H A N D B O O K  F O R P A R E N T S                                      AURORA PLAINS ACADEMY                  1400 E 10TH STREET        PLANKINTON, SD   57368     605-942-5437                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    (Revised 2-9-08)                                                             TABLE OF CONTENTS     !          Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 2   !          Admission Process.......................................................................................................... 3   !          Program Descriptions...................................................................................................... 3   !          Description of Motivation and Discipline Procedures................................................ 6   !          Child/Parent Contact....................................................................................................... 8   !          Personal Possessions..................................................................................................... 9   !          Visitation Policy………………………………………………………………………...10   !          Resident Rights.............................................................................................................. 11   !          Resident’s Responsibilities.......................................................................................... 12             !          Privileges......................................................................................................................... 13   !          Behavioral Expectations............................................................................................... 14   !          Privacy Practices Notice............................................................................................... 16             INTRODUCTION Aurora Plains Academy is an intensified residential treatment center located in Plankinton, South Dakota.  The Academy is an LLC. Of Clinicare Corporation of West Allis, Wisconsin. The Academy was established in 2006, and is licensed by the State of South Dakota Department of Social Services to provide services for residents between the ages of 10 and 20 years old.  Treatment areas for the residents at the Academy may include mental illness, emotional problems, conduct problems, learning problems, chemical abuse problems, sexual abuse/offender issues, and peer and family problems.    MISSION STATEMENT   Aurora Plains Academy provides intensive residential treatment within a safe and secure environment. Staff are committed to instilling and modeling respect for self and others, self-esteem, positive interaction with peers, and a sense of fair play. It is the philosophy of the Academy that all youth are deserving of therapeutic treatment and education and that all youth are individuals with individual needs.   Academy staff will guide all youth through our comprehensive programs to provide each resident the opportunity to be successful in completing their individualized treatment program so they may become positive and productive community members.   ”The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”                                                           Eleanor Roosevelt                     ADMISSION PROCESS Once your child has been accepted for treatment, a placement date will be established and preliminary treatment goals will be developed.  You are encouraged to come with your child and the placing agency to the Academy on the placement date.  At that time, you and your child will meet with the Case Manager, Clinical Director and/or Therapist who will explain the program, provide a tour, and answer any questions.  Introductions will be made to the nurse, who will receive any medications that are brought with your child along with the written prescriptions.  You will also need to sign specific medication consent form(s). Items that will need to be either provided to the Academy prior to the date of admission, or brought with your child upon the date of admission include:  the completed admission packet and the signed permission forms.  If your child is taking prescribed medications from a doctor, written prescriptions for these medications will also need to accompany your child.                                                                                                                                              PROGRAM DESCRIPTION TREATMENT PROGRAM The therapist coordinates the assessment process which takes place during the first two weeks of placement.  Assessment and/or screeners conducted on all residents include:  physical, psychiatric, nursing, psychological, social and family, education, group living, alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA), and developmental. An initial staffing is held within the first fourteen days of placement to present and summarize the results of the evaluations.  You, your child, and the placing agency are invited to attend the initial staffing.  Your input at this time is highly valued.  Three plans are developed at the initial staffing:  the Individual Treatment Plan, the Permanency Plan, and the Home Visit Plan.  The Individual Treatment Plan outlines the treatment goals and interventions designed for your child during their placement at the Academy. The Permanency Plan projects the length of stay expected for your child to complete treatment and the discharge placement for your child.  