daily points
Point sheets and weekly evaluations are all designed to manage behavior and provide accountability. Residents are subject to lose points by either not following structure or not demonstrating appropriate attitude or behavior. If a resident loses points, she loses all points assigned to a particular task or behavior.
the level system
Meadowlark residents earn privileges through the Level System. Every Wednesday, the staff evaluates residents on their progress for that week. The level earned on Wednesday lasts until the next Wednesday. Progress made on the goals identified in her Master Service Plans will determine her level.
The highest level a resident can earn is Level III, the lowest level a resident can earn is Level I. A resident is on an Adjustment Phase for her first 30 days, which allows her to get to know the structure and learn the rules. When there is a major rule violation, a resident can be put on "No Privileges." This may also happen during an Adjustment Phase. Depending on the resident’s progress, she may move up or down in the Level System each week. The ultimate goal is for each girl to become consistent in her progress and maintain or progress to higher levels.
assessments & discharge criteria
When girls are placed at Meadowlark, they begin on a thirty-day adjustment period. During this time, they learn about the program’s rules and structure and the staff carefully observe and assess a new resident’s behaviors and group interactions for further planning.
After approximately 45 days in placement, a comprehensive assessment and evaluation is completed. This document gives a brief overview of presenting problems and problematic past behaviors as a guideline for goals and objectives over the next 12 months. Also, in this time period, Master Service Plans (MSP’s) are developed for each resident, which describes specific goals in eight service areas. Length and frequency of services are described in accordance with each individualized goal.
(For more information on Individualized/Master Service Plans
click here.)
The MSP’s are reviewed with the program, resident, DHS, family, and any other person(s) that may have an interest in the plan. This occurs every 90 days, and involvement from parents/guardians is highly encouraged. Improvements and challenges are discussed during the review meetings with progress determined by the completion of goals on the MSP’s. Discharge from the program is reviewed during this time and is based on completion of these goals.
