ope Village for Children provides the following services to male and female residents aged twelve (12) through eighteen (18). These services are provided based on the individual needs of each child and take into account the child’s chronological and intellectual age.
The Department of Human Services refers children who have been determined to be in need of therapeutic services because of emotional or psychological issues that keep them from being successful in a less restrictive environment. Because of our belief that all children who are placed outside of their homes are in need of therapy, this service is provided to 100% of residents of Hope Village for Children. The number of therapy sessions is, of course, determined by the severity of the need.
The Department of Human Services refers children who have been determined to be in need of therapeutic services because of emotional or psychological issues that keep them from being successful in a less restrictive environment. Because of our belief that all children who are placed outside of their homes are in need of therapy, this service is provided to 100% of residents of Hope Village for Children. The number of therapy sessions is, of course, determined by the severity of the need.
Both psychiatric and psychological assessments are provided as needed. All children who arrive without a current psychological assessment are seen by a local psychologist for testing. This psychologist has agreed to come to our campus to meet with resident as needed. Hope Village for Children also has an agreement with a local child psychiatrist to evaluate and provide follow-up for any resident who has been determined by our staff or by his/her D.H.S. social worker to need such intervention.
All residents who have the possibility of success in public school system are placed in the appropriate grade in the Meridian Public School system. Children who have been determined by the school system to be inappropriate for enrollment because of grade level assessment or age are enrolled in an accredited G.E.D. program. The Meridian Public School system also provides an Alternative School for children, if needed. An educational center is available for residents on the Hope Village for Children campus in order to address remediation and to avoid truancy. This center is designed to focus on improving the reading and computer literacy skills of the residents.
Tutors are provided for all residents each weekday afternoon in order to enhance each child’s possibility of success in the academic arena.Recreational Services – We are developing activities, under the direction of a recreational coordinator, that address teamwork, problem-solving, and social cooperation. Educational excursions are planned by our staff for each of the residents’ school holidays. We believe that recreation is not only important for a child’s physical health, but for his/her mental and emotional health as well.
When reunification is the permanency plan for a resident, our staff therapist concentrates on areas such as family issues and problem-solving. The staff of Hope Village for Children works closely with the Department of Human Services to plan and facilitate visitation. We maintain ongoing communication with family members to update them on residents’ progress.
A Case Manager, who ensures all necessary services are planned and implemented, is provided for each resident. This Case Manager acts as a liaison between resident and off-campus organizations with a special focus on educational and clinical services. All services are tracked and summarized for our Clinical Team and the D.H.S. social worker.
Residents aged fourteen (14) and over attend Independent Living classes as required by the Department of Human Services. These residents are also given training in money management, housekeeping, cooking, and other daily living skills.
Hope Village for Children operates three eight-hour shifts each day, seven days per week, with two staff members in each cottage for each shift to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and to comply with regulations set forth by the Department of Mental Health.