brooklawn

                                                                     child & family services

 

 

MISSION.   In response to God’s intent, Brooklawn provides comprehensive care, treatment  and education, restoring hope to emotionally troubled children and families.

 

 

PURPOSE.  Brooklawn Child & Family Services, founded in 1851, is a private, not-for-profit Kentucky corporation affiliated with the United Church of Christ.  Since 1991, Brooklawn has offered an array of community-based and residential treatment programs for children with serious emotional disturbances and their families.  Brooklawn also operates an accredited special education school in collaboration with the public school system.

 

 

LICENSURE AND PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS.  Brooklawn is licensed as both a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility and Child Caring Residential Treatment Facility by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.  Brooklawn is an approved Medicaid provider, and is also utilized extensively by the Department for Community Based Services.  Brooklawn is a United Way agency, accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services (COA), and is a member of the Kentucky Children’s Alliance and the National Association for Children’s Behavioral Health.

 

POPULATIONS SERVED.  Brooklawn’s community based pro-grams serve IMPACT Plus eligible clients, families referred under contract by the Department for Community Based Services, and other children and families. Brooklawn’s residential programs serve emotionally and behaviorally troubled boys ages 6 to 17 without regard to race, creed, or national origin.  Children re­ferred to Brook­lawn exhibit moderate to severe emotional distur­bances and behavioral problems.  Residents’ treatment issues may include depression, oppositional defiant disorder, attention deficit disorder, learning problems, chemical dependency or sex offenses. 

 

FACILITIES.  Brooklawn is located on a beautiful 25-acre campus in an attractive suburban neighborhood, easily accessible by expressway and close to community schools, library and shopping centers.  The scenic acreage is distinguished by a quiet stream which flows through the grounds and gives the agency its name.  The facilities include a new school and gymnasium, ten housing options for residents, numerous playgrounds, athletic facilities, and administrative and clinical offices.

 

ADMISSIONS.   To make a referral or explore treatment options at Brooklawn, contact us as follows:   Phone (502) 451-5177; Administration Fax (502) 451-0896; Admissions & Referral  Fax (502) 479-5609; Clinical Fax (502) 515-0464; E-mail referrals@brooklawn.net or info@brooklawn.net.  Jeff Brown is the Admissions Coordinator.

COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAMS.

 

Family Skills  Program. The Family Skills Program provides home-based support services to families through a contract with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Families.  Families are referred to the program by the Department for Community Based Services with the goal of preventing out of home placements.  Brooklawn employs five Family Support Workers who work  primarily in the home with families who are at risk for separation due to neglect or abuse issues. Family Support Workers serve as advocates for families with other agencies such as the courts and schools, and provide linkages for families to needed services, such as medical or mental health care.  In the home, Family Support Workers provide training and modeling to parents in effective communication and discipline with children, meeting the educational needs of their children, financial management, housekeeping and other needed parenting skills.  They also help parents pursue employment or career counseling and education. The average length of service provided to clients in this program is six months.

 

Active Parenting.  Educational curriculum titled Active Parenting Now and Active Parenting of Teens are utilized in our parenting skills building programs. The Family Based Program Manager is a trainer for both active parenting programs. The Family Support Workers in the Family Skills Program have been trained in the parenting skills building programs and are able to facilitate sessions with parents individually or in a group setting.  Both active parenting programs are offered to clients in the Family Skills Program. These group parenting skills building sessions are also available to community agencies and schools for a fee.

 

Dare to Care Food Bank.  Brooklawn maintains a Dare to Care Food Bank for the benefit of the families served through our Community Based Programs.

 

Case Management and Therapeutic Child Support.  The Case Coordinators provide IMPACT Plus Service Coordination for IMPACT Plus approved cases.  The goal of this program is to prevent institutionalization and to reduce the lengths of stays in psychiatric hospitals and PRTFs.  In many cases, a child in residential treatment receives case coordination services through IMPACT Plus and a Brooklawn Case Coordinator follows the case after the child is discharged, arranging for additional aftercare services by Brooklawn through appropriate community mental health agencies, or other service providers.  Brooklawn also provides Therapeutic Child Support which is an IMPACT Plus service similar to in-home wraparound, but with a stronger clinical component.

 

Foster Care.  Brooklawn maintains an affiliation with Maryhurst and the New Beginnings Foster Care programs for the placement of Brook­lawn residents exiting residential treatment. These agreements provide for both pre-placement and post dis­charge clinical support.

 

Outpatient Counseling.  In specific cases, residents or families may want or need to continue individual or family therapy at the agency after the child has been dis­charg­ed.  This is especially true when the child and family come from a geographic region with few counseling resources, or when the child’s situation presents special needs which cannot be addressed by local counseling providers.  In these instances, Brooklawn therapists have the capacity to serve as the aftercare counselor to the child and family, on a limited, case-by-case basis.  In these cases, special arrangements need to be made with the family for transportation, scheduling, and payment for outpatient aftercare counseling sessions.  When the family is also being provided services by IMPACT Plus, Medicaid will cover the costs of outpatient counseling if the Brooklawn therapist is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or other independent practitioner.

 

CAMPUS BASED RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAMS.

 

Overview.  Brooklawn offers a continuum of residential treatment options. The Brooklawn model of treatment is an integrative, interdisciplinary, systems based approach that seeks to bring about positive change in the lives of emotionally and behaviorally troubled boys, and their families, by addressing their biological, psychological, and social needs.  Each resident’s care is guided by an individualized treatment plan of individual, family, and group psychotherapy; residentially based behavior modification; medical/nursing services; social and cultural activities; and educational services. 

