What is this program about?
The Novice House program is designed to help parents and their children solve "conflicts" by bridging the gap through counseling and teaching better communication skills.
Who is eligible?
Children in school (ages 11-17) who are having problems.
Who are youth at risk?
Youth who are having problems at home and/or school that are affecting them academically and socially. These problems may include:
uncontrollable anger
What services are offered?
Novice House offers parenting classes, individual and group counseling; family counseling; and referrals. Counseling sessions are approximately one hour and are strictly confidential.
What is a stay at Novice House like?
A stay at Novice House is much like home. Clients may stay from one day to four weeks, depending upon the court's decision. The youth are provided three complete, nutritious meals and snacks each day.
Client rules and regulations along with a structured, daily schedule is given to the youth upon arrival. It explains their responsibilities including chores, educational period, counseling, and recreation/free time. A level system monitors the youth's behavior and allows them to earn privileges as well as rewards.
The Educational Coordinator ensures that each client has the opportunity to continue their education. Clients are enrolled in an accredited school or provided home-bound teachers and tutorial classes.
What is the cost?
All services are free to the public.
Where do youth go after Novice House?
Most of the youth leaving Novice House return home. The family crisis that may have caused them to leave home can often be resolved with the intervention of counselors and other professionals. When problems at home cannot be resolved, a youth may be placed in a foster home or group home, boot camp, STOP program or with relatives. Occasionally, a youth leaving Novice House is placed at the Swanson Correction Center because of prior offenses, and others are referred to treatment facilities (psychological and/or substance abuse). We also network with other agencies in the community to help meet the needs of youth.
Novice House Home | About Novice House | Program and Services