Factors that contribute to your child’s length of stay at the Academy include the placing agency’s expectations, the seriousness of the referral problems, your child’s attitude and cooperation toward placement, as well as your own support of your child’s treatment.  The intent is for your child to complete their treatment program in the shortest amount of time possible. The Home Visit Plan is developed to ensure that home visits become a part of your child’s treatment plan as well as treatment work, and not merely vacations from treatment.  You and the placing agency determine the home visiting resources for your child.  Generally, this may be you, the parent, however, there may be some exceptions. The therapist provides weekly individual and group therapy for your child which focuses upon areas of their treatment plan. Family therapy is encouraged for you and your child.  This may occur either at the Academy, or another designated site.  Other options available for family therapy include videoconference or teleconference. Your child’s therapist along with the case manager and aftercare therapist also provides the case management services of arranging home visits, communicating with the placing agency and yourself, and developing and reviewing your child’s discharge planning.  Throughout your child’s placement at the Academy, clinical staffings will be held on a weekly basis.  These staffings will provide a formal system of reviewing your child’s progress toward their treatment plan goals.  As always, your involvement in your child’s staffings is highly valuable.  As your child progresses in treatment, a discharge date will be developed with yourself, the placing agency, and the Academy.  Recommendations for future treatment services for your child after they are discharged from the Academy will also be developed and provided.  PSYCHIATRY During the evaluation period, your child will be seen for a psychiatric assessment which will cover biological factors, emotional factors and ability to think clearly to get along with others comfortably.  Throughout the stay, your child will be referred for periodic assessments as needed.  Different psychotherapeutic approaches will be encouraged to fit the personal needs of your child.  If any psychiatric medication is recommended, an additional signature by your child and you (or guardian) will be obtained prior to the use of the medication.  MEDICAL/NURSING SERVICES Each child at Aurora Plains Academy receives an initial and yearly physical. If there are special medical problems, the child will be treated for them by a doctor in the community. South Dakota regulations state that residents must have semi-annual dental examinations with treatment as necessary.  We ask that you certify your child has been seen by a dentist within six months prior to placement and that all necessary dental work has been completed.  The Academy has trained staff available to provide health care services 24 hours a day. These services include: active involvement in the clinical program through direct clinical assessment and consultation with staff, physical assessment for injuries/illnesses with follow-up as needed, updating immunizations, administering physician prescribed medication, along with coordinating the use of community medical services and Academy psychiatric services.  A current record of your child’s immunizations will prevent them from having to retake the shots. The Academy strives to ensure that all residents are served balanced meals.  When there is a need for any child to be placed on a special diet, these diet plans are coordinated between the nursing and food service departments.  Additional food items are not needed by residents. LIVING UNIT There are up to twelve residents of the same gender and similar treatment needs on each living unit.  The Academy abides by the State of South Dakota standards which dictate that there is no more than a four year span of ages among residents on the same living unit.  The units have skilled intensive residential treatment care workers who, under the supervision of the Director of Youth Care, provide care, supervision, and guidance to your child.  It is with these staff that your child will share in unit duties, go to meals, prepare for school, engage in recreational activities, learn to relate positively with persons their own age, and learn to accept guidance and direction.  EDUCATION While your child is a resident at the Academy, they will attend the Aurora Plains Academy School, which is adjacent to their living cottages/units.  The school is staffed with faculty members all certified in their areas of specialization by the South Dakota Department of Education.  Your child is placed in a classroom according to their social, emotional, and educational needs.  Classrooms range in size from eight to ten residents.  Special intervention is also available to assist your child in developing behaviors necessary to be successful in school.  In addition to the 9 month school year, an 8 week summer school is also provided.  RECREATION The Academy believes that recreation provides a way to reduce anxiety, anger and depression, as well as improve self-esteem, confidence, and social skills.  Leisure time activities are provided through the living unit staff, recreation staff, and physical education staff.  These activities include:  use of the local swimming pools, intramural sports, movies, occasional camping trips, roller skating, biking, picnics, arts and crafts, use of the on-grounds gym and outdoor recreation area, as well as other seasonal recreation activities.  