 

The core of these therapies is the relationship between the treatment staff and the child.  These various modalities of treatment combine to promote healing, improved family and social relationships, higher self-confidence, positive behavior, and enhanced self-esteem and are delivered from a strengths based approach in a culturally relevant manner.  More specifically:

 

       Individual and family therapy at Brooklawn is guided by integrated theoretical approaches, with the specific modality being matched to the specific needs of each client and may include Cognitive/Behavioral, Psychody­namic, Family Systems, Narrative, Reality, Play, and/or Humanistic therapies.

 

       Group therapy is primarily from a psycho-educational perspective and seeks to develop enhanced skills in the areas of mood, behavior, and impulse management; social skills; and family dynamics.

 

     Brooklawn’s residentially based behavior modification program, called Strategies Toward Effective Problem Solving or STEPS, emphasizes developing new, more successful behaviors to replace previously unsuccessful behaviors.  STEPS priori­tizes repetition, reinforcement, relationships, and personal responsibility.

 

     Medical/Nursing services ensure that each resident’s health care and medication needs are monitored and addressed with the highest quality of care.

 

     Social and cultural activities help to address the developmental needs of residents for exposure to, and appreciation of, diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious traditions.

 

     Educational services through Brooklawn’s school, which is staffed by Jefferson County Public School special education teachers, provide a high level of individualized and group instruction to meet the particular needs of each resident.

 

Treatment Teams.  Brooklawn’s interdisciplinary treatment staff function as a team to provide comprehensive and integrated services to residents.  The treatment staff is comprised of highly skilled professionals who utilize the latest technology within their various fields.  The staff includes board certified psychiatrists, clinical social workers, an art therapist, psychological associates, marriage and family therapists, nurses, special education teachers, recreation leaders, a chaplain, and child care staff.  Brooklawn’s clinical department includes therapists who specialize in the treatment of sex offenders, sexually reactive children, trauma recovery, chemical dependency, and severely oppositional children.

 

Child and Family Involvement.  Each child participates in the development of his own treatment plan and attends treatment team meetings to share input and questions personally with the team.  Residents’ family members and community workers are also important members of the treatment team whose input is invited and encouraged through their attending treatment planning meetings, family therapy sessions and family education programs.

Whenever possible, residents’ treatment plans include arrangements for therapeutic passes to their home and community, or to surrogate family options for children without families.  For children with families, letters, phone calls and on-campus family visits are routine parts of the children’s family service plans, as deemed appropriate, to support each child’s treatment goals.

 

Brooklawn’s social service and case management staff are often involved in making recommendations to the Department for Community Based Services for foster home or group home placement for residents after they leave Brooklawn.  In these cases, the treatment team works closely with potential foster parents or other aftercare providers to ensure the child’s smooth transition to new living arrangements.

 

Interdisciplinary Staff Functioning.  All staff are highly skilled and trained child care or treatment professionals. Primary therapists are all li­censed, graduate level practitioners and most residential workers hold bachelor’s de­grees.  Addition­ally, Brook­lawn administers an in-house staff development and training program and a career ladder promotional system through which staff are supported in obtaining further training and advancement in their respective professions.

 

 

Clinical Services

 

Individual and Family Therapy.  The most important element in each child’s treatment at Brooklawn is the close, supportive relationships between the child, his primary therapist and other key treatment staff, especially residential workers.  Each child receives individual therapy at least once weekly, as well as group therapy several times weekly.  Whenever possible, residents also receive family therapy as indicated by the family’s needs and ability to attend, generally either weekly or bi-monthly.

 

Through their counseling experiences with a licensed therapist, children address and work through past conflicts, traumas and other difficulties which have resulted in emotional and behavioral problems.  The close teamwork between therapists and other interdisciplinary staff provides for maximum integration between residents’ therapy and other learning experiences in school and on their living units.

 

Special Groups for Special Needs.  Beyond individual and milieu therapy experiences, children benefit greatly from the rich array of group therapy options Brooklawn offers.  Brooklawn staff are constantly developing new specialty groups to address residents’ changing needs.  Specialty groups occur in nine-week cycles corresponding to the school grading periods. Children normally cycle into new groups at the end of each nine-week period, although in specific instances a child may continue in the same group for an additional nine weeks if he has additional issues to address in that group.

 

         Some of the specialty groups most commonly offered include:

 

     Orientation Group:  This beginning group teaches new residents what to expect and how to be a responsible participant in therapy groups.

 

     Grief and Loss:  This intensive therapy group explores feelings of loss and closure needs for children who have experienced death, abandonment or other forms of separation from loved ones.

 

     The Self Control Patrol:  This behavioral group focuses on teaching participants with attentional or other learning problems how to focus and increase their attention span and impulse control.

 

     Anger Management:  This cognitive group helps participants to recognize and channel their anger to more safe and socially acceptable means of expression.

 

     Chemical Dependency Education and Support:  This psycho-educational group teaches members basics about the disease concept of chemical dependency and the progressive cycle of addiction, as well as principles of recovery and relapse prevention.

 

              Sexual Abuse Survivors:  This intensive therapy group provides a safe and supportive setting for participants to revisit and resolve their experiences and feelings as victims of sexual abuse or exploitation.

 

     Morality, Empathy and Community:  This spirituality group, led by the campus chaplain, helps members with histories of under-socialization or conduct problems to develop an increased sense of interpersonal connectedness and social responsibility.

