Montgomery County, PA

Each resident at the Youth Center is assigned a caseworker.  The caseworker serves as liaison between the child, the Juvenile Probation department, the office of Children and Youth, the parents and his or her attorney. The caseworker meets regularly with each resident to discuss their issues and concerns, the child’s adjustment to the program, any behavioral difficulties the child may be exhibiting, and to keep him or her abreast of the juvenile court process.  A mental health caseworker is available for those residents manifesting serious emotional concerns. There is a master’s level social worker on staff who conducts individual and group meetings.  AA and NA meetings are also made available to all residents.

 

The caseworker maintains contact with all significant parties involved and is responsible for writing an evaluation report concerning the child’s behavior and making a recommendation to the Juvenile Court regarding disposition.  

Children detained in secure detention or shelter are required to attend and participate in our educational program.  Certified teachers from the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit provide classes in secure detention. Certified teachers under the supervision of the Norristown Area School District provide classes for Shelter residents at our Alternative School located on the grounds of what was formerly Camp Rainbow.  Instruction is provided in reading, math, English, science, social studies and art.  As part of a well-rounded educational program, training in life skills, physical education, and other special areas of study are also included in the standard curriculum.  The teachers perform an educational assessment on all students and provide a copy of the report to the Juvenile Court Judge.  If desired, students may keep up with the schoolwork from their own home school district, but parents must go to the school to get their child’s books and assignments and bring them to the Youth Center.  Our teachers will render whatever assistance is needed to help each child keep up with his or her schoolwork.

 

During the evening, residents are given the opportunity to attend tutoring. The teachers generally choose residents to attend who are in need of more individual attention than can be provided in the regular classroom setting.  Students expressing interest in the program may also participate.

All residents admitted to the Youth Center are seen by the nurse and given a physical exam by a licensed physician.  The doctor visits the Center at least twice a week and the nurses are available everyday during waking hours.  If residents feel sick, they simply need to report this to a staff person who will make arrangements for the child to see the nurse, or doctor if necessary.  The nurse distributes all prescription medication at regular time intervals.  Residents are not permitted to have any medication, prescription or non-prescription, in their rooms or on their person.  If emergency medical care becomes necessary, immediate arrangements are made to transport the child to the emergency room at Montgomery Hospital.  Parents would immediately be notified regarding any emergency that might occur.

 

All residents remaining beyond thirty days in either Shelter or Detention receive a dental exam and cleaning.  Emergency dental care is provided for those residents in need.

Residents in both programs are permitted to send and receive mail, unless restricted by the Court.  The Youth Center provides paper, pencil, envelopes and postage.  Incoming mail is given to the residents by staff.  Staff reads neither incoming nor outgoing mail; however, a child may be required to open the letter in presence of staff, if staff has reason to suspect that contraband is included.

Residents in both programs are permitted to call home.  However, parents must first set up an account with the phone vendor before they can receive calls.  Upon intake, a caseworker will explain how the phone system works and how an account can be set up.  Residents are permitted to call home two to three times a week, and the calls are limited to fifteen minutes.  Incoming phone calls are not permitted.  In the shelter, residents may be permitted to call one or two friends provided they are approved and the child is on the proper level within the privilege earning program.

 

To set up billing for resident phone calls Call 1-814-949-3303

Church groups visit the Youth Center regularly on Sunday evenings.  Residents may attend services if they wish.  A special visit can also be arranged with clergy.  They may visit during the regular scheduled visiting hours, or they can call a child’s caseworker to set up a special visiting time.         

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