Author Topic: Home Based Programs (Read 4816 times)

Deborah · « **on:** September 07, 2006, 11:24:41 AM »

In addition to Focal Point, licensed as a "Foster Home"
http://wwf.fornits.com/viewtopic.php?t=16940

here's another:
GOOD LIFE COTTAGE
New Perspectives
Posted: Sep 6, 2006, 13:49
Thompson Falls, Montana
Anthony & Teri Cristaldi, Co-Directors
406-827-0416

Good Life Cottage is a small, specialized home offering developmental support and behavioral guidance for struggling adolescent boys between the ages of 12 - 17. Up to six boys live with Anthony and Teri and function as a family. Boys in residence have typically experienced issues including drug and alcohol abuse, low self-esteem, defiance, aggravated family relationships, grief and depression.

Education is a primary focus of the program. While most of the boys attend the local public high school, an in-house distance-learning program is available. Students are encouraged to participate in school activities and community service. There is a carpentry and hobby shop available at home. Good Life out-sources therapeutic services as needed and helps the boys attend AA and/or NA meetings.

http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/p ... 5369.shtml

Are they licensed for residential treatment? Foster home? Daycare facility? Who's monitorig them? Anyone?
All my links to Montana regs are now dead. Looks like they've totally reworked the site. Anyone have new ones handy? If not, I'll try to locate them later.

AtomicAnt · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2006, 03:52:56 PM »

Once again, a program appears to be all inclusive. What exactly is it about 'aggrevated family relationships' that would would legitimately require a boy to be ripped out of his family? Such an act could never help the family develop better relationships. Also, grief and depression are reasons for staying home, not being traumatized by being placed somewhere else.

At least they don't say anything about tough-love or tier/point based systems or graduations; all of which are stupid concepts when used as 'therepeutic' measures.

I see red flags, but would reserve judgement on this one.

Anonymous · « **Reply #2 on:** September 11, 2006, 02:53:41 AM »

This is indeed the future of programs -- selling the program as a "rent a family." Hey, if your kid isn't working out in his own family, have him join ours for awhile. We have a spare bedroom and some bunk beds, so we can take up to 6 boys at a time in our house. We'll put 'em to work, give 'em lots of chores, and send 'em home as fine, disciplined young men...

I wonder what kind of locks they have on the door & window of that spare bedroom.

Oz girl · « **Reply #3 on:** September 11, 2006, 05:59:47 AM »

Does this essentially mean that just anyone can decide to make their house a "programme" for troubled teens & rake in a few $$?

CCM girl 1989 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 11, 2006, 11:41:58 AM »

Quote from: ""Pls help""

Does this essentially mean that just anyone can decide to make their house a "programme" for troubled teens & rake in a few $$?

Yup, it seems that way! It's funny, do the math........even having 6 boys or girls in your house........at lets say $3,000 X 6 = $18,000 a month!!!! How much of that do you think goes to feeding, school supplies, utilities, gas for transportation to and from school for all six children........$3000-$4000. So, you're looking at $14,000-$15,000 profit? Wow, that's some pretty good money!

Label it something else besides "foster home" something catchier, and there you have it. Cha-ching!!!! Okay shame on parents for not taking on the responsibility themselves, but what are the other alternatives? There needs to be some kind of oversight. There are good people out there, wanting to help kids. Unfortunately they're some real nut jobs too!!!!!

I just want these kids in loving nuturing enviroments. I think that's what kids are lacking these days.

Anonymous · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2006, 11:47:17 AM »

I so want a piece of this action.

Hey DJ, when you get finished reducing HLA to rubble, send the parents my way, eh? I could use that kind of cash.

Anonymous · « **Reply #6 on:** September 14, 2006, 11:47:36 AM »

Quote from: ""CCM girl 1989""

Quote from: ""Pls help""
Does this essentially mean that just anyone can decide to make their house a "programme" for troubled teens & rake in a few $$?

Yup, it seems that way! It's funny, do the math........even having 6 boys or girls in your house........at lets say $3,000 X 6 = $18,000 a month!!!! How much of that do you think goes to feeding, school supplies, utilities, gas for transportation to and from school for all six children........$3000-$4000. So, you're looking at $14,000-$15,000 profit? Wow, that's some pretty good money!

