Making a Referral
Referrals for admission are received in two ways.
1. Sarnia-Lambton has a single point of access mechanism to assist parents on what service would best suit the family's needs. Parents looking for support from the community should contact an Intake Worker from STARRting Point which is located at the Family Counselling Centre on Modeland Road (336-0120). The intake worker will help the family identify what service would best meet their needs. If admission to Huron House Boys' Home is considered appropriate and is supported by both the parents and youth, a formal request for admission along with the submission of background documents is sent to Huron House Boys' Home where we determine the appropriateness of the referral. Shortly therefater, parents and youth are involved in a tour of the facility where further discussions and suitability of placement are explored. Placement at Huron House generally occurs soon afterward.
Although there is no set length of time that a youth can live at the Boys' Home, generally it is considered appropriate for at least 8 - 12 months and often longer with the goal of returning to the parent's care.
Removing a youth from his home environment is a stressful and difficult decsion for everyone. We therefore encourage the youth, his family and the referring agent to visit our residence prior to a final decision being made to make sure that this is indeed the right decision. Parents must enter into a Service Agreement with Huron House Boys' Home outlining the specific service, supports and expectations of both parties. Parents are required to pay for various costs associated with the care and treatment of their child. These costs will be explained to the parent prior to admission and the parent must agree to all terms associated with the Service Agreement.
2. Direct referrals are taken from Children's Aid Societies. A Service Agreement is completed outlining the specific service, supports, expectations and cost associated with the care and treatment of the child.
Admission Requirements:
Huron House Boys’ Home believes that all admissions should be done in a planned way. Upon initial interest in having a youth admitted into the program, general discussions are held with the referring agent/parent and our Service Coordinator. The Case Manager or guardian is responsible for submitting preliminary written material about the youth/family which is then reviewed by our internal admission committee. This preliminary material must include:
- A detailed social history
- All current educational and psychological asessments, including educational requirements
- An outline of all outstanding problems
- an outline of what the initial short term and long term goals are for the youth.
Huron House Boys' Home charges a fee for service to Children's Aid Societies. The following list outlines some of the responsibilities and expectations between the agency, the parent, and the Huron House Boys' Home in contributing to the cost of care of the youth. For a complete list the guardian should refer to the Service Agreement that will be signed at the time of admisssion.
Examples:
Health Supplies and Related Services:
Huron House Boys' Home:
- non-prescribed drugs (cough syrup, aspirin etc.) - prescribed drugs not covered by a drug plan that is required to alleviate temporary illness or injury. - Medical equipment (crutches, bandages etc.)
Referring Agency/Parent:
- prescribed drugs (not covered by a drug plan) used for extended periods of time (psychotropic medication, insulin etc.) - optical needs - dental care
Spending Money and Gifts:
Huron House Boys' Home:
- allowances, birthday gifts - Huron House Boys' Home will make every attempt to augment the child’s allotment for Christmas gifts. Money for gifts to the child's family should come from the child's bank account, the parents or from the referring agency.
Referring Agency/Parent: - Christmas gifts for the child and possibily for the child's family.
Recreation and Entertainment:
Huron House Boys' Home:
- general recreation and entertainment costs including admission fees, crafts supplies, equipment to participate in non-organized sports, play or camp.
Referring Agency/Parent:
- cost for music lessons or instruments - registration fees and equipment required for organized sports (eg: hockey equipment)
Transportation and Travel:
- costs associated with attending appointments, going on home visits etc. are negotiated with the agency or family if the distance is extreme or if there is a high frequency of trips, especially if those trips are outside the Sarnia/Lambton area.
School Related Expenses:
Huron House Boys' Home:
- costs associated with supplies not covered by the Board of Education. eg: paper, binders, pens etc.
Referring Agency/Parent:
- costs associated with school activities, school trips, school pictures, school related registration fees for sports and other activities, school uniforms.
Personal Care:
Huron House Boys' Home:
- all personal care expenses such as laundry, dry cleaning, toiletries, grooming, haircuts, hygiene.
Clothing:
Referring Agency/Parent:
- The placement agency (and/or family) must ensure that the child is admitted to the program with a complete wardrobe suitable to the child’s age and needs and which takes into account the season in which the child arrives. Arrangements should be made to ensure that each child is provided with the following clothing throughout the year.
1 pair outdoor shoes
1 pair indoor shoes
1 pair slippers
1 winter coat
1 pair winter boots
1 pair winter gloves
2 pairs pajamas
1 housecoat
3-4 pairs jeans/pants
5 t-shirts or regular shirts
2-3 sweat shirts
2 pairs sweat pants
1 bathing suit
7 pairs underwear
10 pairs socks
1 spring/fall jacket
1 winter coat
Huron House Boys' Home will contact the referring agency or the parent prior to purchasing any Item or will ask that the parent purchase any needed clothing.
