1. Licensing: Dale House is licensed as a Residential Child Care Facility by the State of Colorado for 27 youth, ages 16-21. Because our program focuses on independent living, the primary age is 17. 2. Emergency Placements: The Dale House occasionally provides placement for a night or two for children in crisis situations. 3. Counseling, Goal Setting: Since long-term residential care is a major focus at Dale House, staff help young people assess their needs and strengths and set realistic goals. Residents are held accountable for using their time productively in a school and/or work setting and achieving goals. 4. Individual Therapy: Therapy is provided by licensed, professional staff. The myriad of emotional problems which confront troubled adolescents are addressed, as well as practical, reality-based issues. Family counseling is also available. 5. Licensed, On-grounds School: The Dale House School provides an academic curriculum to meet the individual needs of our residents, whether upgrading of skills to pass the GED or assistance in completing either a high school diploma or coursework at the local community college. 6. Independent Living Preparation: This training is part of our school curriculum. Residents complete a ten-chapter workbook which covers life skills such as budgeting, banking, shopping, menu planning, cooking, etc. Our Educational Coordinator also facilitates psycho-educational groups which concentrate on emancipation and interpersonal skills. 7. Transitional Living Apartments: As residents progress and meet their individual goals, they move into transitional living. Two apartments are designed to provide practical experience for the skills taught in the workbook and groups. Developing these skills becomes the final step toward the resident's goal of independent living. 8. Independent Living Apartments: The Dale House provides two apartments, one for males and one for females, who have completed our program but choose to remain involved in our community. These apartments are also available for former residents who have been unsuccessful in an independent living arrangement and need support to get on their feet again. 9. Outreach and Aftercare: Independent living monitoring/tracking is provided for youth following discharge from the residential component of Dale House. In addition, weekly activities are planned to provide continued support. Wednesday evenings, Dale House welcomes former residents and friends for a meal and a community-building activity. This group also gathers together Sunday evenings for fellowship and refreshments. Staff give practical talks based on the Christian faith to encourage self-examination of life direction and attitudes. |