STAFF INFORMATION In accordance with State Licensing procedures, all Academy staff have had criminal background checks.  Proof of education and training is obtained for all professional staff, to ensure they are qualified to deliver the care and services required.  To be an approved driver, a check is done on the employee’s driver’s license to ensure a safe driving record.  Staff must also complete the Academy van driving safety course. RESIDENT RIGHTS/GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Please review the attached segment of the Handbook for Residents which describes the rights and responsibilities of the resident.  The Academy has available to you, your child or legal representative a grievance procedure to formally complain about any aspect of the child’s care during the child’s stay at Aurora Plains Academy.  Upon request to the resident ombudsperson, a form will be provided on which to write the concern.  The resident ombudsperson will review that concern within 24 hours on working days.  Within one week of receiving the grievance, written correspondence will be mailed to the complainant explaining what action was taken in response to the grievance.  DESCRIPTION OF MOTIVATION AND DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES   LEVELS SYSTEM The Academy has developed levels systems with the intention of using levels and privileges to motivate, educate, and hold your child accountable.  Each child has daily goals.  Meeting those goals helps determine the privileges for which they are eligible.  Your child’s progress through the levels systems should mirror their progress in treatment in general.  As they obtain higher levels, they obtain higher privileges which also have higher expectations of responsibility. In addition to privilege levels, your child may also be on consequence levels at times.  A Base is a 24-hour consequence which means your child either has a rule infraction or did not meet enough of their goals to earn privileges that day.  Consequences are interventions used for major rule infractions, such as aggression, theft, property destruction, running away, and/or other dangerous acts.  This intervention includes a loss of privileges which usually last for several days and the completion of a “Reflection Packet” that helps your child process their behavior and alternative processes to avoid future consequences.  Your child will be able to earn back privileges, based on their level of effort. FLOW OF INTERVENTIONS The Academy believes that all residents have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.  The Academy also takes seriously its responsibility to provide a safe living environment for all residents.  As interventions with residents become necessary, the least restrictive and most appropriate to safely manage the resident’s behavior is preferred.  The following interventions are described in the order of least restrictive to most restrictive.  Verbal Intervention:  Good communication and listening can often be the only level of intervention which is necessary with a resident.  Unless extreme danger is imminent, this intervention is always the first intervention utilized to resolve situations with residents. Removal from Group/Time-Out in the Area:  The next level of intervention that may be beneficial with a child is to remove them from their immediate peer group, however, remain in the treatment area (living unit, classroom).  A short period of time wherein the child is able to reflect more individually upon the immediate behavior often provides them with an opportunity to regain control of their own behaviors, while also presenting them with the motivation of rejoining the group.  This technique is generally very short in duration.  Safety Precaution: Aurora Plains Academy utilizes Safety Precautions to keep residents safe when needed.  Precautions that may be used are: Runaway Precaution, Boundary Status, Observation Status, Suicide Precaution, Self-Harm Precaution, and Aggression Precaution.  Staff my enter any room and check on a resident to make sure a resident is safe if a resident does not respond to staff knocking on their door or calling out their name. Third Party Intervention:  At times a resident may be more responsive to a third party intervener than they are to the person with whom they have been working, i.e., the residential treatment worker or teacher.   The Academy has available at all times Core Staff personnel and Crisis Intervention Specialists (CIS’s) to assist your child in problem resolution with their treatment staff.  Supervised Time-Out/Crisis Intervention Room:  When time-out in the treatment area or intervention with the third party intervener is unsuccessful, a child may be more responsive to a supervised time-out in an area away from the living unit or classroom.  The Crisis Intervention Room (CIR) provides an area in which a child may utilize a more extended time-out in the presence of a crisis intervention specialist to assist them in regaining control of their behaviors and processing their emotions.  Although this intervention may take more time than the time-out in the treatment area may require, the amount of time that the child spends in the CIR is solely dependent upon their responsiveness and may vary based upon the individual needs.  Emergency Safety Intervention:  In the event of imminent danger, such as a child becoming assaultive to others or harmful to themselves, a physical hold may become necessary to protect them.  