 

     Social Living Group:  This behavioral group, co-led by residential workers and therapists, focuses on enhancing daily group living experiences in the children’s residential units. Residents learn to more effectively manage conflicts and build positive relationships. The goal of this group is to improve how residents relate to peers and adults in a community  living environment.

 

Aftercare Services.  Every Brooklawn resident receives a thorough assessment of aftercare needs and part of the child’s individual treat­ment plan is a clear aftercare plan. When the child is committed to the Department for Com­munity Based Services, the child’s DCBS worker normally assists him in obtaining needed aftercare through community mental health, medical or other service providers.  Whatever aftercare the child’s individual circum­stances call for, Brook­lawn staff make the nec­essary referrals and outline follow-up care needs on the child’s dis­charge form, which is sign­ed and circulated to parents, DCBS, IMPACT Plus workers and/or other in­volved parties.

 

Case Coordination.  Case coordination consists of management of each resident’s case from admission to discharge, and interfacing with all members involved in each resident’s care.  Case Coordinators assist with admission to Brooklawn and provide discharge planning for residents, working with families and state workers to establish appropriate services for each resident.  Aftercare calls are made on all discharged residents two weeks, two months, and four months after discharge to evaluate progress.

 

Medical/Nursing Services.  Medical and nursing services are directed by a Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and attended by an additional Board Certified Child Psychiatrist.  Registered Nurses are available on campus or on-call at all times.  A Transportation Aide schedules and accompanies residents to medical appointments in the community.

 

Board Certified Pediatricians attend to general medical care including immunization updates, physical exams, care of illnesses, and referrals to specialists as indicated.  Brooklawn medical or nursing staff refer when needed to the medical center in downtown Louisville to obtain special medical testing.  Two acute care hospitals and a children’s hospital are located within minutes of the Brooklawn campus should Emergency Room or other special services be needed.

 


Ophthalmology and Optometry exams are completed as indicated by vision screening, and glasses are obtained from and serviced by a respected local optical provider.  Audiology referrals occur when children obtain an abnormal hearing screening.  Laboratory services are provided on campus and EKGs are also completed on campus as needed.

 

Medications are delivered and dispensed by a large pharmacy provider specializing in long-term care and utilizing the “unit dose” system.  Residential staff are selected by their supervisors to complete a 37.5 hour medication administration course recognized by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.

 

 

Educational  Services

 

Brooklawn School.  School at Brooklawn is an essential and integral component of the total treatment program. The Brooklawn School offers residents unique educational opportunities and a chance to continue learning. The teachers at Brooklawn School are employees of the Jefferson County Public School System. Jefferson County Schools makes every effort to provide an appropriate education to all of our residents.  Residents identified as having difficulties in the classroom can be screen­ed and evaluated for learning and/or behavioral disabilities to assist in the placement of the student in these programs to get them the assistance they need with learning.

 

Classes taught include Math, Language Arts, Social Stud­ies, Science, Health, P.E. and Computer Training.  In addition to providing core classes, Jefferson Coun­ty Public Schools provides for Speech Therapy services to the residents in need of this type of assistance.  Educational field trips are taken throughout the year.  Some of these field trips include historical sites in Kentucky, visual and theatrical arts performances, cultural displays and centers, and service learning projects.  Brook­lawn’s Volunteer Department recruits tutors to work with the students on an individual basis to reinforce what is being taught in the classroom.

 

         Summer school and enrichment programs are also available during summer months.  Brooklawn’s summer school program focuses on the different cultures around the world and within our own community.  To explore the differences in the cultures, the residents examine the arts, sports, foods, currency, and customs of the peoples within that culture.  The cultural learning incorporates hands-on and community exploration of these cultures in our community.  To do this, Brooklawn school utilizes educational outings and guest speakers to bring the culture “home” to the residents. 

 

Artists-in-Residence Program.  Through­out the school year, Brook­lawn offers various cultural programs such as music, art, dra­ma, environmental awareness, cultural diversity and many others. These programs are offered through the Artists-in-Residence Program and in collaboration with various community organizations.

 

School Off Campus.  When residents demonstrate through their performance in the Brooklawn School that they are ready to transfer to an off campus school, every effort will be made to return them to their home school.  If this is not possible, residents will attend a school close to Brooklawn. In an effort to make the transition to public school as successful as possible, Brooklawn employs a Public School Liaison who’s function is to assist the resident in preparing for the transition by arranging placement meetings and finding the most appropriate school for the resident, arranging for orientation to the school, and equipping the resident with supplies and uniforms.  The Liaison then follows up with the resident and school personnel on a weekly basis to ensure that the student is able to successfully continue with the transition.

 

Spiritual Development Opportunities

 

Brooklawn is historically related to the United Church of Christ, and is respectful of all religious practices. This Judeo-Christian background and our mission statement are reflected in the spiritual opportunities on campus.  Upon admission, residents participate in a spiritual assessment with the Brooklawn chaplain to assess their interest and need for spiritual services.

 

 

There is a weekly on-campus chapel service that is available to all residents on a voluntary basis. There are also monthly on-campus worship opportunities.  Off-campus worship experiences are also available for those residents who meet the criteria. Individual spiritual direction can also be arranged with the Brooklawn chaplain when the need is identified or if the resident desires additional spiritual guidance.

