HISTORY:
Homestead Life Skills Group Home began as Homestead Group Home in 1981, and was the foundation of Betamarsh Inc. The program changed in 2001 to address the need for a program more focused on life skills and treatment for adolescents. It is considered a stepping-stone for those participants who will continue on to the After Saratoga Program, or as an alternative for those who will be discharged at the age of 18.

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY:
Our life skills treatment program supports independent living skills for youth to be successful in their future. Homestead Life Skills Group Home is for 13 - 18 year old male or female participants. This program was developed to fill the gap for those who need a focus on both life skills and treatment, as well as for those who will not be supported financially past their 18th birthday, and are not appropriate for foster care.

ROLE & MANDATE:
The staff provide a supportive therapeutic setting for adolescents. Each participant is thoroughly assessed academically, psychologically, as well as life skills and employment options. Individual and group therapy is available, as well as weekly life skill sessions by certified Life Skill Coaches.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
This program aids the adolescents by supporting them to develop skills needed to plan for their futures. The setting is a safe and supportive environment that addresses individual needs within a milieu atmosphere. Participants are supported to develop their own goals and objectives, which are reviewed weekly with their Life Skills Coach.

EMPLOYMENT PREPARATION:
Participants are supported in school Co-op opportunities, apprenticeships, and employment assessments by the local Employment Centre. Staff work closely with the Employment Centre in order to access many youth initiatives available. Workshops and training opportunities are offered to support youth in our program. Participants 16 to 18 are able to register for part-time employment and apprenticeship programs.

EDUCATION GOALS:

• To provide a structured program that teaches life skills by a "hands on" approach
• To enrich their lives with vocational, recreational & volunteer opportunities.
• To provide opportunities to enable the youth to gain skills, experience and confidence to live independently, or transfer to the After Saratoga Program, attend College/University and/or an apprenticeship program.

ADMISSION POLICY:
This program is a stepping-stone to the After Saratoga Program or for the youth to live independently at the age of 18. Referrals can come from placing agencies where the youth have or have not been part of the other Betamarsh programs. Youth that are presented for placement will have the opportunity to be part of the Betamarsh Alternative Classroom, or attend a regular school, or employment training program. The youth will be expected to make a commitment to the program and their future.

TREATMENT APPROACH:
Six participants live together in a group milieu. It is a staff model group home with 24 hour staff coverage.  The adolescents practice life skills on a daily basis with; menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking, budgeting, laundry in the community, and personal budgeting from the weekly pay cheque they receive for chores. The setting is in the country, in a large farm home.  There is a farm program with horses, dogs, cats, sheep and chickens that the youth assist with as part of their chores and responsibilities.

The Homestead Life Skills Group Home supports positive, ongoing family contact with biological families and where appropriate the extended family. The staff, with support from the placing agency, will assist in facilitating positive family contact. Each youth is assigned a Primary Worker and a Life Skills Coach to support and monitor the progress of the participant's individual program

TREATMENT PROGRAMS AVAILABLE:
Individual Art & Play Therapy with a Certified Art and Play Therapist.

• Group Therapy which addresses issues and client's needs in a therapeutic group format.
• Life Skills Assessment and individual weekly sessions with the Life Skills Coach to address the recommendations from the assessment.
• Weekly House Meetings to develop leadership skills, assertiveness skills, self-esteem, communication and social skills, problem-solving and decision-making.
• Employment assessments and training programs.
• Academic assessments, tutoring when needed and guidance for the participant's present school program.
• On-site independent school program with a qualified teacher and Life Coaches.
• Psychological assessments and individual treatment programs that address the psychological assessment recommendations as well as regular consultations with a Registered Clinical Psychologist.
• Workshops and training programs to enhance their life skills, academic needs, employment skills and personal growth.
• Participants are taught how, when and where to access community and social agencies to help address their needs, particularly when they live independently.
• Staff provide support to the youth when they apply for their S.I.N. health card, driver's license, scholarships, post secondary applications, Ontario Disability Pension, job applications, etc.

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