In an effort to provide an enhanced treatment environment and overcome some of the drawbacks inherent in a more traditional dormitory approach, Turnabout has developed an unparalleled approach to housing.
Rather than sleeping in a dormitory, Turnabout students spend their nights in a family environment. Turnabout has selected and trained families who are a part of our unique and secure “host-family network”. These host families become an amazing support group for the students as well as the student's family and help to encourage their progress.
Benefits of the Host-Family Model
In a dormitory setting, teens spend time alone with other teens when not actively participating in their residential program.
Turnabout's unique housing approach allows teens hands-on pratice of the new skills they are learning in a family setting where they are required to contribute. The home environment and the support students receive from the host families expands their support network with a surrogate group of aunts and uncles.
Our experience has shown that having a solid, hand-picked host family who cares about your teen and encourages their progress, accelerates the recovery process.
Our students appreciate this family environment, and this approach has proven especially beneficial for younger students and those with families out-of-state.
This Unique housing program has become very meaningful to the parents of Turnabout students and to referring professionals across the country.
Housing to Help Kids & Keep them Safe
In the beginning a student may be hosted and supervised by one of our staff members. As appropriate, students will then move to the homes of our other host families and gain a static host family. This family environment gives teens a secure place where they can practice using the skills that they learn in the program.
Both Turnabout and the State of Utah carefully screen all host homes. These families go through an intensive initial housing training program and participate in ongoing quarterly training. These homes are initially inspected by an independent, state licensed, clinical social worker. They can be spot-checked at any time by the state and will be spot-checked at least annually by Turnabout staff. Host families are carefully reviewed each year in our annual state licensing review by the State Licensing Inspector.
Learn more about how the Host-Housing Program works
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Turnabout is a highly structured and closely supervised program. Students are at Turnabout six days a week, Monday through Friday, from approximately 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. When not at Turnabout, students are in the host parent’s care and supervision at all times.
Each night, three students are alarmed into a specially prepared bedroom (inspected for safety and security) at 9:30 PM (10:30 PM on Saturday). This gives students enough time before bed to prepare for the next day, shower, wash their own clothes, do chores, prepare for bed, and review their day with the host parents.
Saturday evenings and Sundays give students an opportunity to have more normal family experiences. Typically, students participate in whatever the host family is doing: preparing and eating home cooked meals, chores (extra chores can earn money for personal care or school items ), homework, family games/movies, attending church, family gatherings and outings, etc. Constraints are imposed on some activities depending on what “level” the students in the housing group have earned.
Although host parents are responsible for the students in their care, Turnabout also uses a peer leadership program. Two students, at higher levels in our program, are sent home with a new student to provide support, guidance, and comfort. The “higher levels” know and follow all the norms (rules); they know each other’s issues and what each student is supposed to be working on individually.
While the supports or parents are typically able to resolve any questions or concerns that may arise, Turnabout staff is on call and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions and respond to any problems. Though it has seldom been necessary, they may also go to the host parents home to resolve any challenges or bring the students back to Turnabout to spend the night.
While we feel a coed program is very important, male and female students are never housed in the same home. There is constant supervision and very strict rules regarding any interaction or communication between males and females.
Because some teens in their first few weeks might be tempted to run away, rather than turn their lives around, Turnabout has taken extra security precautions to eliminate these opportunities and provide a safe, secure, and nurturing experience for each student. For additional information about our great housing program, or security measures used to keep teens safe, please contact us.
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Testimonial: Housing Was a Critical Part of Our Son's Success
It is difficult to put into words the effect you have had on our son. One short year ago, we flew to Salt Lake City to entrust our son to your staff. Although I was apprehensive to leave him, it was a relief not to have to worry about where he was and what he was doing. Read More... |
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At that time our son was deeply troubled, addicted to marijuana, was caught stealing, was rebellious, and not capable of coping in a positive way with his life. He had little regard for himself let alone anyone else. The final issue that brought us to the decision to enroll him was when he got arrested and told the police officer that he would steal again. There is no question in our mind this was a cry for help.
Through your patience, understanding, support and confidence our real son is back. He thrived and successfully completed high school at Stillwater Academy. The small class sizes and experienced teaching staff contributed greatly to his success. In addition, we feel that the housing program at Turnabout allowed Matt to experience a family environment during his stay and was a critical component in matt’s success.
Your leadership program helped our son regain his confidence and will to live life to its fullest. The friendships he made were some of the first of many friends to come. He has wisely chosen not to see any of his old friends and is working hard at establishing new healthy relationships. He is attending the junior college and getting close to land a part time job at the YMCA. He is attending AA meetings, and Willow Creek Community Church functions on a regular basis, and building a strong foundation of new friends that are appropriate. We could not be more pleased or more grateful.
P.S. After two short months in the program he told us, “I wish my old friends had the opportunity to be in a program like this.”
Sincerely yours,
Bob & Gigi |
Turnabout Stillwater Academy: Housing Program
