal of abstinence or reduction of harmful consequences of substance abuse.
The program is voluntary, and offers non-medical support to youth between the ages of 12 -19 years in a private, safe, chemical-free and supportive care home setting.
Program Features
We provide a safe placement emphasizing protective and supportive elements of family living while encouraging and providing opportunities for independent growth and responsible community living, mutual self-help, assistance in economic, educational, vocational and social adjustment, the integration of life skills into daily life, and a solid recovery plan.
Transitions links with the LIFT Program to provide parents with access to family counseling and support.
Our Staff
- Qualified staff knowledgeable in withdrawal management andpersonal planning
- Quality Care Home Operators that provide a youth friendly, home-like environment
- Support staff available on a flexible basis to work with youth
Some Things You Can Expect
ASSESMENT
In order to offer you an individualized service plan we first want to gain a thorough understanding of what is happening in your life. Our team works with you and family to develop a comprehensive assessment of your substance use, and any physical health or mental health concerns.
SERVICE PLAN
A service plan will be developed in collaboration with you, your family, other involved professional and the Transitions Program Coordinator. The service plan will identify goals and objectives, and the process for achieving these goals. This will be reviewed monthly and may be modified as required.
HOUSE RULES
When you enter the Care Home a set of House Rules will be reviewed with you and you will be given the chance to ask questions before you sign them. These rules will be posted in your room. Respect for each other in the home is the basis of all successful placements.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
The amount of belongings that can be brought to the Care Home will be limited to 2 large bags only. There is limited storage space in the homes so be selective when choosing what to bring.
Your belongings will be searched upon entry into the program in your presence. Your room may be checked at any time by the Care Home Provider and or the Transitions Program Coordinator.
SCHOOL/WORK
If you a placed in a supportive Recovery bed you will be expected to attend school, work, attend vocational program. If placed in a Withdrawal Management bed you may be involved in home based educational studies. Assistance will be offered to get you started in these areas.
SLEEP
In order to be successful at school or work we encourage you to develop healthy sleeping habits so that you are up early and ready to go each day. The Care Home providers and/or Transitions staff can assist you in this area.
LEARNING
Issues such as relapse prevention, life skills, communication styles etc. will be offered to you during your stay. A recovery workbook will be provided to you, Transitions staff will help you work through this and review your learning in the process.
SUPPORT FOR YOU
A Transitions Support worker is available to support you work towards the goals of your placement. They may take you on outings; assist with job search, recreation, social activities etc. As well, the Care Home Providers are available to support you in these areas. We will support you to access any other services that you chose to engage with (e.g. Counselling, support groups etc).
RESPITE AND RELIEF
Respite homes are NARSF approved homes that are available to you when the Care Home is having a short break or annual holiday. The rules for these homes are very similar to where you have been originally placed and any differences will be explained to you when you transfer to another home. Expectations for being in a Respite Home are the same as those for the Care Home.
CARE HOME ACTIVITIES
You will be invited to participate in family activities while in the Care Home. You will have your own room and your privacy will be respected. A balance between time alone and time with family will be worked towards.
YOUR FAMILY
Our hope is to support and strengthen your connection to your family wherever possible. Counselling is available to your parents while you are placed in the program and your contact and visitation with your family will be discussed at intake. We recognize this may change ovth your family will be discussed at intake. We recognize this may change over the course of your time in the program and we will support you around any changes that may occur.
DRUG & ALCOHOL AWARENESS & EDUCATION
You will learn specific information regarding the physical, emotional, and psychological impact regarding substance use and addiction.
CONTACT LIST
A contact list of friends and family will be created by you with the approval of the Transitions Program Coordinator. Phone calls will be allowed to those that are on the approved list.
PROFESSIONAL VISITS
You are encouraged to develop and maintain contact with other professionals in the community (or in your home community). Visits from Social Workers, Alcohol and Drug Counsellors, Probation Officers, Clergy etc. are all acceptable either in the home or in the community.
TRANSPORTATION
If placed in supportive Recovery, transportation will be arranged as appropriate. You may be asked to take the bus to school or work. You are encouraged to find your own transportation to see family and when necessary. Bikes and helmets (mandatory with bike use) are available in each Care Home.
DISCHARGE
Because you will only be placed with us temporarily, discharge planning is crucial and begins during the Intake process. You may discharge yourself from the program at any time of your choosing. You will be asked to complete a discharge form and questionnaire and give notice to the Transitions Program Coordinator who will arrange to transport you to your next location with all of your belongings. If you leave anything behind at the Care Home, every effort will be made to contact you so that you can retrieve them. However if we are unable to reach you NARSF may disposed off your property.
SELF EXPLORATION & RELAPSE PREVENTION
We will invite you to learn about how you got where you are today and the role substances have played in that journey. We will encourage you to explore all the areas that influence your life including family, friends, school, recreation and so forth. We know how hard you are trying to change and we will give you every support!
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING
Often youth come into treatment with a variety of individual mental health issues as well as struggling with substance abuse. Individual counsellors will assist you in addressing some of these concerns.
Access to Program
Call Nanaimo Discovery Youth and Family Addiction Services to speak with a drug and alcohol counselor at (250) 739-5790 for a referral toTransitions.When we receive the referral from Discovery, a combination of thefollowing will occur:
Needs Assessment: The Discovery Clinician will conduct an initial assessment to determinesuitabilityfor a placementina Transitions Care Home. Upon receiving a referral, the Transitions Coordinator will conduct further assessment to confirm a youth’sneeds, preferences and abilities.
Medical Screening: Youth require a medical screening with a physician to assess for appropriateness of a non-medical detox.
Placement: Prior to a youth’s placement in a Transitions care-home, an integrated case management plan (ICM) is developed. The ICM involves the youth, family, and relevant individuals to outline services, clarify roles, and set goals.