Staff are trained in emergency safety intervention techniques which are designed to provide safety for both the resident and the staff.  Emergency Safety Interventions are utilized only as long as they become necessary to assist the child in maintaining safety. Emergency Safety Interventions are released as soon as the child is able to discontinue the dangerous behaviors to themselves or others.  Physical or Sexual Abuse:  Reports alleging either physical or sexual abuse by staff or other residents shall be routed to Child Protective Services and local law enforcement for investigation.  The report shall be filed by the resident (victim) or staff on a major incident report. Seclusion Room:  Criteria for a seclusion room placement is limited to a resident who is a danger to themselves or others.  This intervention is highly monitored and rarely lasts beyond one hour.  Seclusion placement requires an order from a doctor or licensed practitioner to ensure appropriate utilization.  The seclusion room is an empty room where a resident may be placed with a magnetically locking door.  Construction specifications are audited by state licensing.  A viewing window allows communication, both verbal and visual, between the child and staff.   CHILD/PARENT CONTACT The Academy encourages you and your child to maintain regular and consistent contact throughout your child’s placement at the Academy.  While we recognize that separation from your child at this time may be difficult, the contact is also encouraged to be in moderation, so as to provide ample opportunities for your child to fully engage in the treatment process.  LETTERS/PHONE CALLS The most economical form of maintaining contact is letter writing.  The Academy provides your child with paper, envelopes, and stamps for writing to those on the approved contact list.  Your child is allowed to receive mail freely while in placement at the Academy from those on the approved contact list.  Your child will open their mail in the presence of Academy staff.  This is to maintain the safety and security of your child by checking for possible contraband. Staff do not read resident mail.   Your child will be allowed to receive two informing calls weekly from those on the approved contact list.  Outgoing calls will be allowed per level system.  Individual plans for your calls to your child can be set up with your child’s Therapist and/or Case Manager.  Telephone privileges increase with your child’s advancement in the Level System.  VISITATION TO AURORA PLAINS ACADEMY You are always welcome to visit your child at the Academy.  As mentioned earlier, some moderation in the frequency of your visitation will assist your child in fully involving themselves in the treatment process.  You may visit with your child in a designated area.  As your child progresses through the level system, upon occasion, if your child demonstrates adequate stability, you may take them out of the building for day passes.  This is not encouraged during the first 30 days.   Any visitation to the Academy, whether in the building or for a day pass, must be planned in advance with your child’s therapist and/or case manager.  A phone call to the therapist during business hours at least three days prior to your expected visit will allow your child’s therapist to inform the necessary supervisory personnel of your arrival time as well as provide the authorization for supervision form for your signature upon your arrival.  The Academy is a smoke-free environment so smoking is not allowed on the grounds or in the building.  Neither are alcohol nor chemical substances permitted on the premises.  A visiting area will be designated to you.  Bathrooms are available in the near vicinity, and we ask that you not leave the designated area without escort by Academy staff.  A tour of your child’s living unit and bedroom may occur when accompanied by staff and when other residents are not in the area.  This adheres to confidentiality standards which the Academy upholds.  HOME VISITS A home visit plan is identified at the initial staffing.  All home visit decisions are made in conjunction with you, the placing agency, and the Academy personnel.  Home visits are to be considered an extension of treatment, or an occasion to test and demonstrate the gains made in treatment.  A home visit is not considered to be a break or vacation from treatment.  Emotional and behavioral stability are necessary components in order to safely transport a resident for a home visit.  Early planning of home visits assists in ensuring that all components run smoothly, such as the delivery of medication from the pharmacy for the time of the visit.  Home visits prepare the resident for the transition and usually occur toward the end of their placement.                                                                      PERSONAL POSSESSIONS MONEY Money is not a necessary item for your child while they are at the Academy.  There is no commissary at the Academy by which to purchase items.  All snack items are furnished by the Academy.  The Academy will provide items for your child as needed. CLOTHING Because the Academy is an intensive treatment center, some items of clothing are not allowed or are discouraged, therefore the Academy will provide clothing which adheres to the dress code.  OTHER Your child is encouraged to bring some of their personal possessions in order to feel comfortable in their new living environment as well as to provide them with things to do during their free time.  