Label it something else besides "foster home" something catchier, and there you have it. Cha-ching!!!! Okay shame on parents for not taking on the responsibility themselves, but what are the other alternatives? There needs to be some kind of oversight. There are good people out there, wanting to help kids. Unfortunately they're some real nut jobs too!!!!!

I just want these kids in loving nuturing enviroments. I think that's what kids are lacking these days.

This one IS a loving nurturing environment. This guy was a teacher for many years, and they live right inside town. His wife also has a degree in education or psych. Their kids go to the local school, do all the sports, band, etc. The house is beautiful. Most of these kids are there because the family fell apart (death, sickness, etc) and they need a place to heal and be safe. They also don't charge anything like what you're assuming, because they're independently wealthy. And they're licensed, btw.

Deborah · « **Reply #7 on:** September 14, 2006, 12:15:28 PM »

Licensed as what, and by what agency?

CCM girl 1989 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 14, 2006, 12:39:36 PM »

If it is true what you say, then I am thrilled that kids have a place like this to go to.

Deborah · « **Reply #9 on:** September 19, 2006, 01:45:33 PM »

Re: The licensing status of Good Like Cottage

Andy Cristaldi plans to register his Program with DPHHS as a foster home. http://mt.gov/dli/bsd/license/bsd_board ... sp?ID=1783

Regulations for Montana Foster Homes
http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/cfsd/relatedtop ... ensing.pdf

Deborah · « **Reply #10 on:** September 19, 2006, 03:43:01 PM »

(January 1, 2004) Paul Clark, owner of Galena Ridge, Trout Creek, Montana, 406-827-4440, announced the addition of the Cougar Mountain Ranch residential facility, managed by Glen and Evelyn Schenavar. Cougar Mountain joins 20 Peaks and Galena Ridge in providing small and family based residential programs. Clark said they have 10 students this year and plan to expand to a maximum of 18 in 2004. Clark still directs the Galena Ridge wilderness program and acts as chief counselor for the three residential components.

Paul Clark, the therapist for both Galena Ridge Wilderness program and 20 Twenty Peaks Ranch
http://www.strugglingteens.com/archives ... sit01.html
with Paul Clark providing individual and group counseling for the boys while they are at 20 Peaks.
http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/p ... 5176.shtml

http://app.mt.gov/lookup/
Not listed as a Psychologist
Not listed as a Prof Counselor
Not listed as an Addictions Counselor
?Paul G Clark listed as a Clinical Social Worker, Jacksonville, Fl; expired 1997

Apparently not licensed to provide individual and group counseling. And this is the person (politician/program owner) who is pushing for self-regulation of programs in Montana.

Oz girl · « **Reply #11 on:** September 20, 2006, 01:24:51 AM »

Even if those who run small places like this are genuinely concerned about helping the young people under their charge, is it really a oggd idea to allow or encourage a private or for profit foster system?

Foster care is meant to be a last resort for children whose parents are unable to care for them due to truly extenuating circumstances. If it becomes a for profit self regulating industry, it leaves young people vulnerable to a lot of potential abuse. it also allows any one who can afford it to abdicate responsibility for their own kids for any random reason. This can not be in the best interests of any society.

Anonymous · « **Reply #12 on:** February 27, 2007, 09:22:20 AM »

Here is what I hear about Andy Cristaldi. He use to work for Explorations a small home based program. He left there and took several students with him to start his own program. He has had real problems at the local Hi School where his students go. Drop outs, suspended for drug use asked to leave the school because of low grades. I don't think he has any kind of license at all. From what I have heard there are several teahers at the school that think his program is a joke.

Deborah · « **Reply #13 on:** April 05, 2007, 11:43:58 AM »

Another home-based program.
http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/p ... 5543.shtml

Waterfall Canyon opened on August 1, 2006, as the collaborative effort of founders and owners
Karen Nickel
Richard Dimick
Kathy Nickel
Frank Nickel
They owned and operated Progressive Youth, Inc. a residential program that successfully helped boys from the State of Utah since 1996.

Licensed as a RTC.
http://www.hslic.utah.gov/db_results2.a ... &offset=50

What about Progressive Youth, Inc? 8 facilities.
5 RTCs, a Child Placing-Foster facility, an Outpatient Treatment facility, and a Residential Support facility.

Anonymous · « **Reply #14 on:** August 13, 2007, 12:14:06 PM »

THis is a joke, right?

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