Program Structure The program is a “staffed residential program” – meaning that there are staff present 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help residents with their issues.There are one or two staff for every two or three youth during the day and evening hours, and two staff who are present, awake, for the overnight.
The program is very structured, in that there are consistent House Rules, a daily schedule, and clear expectations for the residents.Time is set aside for chores, school, homework, recreation, therapy, and communicating with other residents in a house meeting. Time is also set aside for fun – because even though residents are here to work on some very important behavioral issues, having fun is part of growing and learning as well.
Residents at Virginia Miller House are highly supervised, especially when they first come into the program.There is a level system in the program, and with each level comes more responsibility and privileges.Until such a time as a resident is on the highest levels and has demonstrated a period of trustworthiness and responsibility, they are generally not allowed to be out of staff supervision (except when at school). There are several kinds of staff at Virginia Miller House.Residential Counselors are the ones who are there day-to-day, helping residents with daily concerns and assisting them with things like homework, medical appointments, etc.Residential Supervisors are just above the Residential Counselors, and their job is to manage the day-to-day operations of the program.The program Case Manager is the person who provides individual and family therapy, arranges for passes and visits, and works on getting the resident into school.The Program Director is in charge of the whole program.Most of the contact the residents and family will have with staff will be with Residential Counselors, Supervisors, and the Case Manager. School Every resident in the Virginia Miller House will attend school.The Case Manager will facilitate getting school records, and doing whatever needs to be done to enroll the resident in one of the local schools.Every effort is made to prevent disruption in the resident’s education – but because residents sometimes have been in several previous placements, there is often a waiting period before getting back into school.
Residential Counselors stay in close touch with school personnel, to make sure the resident is succeeding in school, and to find out what the program can do to help. Therapy Every resident in Virginia Miller House is expected to participate in individual and group therapy, and family therapy where appropriate.Individual sessions are usually held once a week for an hour, and there is a large community meeting for residents held once a week for two hours.(Smaller house meetings are held frequently to address various issues such as outing requests, chores, etc.) Residents are encouraged to participate in their treatment.One way to do this is to help plan treatment goals.These are based on individual strengths, individual interests, and on problem issues that need to be addressed.Treatment goals are evaluated every month by the resident and the Case Manager, and every three months by the resident, the family if appropriate, the DSHS caseworker, and possibly other individuals.At that time it is determined whether the goals have been met, and what new ones should be included. Often, residents of Virginia Miller House see a psychiatrist who works with the program for an evaluation.Sometimes the psychiatrist recommends medication to help with behavior, or just monitors the medication the resident is already on. Again, the goal of therapy is to create enough change in the resident’s behavior and circumstances that it will be possible for them to live in a permanent home after leaving Virginia Miller House. Recreation Recreation is an important part of life at Virginia Miller House.It is important for every person’s well-being to exercise and to have fun.Each summer, there are a variety of activities for Virginia Miller House residents, from swimming and boating, to hiking, camping, going to the zoo, shopping, etc.In the winter, residents may snowboard or ski, go ice skating, or do indoor recreational activities like going to a museum or to a movie.During the school year there are activities also, mainly on the weekends. As residents achieve more responsibility as they move up the levels, they have more choices in the outings that the group goes on. Medical Care All residents at Virginia Miller House are provided whatever medical care they need.Local physicians and dentists are used for medical and dental appointments.Each resident will be expected to have a current physical exam when they enter the program or shortly thereafter.