OUR PROGRAMS
Life-center is a community based agency that cares for children ages 1 to 18 male and female who are vulnerable in our society for various reasons. Many of the children are victims of dysfunctional, unsafe and negative family structure. Many of the children are oppositional defiant, aggressors, self-harmers, physical or sexual abuse victims, suicidal, substance abuser, etc… Some are clinically diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, Conduct Disorder, Bi-polar, and other issues over the diagnostic spectrum. Some of the children admitted may require close supervision and support due to their safety and others. In all cases the staff-model treatment foster homes are equipped for high needs children and youth.
Life-Center operates using three different models of homes.
Life-Center operates using three different models of homes.
The Semi-Independent Program
The Semi-Independent Program is for children between the ages of 14 to 18 who require an intermediate level of emotional and physical support from a foster parent. Residents in this program work on issues such as anger management, self-esteem, impulse control, the need for structure and building positive relationships. They are able to function and adjust to treatment without the intrusiveness of staff but receive additional treatment from community based agencies and Life-Center Clinical Staff.
Mixed Modality and Family Model Program
The Mixed Modality Program and Family Model are for children and youth between the ages of 6 to 16. They require a high degree of structure, treatment, nurturing and support for development. These programs provide a homelike atmosphere for children who do not require the intrusiveness of a staff operated setting. The program is operated by experienced foster parents with the support of Child and Youth Workers who are well trained in conflict management, problem solving, and crisis intervention. Residents of the Mixed Modality Program are dealing with several issues such as anger, separation, poor relationships, abuse, immigration, and poor coping skills.
Our Clinical Services
The residents receive treatment from appropriate community based agencies and Life-Center clinical staff. Life-Center’s consulting psychologist and family therapist provides clinical services for the Program.
Referrals
Referrals for Life-Center can be made 24hrs directly to the Program Director or designated person from child welfare agencies. Children referred to our agency are matched to the appropriate program model based upon their abilities and the level of support they require.
The referring agency shall include the foster child’s family histories, diagnostic/medical reports and relevant documentation on psychological/counseling where possible. Pre-placement interview shall be conducted for every foster child/youth before the actual placement occurs.
The decision for admission shall be made based on the pre-placement observation which directly involve the foster child/youth, Referring agency social worker, natural parent (where applicable), the foster parent and senior management team/clinical support team. Other visits such as dinner or overnight stays may be arranged before the child is officially admitted to the program.
The referring agency shall include the foster child’s family histories, diagnostic/medical reports and relevant documentation on psychological/counseling where possible. Pre-placement interview shall be conducted for every foster child/youth before the actual placement occurs.
The decision for admission shall be made based on the pre-placement observation which directly involve the foster child/youth, Referring agency social worker, natural parent (where applicable), the foster parent and senior management team/clinical support team. Other visits such as dinner or overnight stays may be arranged before the child is officially admitted to the program.