Again, because this is an intensive residential treatment center, some cautions are enforced in order to reduce your child being distracted by their possessions from treatment or to maintain safety and security.  Please do not send food to your child.  They are provided with well-balanced meals as well as snacks.  The Academy is not responsible for lost or damaged items, therefore, it is requested that you do not send expensive items with your child.  The following is a list of examples of things your child may or may not bring to the Academy. ALLOWED   NOT ALLOWED Radios Books Journals Stuffed animals—limit 2 small Glass items Burned CD’s,  Expensive CD players, tapes and tape players Jewelry of any kind Body/face piercing     Straight razors/razor blades/disposable razors Large video game systems **Items such as games and puzzles may be donated to the unit, however will remain on the unit once discharged; otherwise will be kept in storage. Televisions Computers Cell phones Blackberries           Visitation Policy In a residential setting, it is essential to assist residents in maintaining strong familial relationships. In order to do this, it is important to maintain consistency and identify expectations. Below is a list of rules, expectations and goals related to family visitation. Rules               -           All visitors must present a photo ID.             -           Visitors are responsible for the action and behaviors of small children and themselves. If the visitation becomes disruptive, APA staff will terminate the visit.             -           All bags, purses and personal belongings remain in your vehicle.             -           Visitors are not allowed to bring food, drink, cell phones, or cameras to the visitation session.             -           All visits must be by appointment only and pre-arranged by the resident’sTherapist and/or Case Manager at least three days prior to the visit.             -           Only visitors on the approved visitation/calling list are allowed to visit. Designated Areas All visits/family counseling sessions will occur in designated area.   Expectations There are residential expectations that are necessary when conducting visits.             -           Residents are required to follow all standard rules of APA at all times during any visitation.             -           Residents are expected to clean up after their guests.             -           Residents are expected to behave appropriately during the visit.   Goals             -           Assist the resident in maintaining strong family ties.             -           Provide opportunities for the family to share quality time.             -           Assist residents in bridging any family issues.             -           Encourage family participation and involvement.             -           Re-establish support mechanisms.   RESIDENT RIGHTS I.          INTRODUCTION Aurora Plains Academy supports and protects the fundamental human, civil, constitutional and statutory rights of each resident. All residents are entitled to equal treatment regardless of race, gender, age, creed, identity or national origin.  Any resident who feels that they have been denied equal treatment should file a written grievance with the grievance ombudsman using the Resident Grievance/Complaint form.  Some rights may be limited because of your treatment or security needs.  This will be explained to you and specified in your treatment plan. II.         RIGHTS Personal .....       to participate in religious worship. .....       to have reasonable private storage space. .....       to have privacy in dressing, toileting and bathing . .....       to freely send and receive U.S. mail.  (You will be asked to open your mail in staff's presence.) .....       to use the telephone during scheduled times. .....       to see visitors in designated visiting places upon appointment. Treatment Rights .....       to live in a pleasant environment. .....       to be treated with consideration and respect. .....       to know by name the staff working with you. .....       to be involved in developing your treatment plan. .....       to be involved in staffings regarding your progress. .....       to refuse involvement in any experimental treatment or research. .....       to be treated in the least restricted environment that can effectively carry out your treatment plan. .....       to have your information about treatment kept confidential within the treatment team. .....       to sign Informed Consent(s) forms for use of psychiatric medication, or if you are a minor, your guardian will sign the consent. .....       to be free from seclusion or emergency safety interventions except in cases of danger to self and/or others. .....       to review your treatment record with your therapist. Legal Rights .....       to be informed of your rights in writing prior to placement and to have a copy of them. .....       to bring an action for damages against persons violating your rights to confidentiality. .....       to petition a court for review of your placement. .....       to contact your attorney.                              RESIDENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES You have rights, but you also have responsibilities.  There are many adults you can talk to.  Think before you act and you are likely to feel better about yourself and others.  While you are a resident at the Academy, you will have many opportunities to learn about yourself.  