 

 

Residential Services

                                           

Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs)

 

         Brooklawn Academy (Oak Hall and Sycamore Hall)

        

         Type of License:             PRTF, Semi-Secure

         Clients:                           Males, 12 - 17 years of age

         Levels Served:               4, 5

         Licensed Beds:               Two 8 bed units = 16

         Bedrooms:                      16

         Constructed:                   1962

 

         Pinewood

 

         Type of License:             PRTF, Semi-Secure

         Clients:                           Males, 6 - 11 years of age

         Levels Served:               4, 5

         Licensed Beds:               8

         Bedrooms                       8

         Constructed:                   1998

 

         Birchwood

         Type of License:             PRTF, Semi-Secure

         Clients:                           Males, 10 - 14 years of age

         Levels Served:               4, 5

         Licensed Beds:               8

         Bedrooms:                      8

         Constructed:                   2001

 

PCC Residential Treatment

 

         Daubert Cottage

 

         Type of License:             Residential Treatment

         Clients:                           Males, 7 - 12 years of age

         Levels Served:               4, 5

         Licensed Beds:               14

         Bedrooms:                      13

         Constructed:                   1972

 

 

         Wagner Cottage

 

         Type of License:             Residential Treatment

         Clients:                           Males, 12 - 17 years of age

         Levels Served:               4, 5

         Licensed Beds:               14

         Bedrooms:                      13                   

         Constructed:                   1972

 

        

         Cypress Cottage

         Type of License:             Residential Treatment

         Clients:                           Males, 9 - 17 years of age

         Levels Served:               3, 4, 5

         Licensed Beds:               14

         Bedrooms                       13

         Constructed:                   1987

                 

         Steil Cottage

 

         Type of License:             Residential Treatment

         Clients:                           Males, 9 - 16 years of age

         Levels Served:               4, 5

         Licensed Beds:               10

         Bedrooms:                      10

         Constructed:                   1965 & 2004

        

Campus Group Homes

         The Cedars

 

         Type of License:             Residential Treatment

         Clients:                           Males, 13 - 17 years of age

         Levels Served:               4, 5

         Licensed Beds:               8

         Bedrooms:                      3

         Constructed                    1950

         Elmwood

 

         Type of License:             Residential Treatment

         Clients:                           Males, 8 - 13 years of age

         Levels Served:               4, 5

         Licensed Beds:               9

         Bedrooms:                      3

         Constructed:                   1950

 

 

 

Milieu Therapy.  Milieu therapy provides residents with a safe, structured, routine-oriented group living experience.  Emphasis is placed on residents learning how to live cooperatively with others.  Emphasis is also placed on teaching residents daily living skills, appropriate social skills and self-control. 

                 

As residents demonstrate improved behavior, they are given increased opportunities for outings in the community.  The primary purpose of outings is for social learning and skills building. Outings include trips to the public library, public parks, movies, bowling, skating, community events, etcetera.  In addition, residents participate in shopping trips where they receive and spend money thereby learning how to more effectively manage their money.

 

Recreational Programs.  Brooklawn employs activities specialists who develop and implement special recreational programs designed to give residents opportunities for therapeutic and growth-promoting leisure activities. Each resident is given an activities assessment from which individualized treatment goals are developed. Recreational activities helps meet physical, emotional and psychological needs for residents.  Children participate and receive instruction in noncompetitive athletic activities, as well as, team sports. They also develop an appreciation and understanding of the performing arts.  Goals of the recreational program are to help residents learn to:

 

                Experience community athletic and cultural events;

                Express oneself through craft and creative art activities; and

                Enjoy diverse games and team sports.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cultural Education / Tolerance Training.  Brooklawn recognizes the need to address cultural diversity education with residents.  This program provides services which are consistent with religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds of clients.  This program also provides services which attempt to reduce cultural barriers and affirm cultural aspects of the client’s heritage.  Cultural training is coordinated through the Cultural Committee, and includes topics through the Brooklawn school, therapy groups, life meetings, guest speakers, and planned activities.  Brooklawn staff attend training annually which increases awareness of cultural issues.

 

 

Program Enhancements

 

The Job Skills Program.  This program gives residents the opportunity to learn the  responsibilities of a job, and earn money.  Currently, job sites within the program are located in food services (assistant food service worker, dish washer and dining room clean-up).  Residents who have demonstrated responsibility and are being successful in the STEPS program may apply through their treatment team for open positions in these areas.  Once residents qualify for the job skills program they will receive training and direct supervision in their assigned job by a Food Services staff person.  It is the resident’s responsibility to complete the application process before his treatment team, inform his staff persons of his work schedule, complete all assigned tasks and report to his work area on time as scheduled.

 


Volunteer Program.  This program allows residents the opportunity to interact with positive adult role models from the community in a safe and caring environment.  Volunteers provide tutoring, monthly birthday/theme parties, and special events, oversee clubs and serve as mentors.

Celebration of Success.  This is a special program of recognition for residents who have worked hard on their treatment issues, in school and in the milieu, and have maintained positive behaviors on a consistent basis.  It is a day of celebration and of receiving awards for a job well done.  The day culminates with a special ceremony in which each resident receives personalized certificates noting his progress in school, in therapy, in groups and on the living unit.

 

         Food Services.  Brooklawn’s Food Services Department is committed to providing healthy, high quality meals to residents in all programs.  Meals are prepared from a menu that is approved by a registered dietician, and residents are encouraged to provide input regarding which food items they would like to see on the menu, or items they do not like.

 

Recognition Dinners.  When a resident earns a planned and successful discharge from Brooklawn, a dinner is held in his honor.  The menu is selected by the resident and resident is presented with a Certificate of Achievement and his portfolio.

 

 

Behavior  Management

 

Behavior Management is a teaching process by which residents are taught to make better choices and to gradually develop internal control.  Program strategies include the following:

 

         1.      Nonverbal Strategies are utilized to give residents an opportunity to engage their own internal controls.  Nonverbal strategies also reduce peer group influence.  These strategies include planned ignoring, signal control, proximity control, and touch control.

