A Personal Interview with
the Child
At this time, the child has an opportunity to tour the
facility, meet staff, spend one-on-one time with at least one staff member, and ask questions before being asked
to make a
commitment. At CHJC, it is an important aspect of our pre-admission procedures
to get a
verbal commitment from the child. This commitment need not be enthusiastic, but
the
fact that the child is involved in the decision sets the stage for building
an alliance for
future treatment.
Separation Process and
Admission Process
The acceptance into the program involves the
child, and when possible, the
family.
The primary focus on this day is the separation interview and entering the
child into the
program. By taking time to meet with the child and family to explore facts
about
placement, feelings about separation, and loyalty issues, we hope to lessen the
trauma of
this event.
Orientation
The childcare worker who has participated in the admission process will be
the
primary person to provide the initial care of the child. This includes
focusing on basic
care tasks such as helping the child unpack, explaining where things are, and
teaching
entry-level expectations. Throughout the process, the childcare worker is
sensitive and
supportive to the child ’s anxieties.