You can also learn much about life, as it is now and how it can be in the future. It is your responsibility..... .....       to read the Resident Handbook and ask staff to explain anything you do not understand. .....       to stay in treatment at the Academy (do no leave without permission). .....       to practice your treatment plan. .....       to talk to your staff about your thoughts and feelings. .....       to do your daily chores such as making your bed and keeping your room neat and clean. .....       to treat your fellow residents respectfully. .....       to attend school and to do your best. .....       to take part in unit, group and special activities. .....       to be honest with your family about how your treatment is going. .....       to respect others and the environment. You are expected to work towards becoming a 'safe' person if you are not one already.  This means: You understand that you have problems with how you handle your thoughts, emotions, and behavior. You are responsible for your emotions and behavior. You will respect yourself, others, and the environment by:    .....    not hurt yourself or others, or be violent in any way.    .....    not smoking or using drugs or alcohol.    .....    not engaging in any sexual activity.    …..   not engaging in bullying/hazing of peers. Your individual treatment plan always takes precedence over these rules of conduct if there is a conflict.   PRIVILEGES LEVEL I –30 Days Orientation for two weeks – Consequences do not count against levels   AFTER TWO WEEK ORIENTATION One 10-minute phone call per week to a person on approved contact list on assigned phone call night May attend scheduled activities and programs Bedtime is 8:30 p.m. nightly Read approved books Watch approved movie on “Movie Sunday” (if not serving a consequence) Two personal pictures (approved by therapist) to place on wall next to bed   LEVEL II –65 Days Bedtime is 8:30 p.m. on school nights. Weekends 9:00 p.m. One 15-minute phone call per week to a person on approved contact list on assigned phone call night Read approved books Watch approved movie on “Movie Sunday” (if not serving a consequence) Three personal pictures (approved by therapist) to place on wall next to bed Participation in Games Cottage activity One personal item approved by therapist   LEVEL III –65 Days Bedtime is 8:30 p.m. on school nights. Weekends 9:00 p.m. One 15-minute phone calls per week to a person on approved contact list on assigned phone call night May wear a dress shirt/blouse (button-down collar type of Polo type) May have 4 personal pictures (approved by therapist) to place on wall next to bed May have a second personal item approved by therapist Use of Academy provided MP3’s May have personal activity books   LEVEL IV –65 Days Bedtime is 8:30 p.m. on school nights. Weekends 9:30 p.m. Two 15-minute phone calls per week to a person on approved contact list on assigned phone call night May have 5 personal pictures (approved by therapist) to place on wall next to bed May have a personal electronic game May have a personal poster approved by therapist to hang on wall May have a plant May have printed sheets for bed provided by APA   LEVEL V –65 Days Bedtime is 8:30 p.m. on school nights. Weekends10:00 p.m. Three 15-minute phone calls per week to a person on approved contact list on assigned phone call night May have 6 personal pictures (approved by therapist) to place on a wall next to bed May have an outing with staff members outside academy (movie, fishing, swimming, sight-seeing, meal, etc.) May have own shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and deodorant  BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS FOR LEVELS Honesty     Truthfully looks at own behaviors and accepts responsibility to change. Refuses to lie, steal, cheat, or manipulate others in any way. Asks for permission before taking from others. Will not deceive others or self. Recognizes personal behavior as disruptive, does not deny it. Accepts responsibility to be honest and holds self accountable. Is honestly open to change. Hope-Cherishes own abilities and is optimistic. Participates in activities with enthusiasm and encourages peers to recognize opportunities. Sets realistic goals. Takes pride in personal appearance. Develops self confidence. Faith-Follows rules. Assists others in understanding and following rules. Believes in making better choices and believes others want to help. Believes in own abilities to do better. Sincerely attempts to solve problems and conflicts early. Leads by example and encourages peers to make better choices. Able to be open-minded and seek alternatives. Gathers information before making a decision.       Courage-Actively attempts problem-solving with staff assistance.  Avoids negative influences and upholds personal boundaries and space. Recognizes a problem may require steps and asks for staff assistance. Uses huddle-ups and other methods to work out conflicts. Encourages and supports positive choices using PERC’s and Stages of Support (SOS). Encourages cooperation and influences others to handle conflicts positively. Develops moral strength to avoid being easily mislead. Integrity-Does not curse or use racial slurs. Does not make under-the breath comments. Does not aggravate others with gestures or language. Develops positive, healthy relationships through respectful communication. Develops moral values by being truthful to self.                            