 

         2.      Verbal Strategies are utilized in order to encourage residents to regain control and behave responsibly.  Verbal strategies include active listening, redirection to strengths/distraction, and problem solving.  These strategies also include differential reinforcement, positive correction, setting limits, giving firm directions/commands, reemphasizing behavioral expectations and consequences.


 

         3.      Self Time-out is instituted by the resident, or upon staff suggestion, when residents recognize that their behavior has become escalated and/or disruptive. 

 

         4.      Time-out is instituted when residents have been instructed to remove themselves from the milieu due to escalating and/or disruptive behavior.

 

         5.      Therapeutic Holding is a special treatment procedure that is utilized when residents are dangerous to themselves, dangerous to others, and/or extremely disruptive to the environment and require physical assistance from staff to ensure their safety.  SCM is the only approved system of therapeutic holding utilized at Brooklawn.

 

         6.      PRN (As Needed) Medication is utilized to assist residents to de-escalate when they are unable to do so on their own.  PRN medication must be approved by the Nurse prior to administration by a Medication Representative.  Administration of the PRN medication must also be agreed to by the resident.

 

         7.      Intensive Supervision is an intervention used to safely monitor and document the behavior of residents who have experienced a crisis or are in need of extended time out.

 

         8.      Seclusion is a special treatment procedure that is utilized when residents are deemed to be dangerous to self or others and/or when other intervention strategies have been determined to be counter therapeutic.

 

         9.      Behavior Improvement Plans are instituted to help residents identify problem

                  behaviors, explore alternative behaviors and to develop a plan to do better.    

 

         10.    Consequences are instituted when residents choose to seriously violate program expectations.  Please see the STEPS Manual regarding specific behaviors.

 

                  a.   Grounding is instituted when residents choose to engage in potentially harmful behaviors toward self or others or are extremely disruptive to the milieu.

 

                  b.   Campusing is instituted when residents choose to engage in more severe acting out behaviors that further endangers their own personal safety or the safety of others.

 

c.   Restrictions are instituted when residents engage in minor rule violations.  Restrictions include such things as loss of TV, loss of radio, loss of free time or loss of regular bedtime.

 

                  d.   Restitution is instituted when residents destroy property.

 


Additional  Information

 

Personal Appearance and Possessions.  Residents’ belongings are inventoried by staff upon admission, after outings, and when residents return from home pass.  All residents will be informed as to what clothing and personal items are allowed upon admission.  Residents are discouraged from bringing personal items of value to Brooklawn.  Residents who have expensive personal items are given the opportunity to have these items secured for safe keeping.  Any items not permitted for use in the program will be returned to the parent or guardian or retained by the Residential Program Supervisors until the resident is discharged.  The following clothing restrictions apply:

 

                Clothing should fit properly, not expose undergarments, and be appropriate to the occasion.  Shirts are to be worn which cover the resident’s upper torso.

 

                Clothing or personal items which display drugs, alcohol or tobacco products are not permitted.

 

                Clothing or personal items which present violent, sexual, gang-related or other destructive themes are not permitted.

 

                Residents must abide by the Brooklawn School and/or the Jefferson County Public School dress requirements while attending school.

 

                No body piercing jewelry will be allowed, including earrings.

 

                Any item staff deems inappropriate will not be permitted.

 

Once a resident leaves Brooklawn’s care, Brooklawn will store personal belongings for 30 days.  Guardian’s will be responsible for picking up any belongings within the 30 days or providing shipping instructions.  Items not picked up within 30 days will be donated to charity.

 

 

Allowance  Money

 

If a child is committed to the state... State-committed residents receive a monthly allowance from the state.  The monthly allowance allotted for personal items consists of $10.00 for residents 12 years of age and younger and $20.00 for residents 13 years of age and older.  While residing at Brooklawn, this money is deposited into the child’s financial account and is used when the child is eligible to attend shopping outings with Brooklawn staff.  A child may also request to take a limited amount of personal money on home visits.  A running record and receipts are kept for every financial transaction a child makes.

 

When a child is discharged from Brooklawn, his financial account will be reconciled within one month.  This is to ensure all incoming money (i.e., job skills training program checks and monthly allowance checks) is appropriately credited to the child’s account.  After the account has been reconciled, a check request will be submitted to the business office.  This check must first be mailed to the outside worker, but will be made payable to the child.  The outside worker should forward this check on to the child.

 

If a child is not committed to the state... Non-committed residents do not receive a regular monthly allowance from the state.   Brooklawn makes available for a child’s use $10.00 per month.  When the child is discharged from Brooklawn, any unused allowance money will be returned for use by future non-committed residents.  Any remaining money earned by the child through participation in the job skills training program will be sent to the child within 30 days after discharge.

 

Restitution:  If a child damages property or the belongings of others, he will be expected as a part of the teaching process to make restitution.  Restitution fees will be charged against a child’s personal account; however, charges will not exceed the total balance of the account.  Restitution charges will be charged against the child’s current monthly balance and will not effect future monthly deposits.

