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Aftercare Discharge Planning Discharge planning begins as part of the intake process. The appropriateness of the resident’s plan for discharge, and an assessment of Intermediate Stage skills as a prerequisite for independent living are evaluated as part of the 90-day progress review. Each discharge plan is individualized according to the resident's needs and situation with some of the alternative available including but are not limited to returning to the family or extended family home; foster care placement; and referral to a community-based agency for support services; supported transitional living arrangements; and/or other independent living. Aftercare follow up of former residents is part of the SAFC program. Continued support services including the DCF-funded case management services to clients of that Agency who are eligible for the Community Housing Assistance Program (CHAPS) are offered to former residents where possible. Unplanned Discharge When any unplanned discharge is initiated, the social worker/agency involved is notified immediately. The following behaviors are grounds for immediate termination from the program: physical harm and/or violence to another person or self and/or use or possession of unprescribed drugs or alcohol on the premises by a resident. The referring worker and/or family member responsible for the placement will be contacted immediately in the instance of these two behaviors; and notified that the resident's discharge to their care will be initiated within 8 to 12 hours. Dismissal for any other reason, including a lack of consistent progress on goals and/or a staff assessment that the infant requires an alternative care plan to meet his or her needs, and/or a second pregnancy while in residence would necessitate a more immediate discharge plan. When a resident initiates an unplanned discharge by running away, the local police are notified after departure. If a resident chooses to leave the program of her own volition she will not ordinarily be considered for readmission. TLAP: Transitional Living Apartment Program Residents whose discharge plan includes independent living and who have demonstrated significant success with Life Skills may be eligible for the SAFC TLAP program. These residents complete a service agreement specifying a more intensive individualized treatment plan in the Life Skills curriculum and they may be eligible for residence in the supervised apartment setting adjacent to the SAFC building. These sites are designed to qualify them for the DCF CHAPS program. |