Willingness- Responds to staff requests for change in behaviors without reluctance. Accepts staff direction without argument and complies positively to requests. Able to adapt to changes in schedule. Able to listen to other’s ideas. Accepts different personalities other than own. Humility- Uses assertiveness in a productive manner to assist others. Displays a pleasing, pleasant, and acceptable attitude. Avoids physical and verbal aggression. Consistently uses manners by being polite and courteous. Shows appreciation for others. Compassion-Displays cooperation with peers. Shows empathy for others in distress. Respects the rights of others. Avoids bullying, teasing, and aggravating others. Shows concern for the feelings of  others and is considerate of others. Accepts feedback.  Justice-Follows directions, accepts rules and respects those of authority. Addresses staff by Mr., Mrs., Ms and last name. Able to accept feedback. Leads by example and encourages others to have positive, quiet behavior. Does not damage property. Respects the rights of others.                                     Perseverance-Able to recognize and overcome past choices. Follows instructions without argument and accepts help from others. Admits to mistakes and accepts consequences. Places importance on learning and improving own choices. Works hard to succeed and continues successful choices. Spiritual- Develops affirmations for personal goal and shows knowledge of goal. Awareness-Works to achieve higher standards in personal goals and knows how to succeed.  Recognizes situations of frustration and avoids self-harm. Reduces frustrations by attempting to center and balance own mind and body. Service-Accepts responsibility to environment by keeping surroundings tidy. Takes pride in surroundings and takes an active role in caring for it. Will not vandalize or destroy property.  Honors commitments and finishes tasks in a timely manner. Takes initiative in doing daily     tasks. Contributes for the benefit of self and others. These behavioral expectations are like a layered cake. When a youth accomplishes one level of behavioral expectations, they will have to follow all the previous behavioral expectations also. Level behaviors must progressively increase. You must show one level to have the other higher levels. Criteria to Apply For the Next Level 65 days since last approved level Complete application and interview Meeting Therapy Expectations Meeting School Expectations (School point sheets) Meeting Character Evaluation percentages (Unit tally sheets) Meeting Unit Living Expectations (back of application)   Steps to Off Campus visit In order for a resident to go on an overnight off campus visit the following steps must first be complete: Step one:  Must have 2 successful on-campus visits. Step two:  Resident will complete 2 successful off campus day passes.  Times and agenda determined by therapist. Step three:  Off campus over night home pass.  Again time and length will be determined by the therapist.                                                                Aurora Plains Academy 1400 East 10th Street Plankinton, SD 57368                                       PRIVACY  PRACTICES  NOTICE                         THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED                         AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION.                          PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.                                                                              This Privacy Notice is Effective April 14, 2003  It is the philosophy of Clinicare Corporation and its Academies that all personal health information about you, the resident, whether verbal, written, or electronically managed, is considered private and confidential and is to be used for the purpose of your care and treatment.   We are required by law to maintain the privacy of protected health information, and to give you this notice which describes our legal duties and privacy practices concerning your protected health information.  When you are admitted to the Academy and have signed the Consent for Admission and Treatment form, we can use your health information for the following purposes:                      1.     Treatment - We may use and disclose your health information to provide treatment and services to  you.  Examples: A therapist may use your personal health information to determine the best treatment for you to address your needs.  The psychiatrist may review your health information to see whether or not medication would be appropriate for you.  We will share information with your county social worker or probation officer to ensure you are receiving the services you need.  We may disclose your health information to other health care providers involved in your treatment. 2.     Payment - In order to receive payment we submit to the paying source a bill that identifies you as receiving treatment through the Academy.  We may include your diagnosis and the specific treatment you are receiving.  3.     Academy Operations - We may use your diagnosis, treatment, and outcome information to improve the overall quality of care we provide to the residents at the Academy.    When you are discharged we will ask your placing agency to complete an evaluation about the treatment provided to you while you were here.  