 

                 

Clothing Money

        

If a child is committed to the state, Brooklawn will receive a monthly allotment from the state.  The monthly allotment will consist of $35.00 for residents 12 years of age and younger and $40.00 for residents 13 years of age and older to be utilized to purchase needed clothing items.  If a child will be attending off campus public school while at Brooklawn, this money will be used to purchase his public school uniforms.  Each residential unit goes clothing shopping one time per month.  Prior to each shopping outing, a clothing inventory is completed by staff on each child in the residential unit.  This inventory will detail any items a child needs and gives spending limits for the items.  If a child is off of restrictions, he may be able to attend the shopping outing and help pick out his clothing.  If he is not eligible to attend, Brooklawn staff will purchase the child’s needed clothing items from the inventory list.  A running record and receipts are kept for every financial transaction a child makes.  Any unused clothing money at the end of a child’s stay at Brooklawn will be returned in the same manner as the child’s personal allowance money.  In addition to clothing money from the state, Brooklawn also operates a clothing closet from which donated clothing items may be utilized to supplement a child’s clothing needs.

 

If a child is not committed to the state, his parent/legal guardian will be expected to provide all needed clothing.  However, Brooklawn  operates a clothing closet from which donated clothing items may be utilized to supplement a child’s clothing needs.

 

 

Family  Visitation  in  Relation to Steps.  Upon admission, each child is placed on STEP 1.  The purpose of this phase is to orient the child to the program rules, expectations, and procedures of his new environment.  This is also the time for the child to become more comfortable in his new environment and to begin to get to know the staff better.  The staff will use this time to begin building a positive relationship with the child and assist the child in easing anxieties related to his new environment.

 

During this time, the child is allowed one ten-minute phone call per week to parents or parental figures.  He is also allowed visitation by family during the regularly scheduled visitation time.  Currently, visitation is from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

When parents (or other authorized visitors) visit their child, there are a few guidelines.  Here is what Brooklawn asks of visitors:

1.      During visitation, we ask that visitors visit only in the designated area.  Currently, visitation is being conducted in the Cafeteria on Wednesdays and in the Community Room on the weekends.  On nice days, the staff like to take all the residents outside.  Therefore, it is possible for visitors to visit with the child outdoors with a staff member present.  If bringing children onto campus, parents should ensure that those children remain under their supervision.

 

2.      Smoking is not permitted in front of the residents.  There is a designated smoking area that we ask visitors to use.  If needed, the staff persons on duty will be happy to show visitors to this area.

 

3.      To assist in ensuring the safety and confidentiality of the children, staff will check to ensure a visitor’s name is on the child’s Approved Visitation List, will ask visitors for the child’s case number, and will ask to see the visitor’s identification. Visitors should be prepared to provide the staff with this information.  If someone is unable to provide this information, he/she will be asked to leave.

 

4.      There is no food or drink allowed during visitation.  Visitors may bring food and/or candy and snac­ks in sealed packages for a child’s use during personal snack.  Please do not bring expensive items (radio’s, jewelry, etc.) to Brooklawn for a child to keep in his room.  Unfortunately, sometimes these items are broken or lost.  If visitors would like to leave money for a child, it should be given to a staff person to put in the child’s account.

 

 

 

 

 

Resident Rights

 


1.                               Brooklawn residents have the right to be treat­ed with respect for their dignity, individuality, and humanity.

 

 

1.                               Brooklawn residents have the right to confidentiality in their treatment and in their personal lives.  They also have the right to personal privacy regarding their individual treatment plan.

        

2.                               Brooklawn residents have a right to informed consent; this includes the right to be informed of available program services, care, procedures, and treat­ment that they shall receive.

 

3.                               Brooklawn residents have the right to be fully informed of their rights and of the rules and expectations of the program.

 

4.                               Brooklawn residents have the right to be informed about their physical condition except if their attending physician chooses not to inform them for medical reasons and documents those reasons in the resident record.  Residents have the right to participate in their treatment plan.

 

5.                               Brooklawn residents have the right to receive sufficient information about the risks, side effects, and benefits of all medications and treatment procedures used in order for informed consent to be given prior to any medical procedure or treatment.

 

6.                               Brooklawn residents have the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the possible consequences of such refusal.  Residents also have the right to refuse participation in clinical studies or other research.

7.                                     Brooklawn residents have the right to continuity of care and impartial access to treatment, regardless of race, religion, sex, ethnicity, age or handicap.

 

8.                               Brooklawn residents have the right to adequate and humane services.

 

9.                               Brooklawn residents have the right to receive treatment in the least restrictive environment possible for their particular symptoms.

 

10.                           Brooklawn residents have the right to an individ­ualized treatment plan that is reviewed and updated as indicated according to the resident’s needs and/or as required by regulations.  The resident and the resident's family or signifi­cant others have the right to participate in the planning of the resident's treatment and are encouraged to do so when appropriate.

 

11.                           Brooklawn residents have the right to be provided with an adequate number of competent, qualified, and experienced professional clinical staff to implement and supervise treatment.

 

12.                           Unless visitation is clinically contraindicated, the resident’s family and significant others have the right to visit the resident during regularly scheduled visiting hours.

 

13.                           Brooklawn residents have the right to privacy unless contraindicated by the individual treatment plan.

 

14.                           Brooklawn residents have the right to send and receive mail without hindrance unless contraindicated by the individualized treatment plan.  Under some conditions, it may be necessary to open mail in the presence of staff.

 

15.                           Brooklawn residents have the right to conduct private telephone conversations with family and significant others, unless contraindicated by the individualized treatment plan.

        

16.                           The resident and the resident’s family, guardian, or custodian have the right to participate in the determination of communication restrictions.  These restrictions must be fully explained to the resident and these significant others.

 

17.                           Each resident has the right to employ a consultant, at his or her expense, for an in house review of the individual treatment plan.

