Youth Community Crisis Stabilization Program (YCCS)

The philosophy of Italian Home for Children is based on a family-centered approach. This means that we recognize and value the significance of caregiver involvement. We also know from research and practice, children do best when they can in environments that are consistent, stable and safe. Because caregivers are the closest people to the youth served, they will be expected to actively participate in caregiver training in the form of psychoeducation and behavioral skills and follow through with aftercare post-discharge. Caregivers will be expected to be part of the assessment, treatment, and discharge planning process. This starts at intake and will evolve as the child(ren) receive services throughout their stay. We understand that balancing work and family life can be difficult. However, due to the acuity and high-risk behaviors, caregiver commitment is instrumental in the success of treatment. Opportunities to ensure accessibility and attendance will include telehealth and other tele-communication services. 

At Italian Home for Children, we recognize and appreciate the close bonds that may exist between children and their caregivers. Being away from your child(ren) can be difficult and overwhelming. Similarly, some children may have never been away from their family and their home. As such, we encourage caregivers to visit as often as they can throughout the week, but should not exceed once daily. Although there are no specific visitation hours, do we ask that caregivers be mindful that there are therapeutic groups and clinical services being offered throughout the day. We ask that children be expected to attend those critical clinical supports and may visit with caregivers outside of those times. 

The program stay may range between 5-10 days. On average, youth stay is about 7 days. 

Children and youth are encouraged to bring only that what is needed to be comfortable at the program. We request that transitional objects (i.e., stuffed animals) be limited to 1-2 items, and that there are least 5 days worth of clothing and undergarments available for wear. Additionally, toiletries, bedding, and linens will be provided by the program. 

While we want to optimize comfort for children and youth, we do not encourage or allow electronics including, but not limited to cell phones, Wi-Fi hand-held devices, and/or cameras. Privacy is of most importance; we want to comply with privacy guidelines (HIPAA) and the opportunity for everyone to remain off social media. Additionally, youth and caregivers may not bring aerosol products such as hairspray, deodorant, spray paint, as well as external razor sharps. Additionally, substances such as alcohol-based products, nips, marijuana, vapes, and/or cigarettes are not permitted on unit or on program grounds. 

Involvement of current, community-based providers will be at the discretion of the caregiver/guardian. During the assessment component of treatment, the social worker and/or clinician staff may reach out for collateral content. However, the degree to which providers are involved in treatment will depend on the access provided by the caregivers. If there is state agency involvement such as DMH (Department of Mental Health), DYS (Department of Youth Services), DDS (Department of Developmental Disability) and/or DCF (Department of Children and Families) their involvement will be determined by level of risk and safety, as well as custody determination.  

Italian Home for Children will have access to a location where laundry can be completed on site.

Children and youth may have the opportunity to go on off-unit visits as they are nearing the end of their stay at the program. This occurs most often during the discharge planning process when youth have demonstrated that they are able to manage their risk behaviors safely and appropriately. 

Off-unit passes are generally for the duration of 4-6 hours. Sometimes, depending on the needs of the youth, off-site passes may last 8 hours or can be overnight. This is to assess the youth ability to safely manage expectations. 

Children and youth may participate in a variety of activities at the program, including but not limited to sensory exercises, yoga and mindfulness groups, therapeutic groups, academic tutoring, as well as creative arts and drawing, board games, and card games. Electronics will be limited to supervised activities.