We will also contact your placing agency at one month, 2 months, and 3 months after you are discharged to see how you are doing. To carry out treatment, payment and health care operations, we may disclose your health information to another party known as a “Business Associate” to help us with (but not limited to) billing, medication, dental or medical services,  or to assist us with such things as (but not limited to) legal, accounting, or consulting.  We will have an agreement with each Business Associate in which they agree to use your health information only as permitted by the agreement or as permitted by law.  Without your written authorization, as required or permitted by law, we can use or disclose your personal health information to the following: 1.     To law enforcement officers, departments of correction, court officials, state licensing agents, or government agencies, as required to ensure the health, safety and security of you and others.  By law, we are required to report actual or suspected child abuse or neglect. 2.     For public health activities to help control disease, injury or disability; or to alert a person who may have been exposed to a communicable disease; or may otherwise be at risk of contracting or spreading a disease or conditions. 3.     To those involved with your care such as family members, agency or tribal social worker, probation officer, or school officials to ensure we are providing you the services they requested, and for them to know how you are doing at the Academy. 4.  We may use and disclose your health information when required to do so by court order or by any      other law not already referred to in this section.  We must follow either federal or state law, whichever      is more protective of your privacy rights.  For example, if federal law allows certain disclosures of your      health information without your written authorization, but state law does require your written      authorization for such disclosure, we must follow state law.   Other uses or disclosures of your health information require you to provide us with a written consent to release information, signed by you if you meet the age requirements, by your parent/guardian, or by your legal custodian.  Only information necessary to fulfill the purpose as stated in the consent will be released to the person identified in your authorization.  You may withdraw your authorization at any time, as long as your request is in writing.  You have several rights regarding your health information. 1.     You have the right to review your treatment record with your therapist.  Following discharge, if you meet the age requirements, you may submit a request in writing for a copy of your treatment record.  This right does not apply to psychotherapy notes or information gathered for judicial proceedings. Other restrictions may also apply.  We may charge you a reasonable fee for copying of your information. 2.     You have the right to request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your protected health information, such as limiting the amount of information provided to your family.  We are not required to agree to your request. 3.     You have the right to request a correction to your protected health information if you believe something is incorrect.  We will ask you to put your request in writing as it will be included in your treatment record, and to tell us why you believe the information should be changed.  However, if we did not generate the information that you believe is incorrect, or if we disagree with you and believe your health information is correct, we may deny your request.  4.     You have the right to request a record of disclosures of your health information which we have made on or after April 14, 2003.  Information on this list would include: the date of each disclosure, who received the health information, what information was disclosed, and the reason for the disclosure. Not included on this list would be disclosures made to you, or for purposes of treatment, payment, health care operations, national security, law enforcement/corrections, and certain health oversight activities. 5.     You have the right to request at any time a paper copy of this notice, even if you earlier agreed to receive this notice electronically. 6.     You have the right to receive confidential communications of your health information in different ways or places, such as wanting to discuss a subject in the privacy of your therapist’s office instead of on your living unit.  We may ask you to put your request in writing, and will accommodate any reasonable request. 7.     If you feel your privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with us and with the federal Department of Health and Human Services.  You will not be retaliated against for filing a complaint.  Your complaint must be in writing; send to  the Clinical Records Manager at: Aurora Plains Academy 1400 East 10th Street Plankinton, SD 57368 In accordance with the law, the Academy is required to abide by the terms of this privacy notice currently in effect.  We reserve the right to change the privacy practices described in this notice.  Any changes to our privacy practices would apply to all health information maintained within our facility.  If changes occur, a revised copy of the privacy notice will be posted on the Clinicare Corporation website at www.clinicarecorp.com and in resident areas throughout the buildings.  For further information on privacy rights or the information in this notice, contact the Clinical Records Manager at the Academy.                       (02-14-07) For the most recent version of the handbook, please contact Aurora Plains Academy at 605-942-5437