 

18.                           All residents have the right to voice opinions, recommendations, and grievances in relation to policies and services offered by Brooklawn, and have the right to lodge complaints and appeals.  Residents also have the right to be fully informed of policies and procedures for filing grievances, and to receive help completing required forms and paperwork.

 

19.                           Brooklawn residents have the right to display and use personal belongings, except when safety and space do not permit, or except when to do so would infringe upon the rights of others.

        

20.                           When all other avenues of internal airing of grievances have been exhausted, residents have the right to a hearing before a representative of the Department for Community Based Services.

 

21.                           Residents have the right to receive services in a manner that is non-coercive and protects the person’s right to self-determination.

 

Informed  Consent.  It is important for children/adolescents and their parents to feel informed about the treatment process here at Brooklawn and to be included as an active participant.  This includes therapy/treatment recommendations, diagnostic issues, education, medication issues, treatment goals and expectations, as well as, prognosis.  Part of this process includes discussion about alternative approaches; the risks, benefits, and/or side-effects of medications and other interventions; developing an understanding that a desired treatment outcome is not guaranteed; and having an opportunity to ask questions and demonstrate an understanding for what consent is being given.

 

Treatment will be individualized to address individual needs and will include weekly individual, group, and (when practical) family therapy.  Milieu therapy occurs daily to address life skills such as conflict resolution, relationship building, anger management, and daily living skills.  Brooklawn utilizes Safe Crisis Management as a system of physical and nonphysical  interventions.  Brooklawn utilizes physical holdings and/or seclusion only when children are behaving in a way which is extremely dangerous to themselves or others.  Mechanical restraints (i.e., leathers, straps) and chemical restraints (injections) are not used.  The Brooklawn Psychiatrist may utilize psychotropic medications as a part of your child’s treatment.  All medications have risks as well as benefits, and although it is not possible to review every possible side-effect, it is important to have both initial and ongoing dialogue about medication response and concerns.  Individuals have the right, to the extent of the law, to refuse medications, treatments, or interventions, although this refusal may impact Brooklawn’s ability to continue to effectively treat a child.

 

Information shared during treatment is confidential and protected by law.  Information will be released under the following circumstances:

 

                When a release of information consent has been signed by a parent/guardian;

                If a judge issues a specific order requiring testimony;

                State mandated reporting of any suspected child abuse; and

                When there is a reported or perceived threat to harm self or others.  (Potential harm to others also requires by law that steps are taken to notify the potential victim, as well as the police.)

 

Information shared with Brooklawn treatment team members will also remain confidential.  Brooklawn will make all necessary efforts to ensure written records are managed in a way which promotes confidentiality.

 

Utilization and Review.  Brooklawn has a system of internal utilization review to provide for quality assurance, efficiency of resource management, and clinical service delivery through a Treatment Program/Utilization Review Committee.  The TP/UR Committee develops and carries out a review procedure which includes collection or review of information, analysis or interpretation of information, and application of findings to Brook­lawn’s operation.  Utilization review of records are maintained by the Director of Quality Improvement, with quarterly reports to the Quality Council for applicability of findings to Brooklawn operations.  The TP/UR Committee consists of the following:

 

                Director of Quality Improvement (Chairperson)

                Director of Residential Services

                Quality Improvement Coordinator

                Residential Staff Representative

                Clinical Representative

                Admissions Coordinator

                Family Based Program Manager

                Case Coordinator

                Medical Director

                Nurse Manager

 

Record Keeping.  Each resident admitted to Brooklawn will have a standard organized record for the documentation of his care and treatment.  The resident record shall be considered the property of Brooklawn, which will safeguard it from unauthorized use, access, loss or destruction.  The resident record documents shall not be removed from the premises except as required by specific subpoena or court order and approved by the President/CEO or designee.  Existing facility policies and procedures regarding resident records will be followed.

 

Complaint Procedures.  The Brooklawn Resident Grievance Policy is designed to address resident concerns and allow residents to file a grievance.  Resident grievances can be filed by residents when they feel that program policies or resident rights have been violated.  Any resident may file a grievance.

 

Safety.  The Safety and Risk Management Committee monitors, evaluates and reports to the Quality Council on the management of the environment of care.  The buildings and grounds should provide a safe environment for all, and promote a therapeutic environment that enhances the self-image of individuals served and respects their human dignity.  The functions of this Committee also include:

 

         1.      Reviewing and assessing data regarding resident and employee injuries, noting trends and recommendations for improvement.

 

         2.      Maintaining an ongoing safety inspec­tion and fire drill/disaster drill program, identifying fire and safety problems, and implementing appropriate corrections.

 

         3.      Responding to employees’ concerns regard­ing safety-related issues.

 

 

GOVERNANCE AND STAFFING

 

Board of Trustees.  In accordance with Brooklawn’s Articles of Incorporation, the business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed by its Board of Trustees.  The organization, composi­tion, and duties of the Trustees will be in accordance with the Bylaws.  The current Bylaws allow for a total of 25 members with the following officers:  Chairperson of the Board, Vice Chairperson, President, Secretary and Treasurer.

 

The Board of Trustees has the following standing committees:

 

                Executive Committee

                Development Commit­tee

                Financial Management Committee

                Future Planning Committee

                Human Resources Committee.

                Program Management Committee

                Property Committee

 

Through its Committees, the Board is responsible for the following:

 

                Adopting a written plan for profes­sional services (i.e., policy and procedure manual);

                Overseeing the system of financial management and accountability;

                Assuring that the organization's physical and financial resources are adequately insured;

               Assuring that members of the governing body, administrative and professional staff have adequate comprehensive liability insurance;

                Participating in the accreditation process;

                Adopting a program to monitor and evaluate the quality of all care provided and to appropriately address identified problems in care;

                Employing the President/CEO to direct the clinical and administrative activities of the organization, and evaluating his/her performance annually;

                Establishing an organization table, bylaws, and policies and procedures to guide its relationships with the administrative staff, the professional staff, and the community; and

                Granting or revising clinical privileges upon the documented recom­mendations from the appropriate professional staff.

