The goal of Changes for Hope is to provide an ongoing support for at risk children in a professional,
safe and consistent environment. There are many facets to take into consideration to achieve this outcome.
Changes for Hope has established an operational infrastructure which provides the base for its operations. This includes having an administrative director, program director, team lead and frontline staff. Processes have been established to ensure that best practices are followed. These include areas such as:
Placement of youth within the facility is on a first come, first served basis.
Changes for Hope works directly with the community to provide a solid environment. Our staff is in communication with the school officials when getting the child enrolled and continually as the educational needs progress. Recreational activities can occur at local recreation centers, movie theatres, bowling alleys and similar venues, which are coordinated by our staff. If the child needs a doctor or is required to attend a court appointment, our staff is available to take the child to said appointments and help them to advocate for what is needed in their best interests.
Changes for Hope youth typically come to us after their Caseworker deems it necessary for either a new intake placement or a change in residence. As such, we work together with their Caseworker to provide continuity of care involving physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, educationally and to meet the commitment required within the legal community (court dates, etc). There is constant communication between the agency and caseworks to ensure this is accomplished. If there are problems such as the child going missing or AWOL, all appropriate people, including crisis and caseworker are contacted.
Changes for Hope has established processes for the day-to-day functions within the group home. There is documentation and tracking of written requests to accommodate special needs, consequences in regard to the children, interactions with the schools and legal environment, staff involvement and interactions with all relevant stakeholders.
Communication both internally within our organization and externally with our extended community is of high priority. During the shift transitions, the outgoing front line staff communicates with the incoming staff to ensure there is knowledge continuity. The front-line staff documents the activities and issues that occurred. This is completed in the log book, contact notes written as well as communication books available to all staff. Front line staff is also required to contact Changes For Hope 24/7 on-call to communicate any major issues or critical incidents that have occurred.
The administrative director and the program director also have access to these same tools. These departments deal with the scheduling of staff, processing of payroll and new hires, releasing the weekly budget to each home, tracking of statistics and information. Appropriate software that is relevant to each position is provided. Appropriate storage options exist for both the paper storage of information and the electronic storage of information.
The data collected as a by-product of operating a group home is analyzed by the leadership team to identify trends and patterns. It is through this analysis that areas for improvement are identified and can be addressed.
The financial data collected is also reviewed. The monthly financial statements are completed after each month end and reviewed by the Owner to determine if finances are within the operating budget limits.
The technology needs within our group home are in place to aid both the staff and children. There is Wi-Fi for internet access and appropriate computers and printers. As needs dictate, further enhancements will be made. Our priorities are the total care of the children.
This includes:
Overall goals:
