Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I stay in contact with my child while they are at the YRTC?

A: Youth and families need time to adjust to the youth being in treatment. This adjustment period usually lasts about two weeks. During that time we suggest that youth do not make or receive phone calls. Caregivers can speak to YRTC staff and ask for updates on their child at any time. Exceptions to these rules can be made— especially for family emergencies.

After the adjustment period, youth can make phone calls to people listed on their approved contact list.

Q: Who is my child allowed to have contact with?

A: Each youth has an approved contact list. Contacts are agreed upon between the resident’s caregivers and therapist. All calls are dialed by a staff member and are monitored.

Residents can call or write to anyone on their approved contact list. Residents have access to letter-writing materials including stamps, writing paper, and envelopes.

Q: Will my child still go to school?

A: The teaching staff at the YRTC use a virtual curriculum to meet the youth's individual learning needs. Transcripts are used to determine which credits are needed to continue academic progress. Credits are earned for successful completion of courses and transcripts are given at discharge.

Many residents find they can recover credits and further their education.  Some youth graduate high school, apply for college, or learn job skills while at the YRTC.

Q: What is the Level System?

A: The YRTC has a level system that helps residents make progress in treatment. Youth move up the levels as they demonstrate recovery skills. Each level has increased privileges. All residents begin at level one. Youth must complete all five levels to graduate the program.

Levels require that youth actively participate in their recovery. When youth are working through a level, they positively engage with their peers and staff during groups, work with their individual counselor on personal treatment goals, make progress with school work, and complete required daily activities.

Q: Do residents have free time?

A: During their unstructured time, youth can watch TV, play games, or visit recreation rooms including an art room, weight room, or gymnasium.

The grounds also have an outdoor basketball court, sports field, and a walking path.
Time to play video games or attending off- site outings is earned as youth progress through the level system. Computer time is monitored by staff and social media is not allowed.

Q: Who can visit my child?

A: Family members and caregivers can visit their child at the YRTC. Visitors under the age of 18 have to be accompanied by an adult.

It is also possible for residents to earn a day pass to leave the treatment center for an outing with family or their caregivers. This normally happens later in treatment.

Q: What should I expect when my child returns home from the YRTC?

A: Residents gain many recovery skills while in treatment at the YRTC. During their stay your child will also learn to communicate better, set boundaries, and tolerate stressful situations without using substances.

Most youth do need ongoing support after they leave the YRTC. An Aftercare Coordinator will help your child connect with a counselor and 12 Step recovery group in your local community. That does not mean treatment did not work.
Addiction affects people for a long time. The ongoing support helps reinforce the healthy habits learned.