Phase 1: Evaluation

Evaluation, Assessment, and Planning
Prior to completion a Homeward Bound Specialist sets the stage for a smooth transition home. This includes:

• Evaluating the teen’s history, each family member’s contribution to family patterns, the philosophy and model of the previous program, the adolescent’s progress in their program, and recommendations by the program’s therapist regarding aftercare.
• Corresponding and collaborating with the previous treatment program, family therapist, educational consultants, teachers, extended family, and pro-social peers.
• Preparing a current assessment of adolescent behavior, family functionality, and psychosocial stressors.
• Facilitating the proper timing and coordination for the family reunion.
• Preparing the parents for family training sessions.
• Identifying resources available that can be used in larger social systems for the family and the teen, including mentors, other professionals, and support organizations.
• Preparing for the creation of the Home Team.

The Home Team is a network of extended family, peers, and professionals chosen by the family and the adolescent to act as a council of sorts that assists them in reaching their transitional goals. Prepared and trained by the Homeward Bound Specialist, this invested team will monitor, evaluate, counsel, and work with the family to offer experience, wisdom, and resources.

Phase 2: Immersion

Reunion Consultation
Within the first couple of days of the child’s return a Homeward Bound Specialist advises on the immediate reception back into the home, the development of rules, the establishment of boundaries, and the commitment of each individual to the transition process.

In-home Transition Workshop
This intensive, two day, in-home, family workshop focuses on reunion, reconciliation, skills training, individualized coaching, creative exercises, family care planning, family responsibility and accountability, and establishing external support. The In-home Transition Workshop includes:

• Helping the family create a unique and proper ritual to the “welcome home,” reconciliation, celebration of the teen’s achievements, and introduction to the new home environment.
• Parent training sessions and the establishment of a parental authority system.
• Family training sessions and the facilitation of goal-setting for each member of the family system.
• Establishing a healthy structure for the transitioning teen through collaborative communication processes. Topics include setting appropriate guidelines along with attendant privileges and consequences, daily schedules, age appropriate curfews, acceptable activities, and peer groups.
• Individual and family support systems and training mechanisms are introduced including: group exercises that focus on real issues, positive family activities, and family coaching sessions.
• Schedules for individual counseling, video coaching, peer support groups, and parent skills training are made.
• The first Home Team meeting is conducted.
• When needed, educational, spiritual, and community support channels are opened.

Phase 3: Formation

Continuing Education, Training, and Support
In this phase, the family receives intensive training and support to establish new, more helpful family dynamics. This includes:

• Education aimed at individual transitional demands.
• Intensive follow-up, via video conferencing, to provide individual and group support to the family, as well as to monitor progress.
• Video coaching for parents and teen, focusing on communication and problem solving.
• Coordination of eco-systemic resources, such as teaming up with educational consultants, therapists, principals, and mentors to address academic issues, peer groups at school, and the teen’s transitional adjustment.
• Home Team meetings to provide a safety net of support for both the teen and the family.
• Continuing crisis counseling and support available 24/7.

Phase 4: Maintenance

Maintenance
When each member of the family system does their part for 3-6 months, healthy
family dynamics become second nature and a lasting part of their new family identity and culture. This process includes:

• Access to a Homeward Bound Case Manager providing goal oriented follow-up and accountability.
• Continuing family life education groups for parents.
• Additional online support resources including articles, newsletters, parenting tips, etc.