                Participation in the strategic planning process.

 

 

Staffing.  The President/C.E.O. maintains an organization chart indicating the reporting relationship of all staff positions.  Each employee has a written job description which delineates the authority and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications, the supervisor, and positions supervised, if any.  The department directors and other key administrative staff meet bi-weekly to coordinate the interdepart­men­tal functions and enhance communication.

 

 

Leadership Staff

 

                David Graves, President/CEO

                Greg Cardwell-Copenhefer, Vice President/COO

                Mike Schultz, Vice President of Development

                Darcy Mooring, Vice President of Program Services

                Carol Anaruma, Director of Administrative Services

                Donna Borders, Director of Human Resources

                Randy Baird, Director of Plant Services

                Michael Day, Director of Clinical Services

                Matt Mooring, Director of Quality Improvement

                William Owen, M.D., Medical Director

                Cheryl Sanders, Director of Information Technology

                Kristie Stutler, Director of Residential Services

 

 

Direct Care Staffing Pattern.  The direct care staffing pattern for each program is listed below.  It is recognized that, at times, residents’ needs may require an increased staff-to-resident ratio. Staffing will be increased when needs arise for special precautions/observa­­tions or at times when increas­ed acuity may be anticipated such as holidays, school breaks, etcetera.  The Director of Residential Services maintains responsibility for the staffing plan.  Staffing during the First Shift takes into account the Education Program on the Brooklawn campus, as well as the number of residents who attend school off campus.

 

                Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (Brooklawn Academy, Pinewood, and Birchwood).  For each 9 residents:

 

                     First Shift:        1 Milieu Program Supervisor or Senior Residential Counselor and 2 Residential Counselors

                     Second Shift:   1 Milieu Program Supervisor or Senior Residential Counselor and 2 Residential Counselors

                     Third Shift:       2 Residential Counselors

 

              Daubert Cottage, Wagner Cottage, and Steil Cottage.  For up to 14 residents:

 

                     First Shift:        1 Milieu Program Supervisor or Senior Residential Counselor and 1 Residential Counselor

                     Second Shift:   1 Milieu Program Supervisor or Senior Residential Counselor and 3 Residential Counselors

                     Third Shift:       2 Residential Counselors

 

              Cypress Cottage.  For up to 14 residents:

 

                     First Shift:        1 Residential Counselor (when residents are in school)

                     Second Shift:   1 Milieu Program Supervisor or Senior Residential Counselor and 2 Residential Counselors

                     Third Shift:       1 Residential Counselor

 

              Group Homes  (Cedars and Elmwood).  For each 8 to 9 residents:

 

                     First Shift:        1 Residential Counselor (when residents are in school)

                    Second Shift:   1 Milieu Program Supervisor or Senior Residential Counselor and 1 or 2 Residential Counselors

                     Third Shift:       1 or 2 Residential Counselors

 

 

Staff Training and Development.   Brooklawn provides training and development programs for its staff in order to ensure competency and to continually improve and enhance the effectiveness of its treatment programs.  Mandatory inservice/training requirements for Program Services staff will include, but not be limited to:

 

              Safe Crisis Management / Seclusion

              CPR/First Aid

              Fire/Safety

              Infection Control and Universal Precautions

              Cultural Diversity

              Child and Adolescent Development

 

Brooklawn offers tuition assistance and opportunities are also available for staff to attend off campus or community-based seminars and conferences.

 

STAFF CONTACTS.  The e-mail addresses for all employees listed are the first initial and last name @brooklawn.net (i.e., David Graves = dgraves@brooklawn.net) unless otherwise noted.

 

              President/CEO....................................................... David Graves, (502) 515-0406

              Vice President/COO.............................................. Greg Cardwell-Copenhefer, (502) 515-0405

                                                                                               (E-mail address: gcc@brooklawn.net)

              Vice President of Development............................ Mike Schultz, (502) 515-0470

         ✦     Vice President of Program Services ......................Darcy Mooring, (502) 515-0424

              Activities/Volunteer Coordinator...........................Missy Fountain , (502) 515-0474

              Admissions Coordinator....................................... Jeff Brown, (502) 515-0411

              Chaplain ..............................................................Samantha Jewell, (502) 515-0423

              Director of Administrative Services...................... Carol Anaruma, (502) 515-0403

              Director of Clinical Services................................. Michael Day , (502) 515-0473

              Director of Human Resources...............................Donna Borders, (502) 515-0408

              Director of Information Technology......................Cheryl Young Sanders, (502) 515-0404

              Director of Plant Services..................................... Randy Baird , (502) 515-0436

              Director of Quality Improvement..........................Matt Mooring, (502) 515-0430

              Director of Residential Services............................ Kristie Stutler, (502) 515-0463

              Education Milieu Supervisor................................ .Kate Jones, (502) 515-0462

              Family Based Program Manager........................... Paula Mitchell-Glore, (502) 515-0414

              Quality Improvement Coordinator........................Evelyn Farr, (502) 515-0431

              Nurse Manager.....................................................Tim Pearson , (502) 515-0417

              Milieu Program Manager...................................... Tricia Hamilton, (502) 515-0420

Revised 9/25/06