HISTORY
After Saratoga has evolved as an extension of the Saratoga and Homestead Life Skills Group homes, which are specialized therapeutic treatment based programs servicing youth between 8 and 17 years of age.  Since these youth have experienced a variety of placements, maintaining continuity of care while living independently has proven to the the best approach to helping them reintegrate into the community.  This is most successful in their own independent living space (apartment) geared especially to an individualized program.  Each youth is provided support by staff on a daily basis; ensuring safety and a sense of security are maintained.

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY:
Independent living with emotional support and supervised decision making provides experiences to help support social and developmental growth.  This atmosphere encourages independent living and realistic goals, in order to function responsibly and appropriately both in their home and in the community.  (Progress will enable trusting, responsible and lasting relationships in the community).  The adolescent is responsible for a variety of financial, recreational and independent living situations.  Commitment to a vocational and/or work program is requested along with introducing the adolescent to other existing community programs.

ROLE AND MANDATE:
To provide a supportive setting for adolescents in need of an alternative living situation, who are able to benefit from an individualized program where skills are practiced and applied to living situations, and to continue to develop the competence and confidence of living independently.

AFTER SARATOGA PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

• To provide a setting for adolescents in need of an alternative living situation.

• To provide a safe and supportive environment.

• To provide opportunities for interaction with peers and adults on a daily basis.

• To offer assistance and support daily, as well as define goals on a weekly basis.

• To continually develop social skills and competence needed to make independent living safe and secure.

• To encourage community involvement. 

AFTER SARATOGA PROGRAM:

The after Saratoga Program has two phases. A participant entering the After Saratoga Program may go through one or both the Phases. This is determined at the participant's Plan of Care prior to coming into this program.

Phase 1 (Transition)
Phase 1 is for participants who may not meet the age requiremnt (18 years and up) or who may not be considered ready to meet the full expectations of Phase 2 of the program and who may benefit from the exposure to and participation in the Program with a higher level of support systems in place to ensure they are successful. This Phase is jointly covered by the After Saratoga Program as well as the Betamarsh Foster Care Program. The home of Betty and Stephen Bidwell is licensed for this Phase.

Phase 1 was particularly important for those residents who do not meet the age criteria of 18, particularly if the treatment plan for them is to be discharged at 18. This will give them a brief but important opportunity to prepare them for independant living as they start their life journey.

Phase 2
Phase 2 of the After Saratoga Program has the participant able to work with expectations regarding Life Skills Training. This Phase has an emphasis on more independance, job skills, social skills and an ability to totally manage their monies succesfully as well as completeing their secondary education being one of the main focuses.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM GOALS:

The After Saratoga program assists and provides support for each participant.  Many opportunities are available to the youth such as job coaching, resume writing, employability training, and apprenticeships.  It is expected that while in this program and attending school each participant will maintain part-time employment either on the Homestead farm or in the community.

Upon completion of high school, either with a diploma or certificate, the youth will be supported in their goals to continue their education (and apply for college) or search for full time employment.  At this stage the youth are encouraged to take more responsibility for themselves.

EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM GOALS:
1. To co-ordinate counseling and educational programs in the designated area of the adolescent's community.
2.  To structure a program so that living skills are applied to situations, in order to develop competence, confidence and good judgment.
3.  To enrich the program with life experiences including vocational, recreational and volunteer activities in the wilderness, country, community and city environments.
4.  To provide and support opportunities to enable the adolescent to gain skills, experience and confidence to live independently.

ADMISSION POLICY:
After Saratoga provides a service designed to assist youth/young adults between the ages of 17 and 21 to complete the transition from adolescent to adulthood where the youth does not have the support and guidance and could benefit from such.

Generally the youth/young adults follow the continuum from Saratoga Group Home or the Homestead Life Skills program into the After Saratoga program.  The youth feel prepared and confident about their independent life skills and are always aware of the program guidelines and expectations before making the transition.  The youth who is prepared and committed to making that transition, without the benefit of the Saratoga Group home or the Homestead Life Skills program may also be accepted.

The youth will need to be able to handle school and/or a work placement.

TREATMENT APPROACH:
The After Saratoga program is designed to provide continued care and support to youth/young adults in preparation for independence into the community.  These opportunities consolidate gains while at Saratoga Group home and the Homestead Life Skills Group home and facilitate a smooth transition into the community. 

Participants of the After Saratoga Program set and attain goals on a weekly basis as well as working toward long term goals.  They receive feedback from staff, employers and educational resources on a regular basis, and participate in group and individual discussions and community activities.  The youth/young adults put into practice life skills on a daily basis and approach new challenges in a community environment.  Responsibility, consideration, cooperation and accountability are stressed as they interlock with daily independent life skills.  Family access is supported and encouraged where deemed appropriate, by C.A.S. social worker, to continue positive family relationships.

Play and Art Therapy as well as counseling are available to the participants who can benefit from it as a part of their treatment program.  Where the participants require an alternative therapeutic approach, appropriate consultation will be arranged.

Daily contact is maintained with the participants to monitor positive or stressful situations.  Each participant is assigned a primary worker who monitors and documents happenings in their daily living to make it as safe and secure as possible.

FOLLOW-UP PROGRAM:
The purpose of the follow-up program is to ensure that the youth/young adults have a strong support system put into place as they make their final steps into independent living.  The participants each have the opportunity to pursue their future aspirations whether that be applying to a community college or University or looking for employment.  The role of the primary worker is to ensure that there are community supports put into place such as financial benefits if and where applicable, applications for furthering education, support in sending our resumes, mental Health professionals, transitional worker where available, a list of contact numbers, etc.  It is important that each youth/young adult leaving the After Saratoga Program is aware of community resources available to them for support and guidance in the event of any crisis situation that may arise.

Having a follow up program in place provides a sense of security and safety for the participants as they transition into their more independent living space in the community.

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