|
The intake process
through which a boy is accepted into the Nebraska Boys
Ranch program is a three step process, which is outlined
below. NBR serves youth through the age of 18. Race,
color, or creed will not be used in considering
placement of a boy. Emphasis is placed on attempting to
provide the nearest approximation to a home life as
possible, in a child caring setting. All boys must be
wards of a court or the State. Parents, or others
seeking a private placement, are welcome to contact NBR
to discuss that possibility.
STEP ONE: REFERRAL
Initial inquiry by a placing agency, usually Health and
Human Services or Probation, may be made either by phone
or mail. In an effort to expedite the process, Nebraska
Boys Ranch will require minimal information from the
referring agency. If placement is to be considered,
NBR will require at least ONE of the following:
A. An OJS evaluation, or:
B. A psychological evaluation, or:
C. A Predispositional Investigation (PDI).
It is important that the referring agency be mindful
that it is necessary that the most recent information be
forwarded.
After receipt of the referral packet, the NBR
Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) will review the
information to determine appropriateness of placement
and access our ability to meet the needs of the boy. If
we cannot provide services, the inquiring agency will be
notified immediately. If we believe we can provide
services, we will move to step two.
STEP TWO: INTERVIEW
Arrangements will be made between the agency and NBR for
a staff member to interview the boy. It is recommended
that family and a representative of the agency be
present. When circumstances allow, it is recommended
that the interview take place on the NBR campus. The
face to face interview is important to the process, in
that it: 1) allows all parties to become more familiar
and become acquainted; 2) allows NBR staff to further
evaluate the boy/family to assess appropriateness of
placement; and 3) allow the boy and his family a visual
of the Ranch and its program.
STEP THREE: ACCEPTANCE
It is not until after the interview is completed that
the MDT makes a decision about whether or not to accept
a boy into our program. If accepted, arrangements for
transportation are made by the placing agency. At
placement, the following documents are required.
A. A properly completed NDHHS placement agreement.
B. School records: A copy of the latest school
transcript, and up to date progress reports from the
latest school, will allow NBR to determine proper
placement within the school system. If the boy is in
need of Special Education services, a copy of the latest
IEP is needed. A copy of the school psychological
evaluation that verifies the need for services must
accompany the IEP.
C. Immunization records: These records are necessary
for a student to even be enrolled in the Alliance Public
Schools. School records should include immunization,
but if not current, a separate record from his Doctor
must be included.
D. A photocopy of his birth certificate must be
included.
E. Court order: A copy of the court order that
officially makes the boy a ward of the State must be
included. NBR recognizes that there are cases where
this may not be available until a boy is placed.
STARTING AND FINISHING THE PROGRAM
Upon arrival at NBR, the boy will begin an Orientation
Process. Part of that process will introduce him to the
behavior management/ levels system. This system is
designed to show progress within the program to a boy,
his family, the placing agency and the courts. The
system has 5 levels that a boy must go through in order
to be considered to have successfully completed the
program. A boy who stays focused on his goals can
complete the program in about 4 ½ to 5 ½ months. The
system is based upon accountability and accepting
responsibility for behaviors. Those who have difficulty
with those concepts will find the system to be
challenging. Placing agencies, courts and families find
the system to be helpful, as it is measurable and can
show whether a boy is making progress in the agreed upon
goals and expectations.
(Back to Top)
|
