FAMILY INVOLVEMENT
Family involvement is a key factor in how successful a student will be in reaching his treatment goals. It is an essential part of treatment for the following reasons:
- Family input results in more productive goals.
- Parents and siblings can provide useful information and advice. They know their son/brother better than anyone.
- Family support and encouragement are essential in helping the child through the changes he is trying to make.
- Maintaining positive change and future growth is dependent on the relationship between the child and his family. Red Top is practice for the work that needs to happen when he returns home.
Families are encouraged to be involved by:
- Attending the intake meeting to help develop and clarify meaningful treatment goals.
- Attending family therapy sessions with Red Top treatment staff twice a month (preferably in person but can be done by phone)
- Participating in monthly updates of the treatment plan.
- Talking with staff about their son’s accomplishments and progress.
- Writing and calling on a regular basis.
- Visiting regularly at pre-arranged times.
- Seeking professional counseling from a family- oriented therapist in home community to help with the transition of returning home.
When parents are involved, residents are more motivated, complete the program in a shorter period of time and are more successful upon returning home.