Frequently Asked Questions:  About Residential Treatment

What is the residential length of stay?
Our residential treatment stay is approximately 12 weeks.

Upon discharge from the residential stay, intensive aftercare programming (Assertive Continuing Care) goes into effect to help program participants adapt to their new lifestyle in their home environment and, in the process, reduce the risk of relapse. Under specific circumstances of client need, the residential stay can be expanded to four months.

What is a typical day like during residential treatment? 

Although every day is somewhat different, residential treatment is purposely both structured and demanding. Typical activities include a set wake-up and bedtime, as well as scheduled meals, recreation, chores, schooling and group and individual clinical programming. Weekends are slightly less prescribed, however we aim to keep our youth clients as busy as reasonably possible so to maximize their treatment gains.

Are clients locked up or retained against their will? 
No. Our residential sites are NOT lockdown facilities and clients can leave at virtually any time given our program is voluntary in nature.

What if a client chooses to discharge from residential before completing treatment?
If a client decides to self-discharge from residential treatment, staff will contact (as consent permits) parents/caregivers and potentially other key stakeholders in a timely manner so to facilitate a safe and smooth transition.
Clients who self-discharge will receive Assertive Continuing Care for up to a 3-month period following their discharge. 

How does DSYTC keep clients safe during their residential stay?
Youth clients are continuously supervised and clinical staff members have been trained to effectively cope with problematic behaviours that may arise, intervening prior to them posing any significant threat.

A combination of internal alarms and video monitoring of common areas and building exteriors, are in place to assist in providing safety and well-being of the clients and staff alike.

Furthermore, DSYTC staff members strive to ensure that alcohol and/or drugs are not brought into the facility and it is for this reason that we do perform a thorough search of a client’s clothing and suitcase upon admission (and following home visits).

How much does residential treatment cost at DSYTC?
There are no formal fees for our services, however we do require your help in covering costs for recreational activities ($100/month) and personal effects and shopping fund ($50/month). Please notify DSYTC staff if such costs are beyond your financial means. We will do all that is possible so to ensure financial circumstances do not become a barrier to residential treatment participation.

If your residence falls outside the city of Ottawa and you are unable to pick up your child on short notice in the case of an unplanned discharge, we ask that you provide  the funds necessary to purchase a one-way bus or train ticket for your child to return home.

All funds provided will be accounted for via a signed receipt and will be retained in a secure location. All unused funds will be returned at the time of program discharge.

How is the high prevalence of mental health issues addressed?
Psychiatric consultation and assessment are available to all residential and aftercare clients. As well, in addition to enhancing internal staffing competencies in this domain, the DSYTC has also developed even stronger partnerships with specialized mental health services at the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group and tertiary level services at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. 

How are prescription medications taken in residential care?
Medication may be taken while in residential care, as long as a psychiatrist or physician prescribed it and both the parent/guardian (where applicable) and the adolescent agree with the recommendation. Medications prescribed 30+ days from the admission date will need to be confirmed through the prescribing doctor prior to being approved for use while in residential. There will be some occasions where a psychiatric assessment during residential care will lead to a recommendation for medication.

Please note that only a physician and/or pharmacist can fully explain the potential benefits and/or risks and side effects of any medication.

Clinical staff oversee the self-disbursement and ingestion of medication as per our medication policy. 

Can clients smoke cigarettes or use tobacco of any kind while in residential treatment?
No.  Tobacco use of any kind is not permitted anywhere or at any time while in residential treatment at the DSYTC.  This includes during outings or other activities that occur off the DSYTC property.  If desired, clients can be provided with a Nicotine Patch to help with nicotine withdrawal and smoking cessation counselling is provided. 

Do you have academic programming?
Yes. Residential clients receive individualized academic programming and are able to earn high school credits through our partnership with the M.F. McHugh Education Centre (September through June). Support for College, University, ILC’s or other academic programming is also available for those who have completed high school. 

How will parents/caregivers know how their youth is doing?
Parents/caregivers are invited and strongly encouraged to stay in regular contact with their youth’s therapist by way of telephone calls and scheduled meetings throughout residential treatment, and during the aftercare phase.

We are always subject to the privacy rights of the youth under the consent to release information legislation, which may prohibit information sharing.

Can youth make and receive telephone calls and visits while in residential treatment?
Clients are able to receive and place select telephone calls throughout their time in residential treatment. However, in order to avoid programming interruptions and to maintain programming consistency, phone calls are only permitted at select times and with select individuals (determined in consultation with the youth).

Parents/caregivers are encouraged to visit their youth while they are partaking in residential treatment (siblings are also welcome to visit as are extended family members – space permitting). Scheduled visiting times typically occur over the weekend.

Are there home visits during residential treatment?
In order to support and facilitate full reintegration and rehabilitation into real life environments, weekend home visits may be provided. These visits generally occur after a minimum of 2 months of residential treatment, and ample notice is provided so that the therapist involved can help the youth and family prepare for a successful visit. Please note that families are responsible for covering all necessary travel expenses that may be incurred as a result of such visits. 

What if families need support while their youth is receiving services from DSYTC?
Family services are available to parents or caregivers of youth within the residential program, those who require/qualify for residential admission or those engaged in ACC aftercare.

Potential reasons for referral include:  unhealthy family communication, substantial family conflict, poor boundary awareness/adherence, need for transitional support, parental role modeling enhancement, difficulty coping with high emotional distress, etc. Parents are encouraged to talk to their youth’s Therapist or ACC Counsellor to inquire about these services.