Please read the information below to answer many frequently asked questions.
Please read the information below to answer many frequently asked questions.
If you child has been placed at ANCHOR Group Home and Shelter Care, it is important that we complete the intake process as soon as possible. Ideally, you will come to the facility to not only complete the intake, but also to see where your child is currently living. If you cannot come to the facility because of health or transportation issues, please call 276-634-2924 to make alternative arrangements for you to complete the intake.
| PHONE CALLS |
| Your child will be able to use the resident phone at the Group Home/Shelter Care during evening hours and when it is available. He can use this time to call family or friends, according to the Group Home/Shelter Care schedule. If there is a special need, the Group Home Leader can place calls during the business day throughout the week for your child. He will not be able to bring a cell phone to the Group Home/Shelter Care for the first two weeks after placement. |
| VISITATION/HOME VISITS |
| Visitation is allowed on most days between the hours of 4pm to 8pm but must be pre-arranged with ANCHOR staff prior to the visit and will generally last no more than 1 hour. You will be requested to present a photo ID. You must be a parent/legal guardian or immediate family. Visitation will only be allowed as the ANCHOR Group Home/Shelter Care schedule permits. If it is not possible for you to visit during these hours due to your work schedule or other conflict, you may coordinate alternative dates and times with ANCHOR Staff. Your child may earn passes to visit in the home, but only after the first two weeks in the Group Home/Shelter Care. The following items are not permitted during on-site visitation: cell phones, cameras, food, drink, purses or bags. Proper attire is expected. No profanity, vulgar, or loud speech will be tolerated. Persons under the influence of any drugs will be asked to leave immediately. Violations of any sort will result in your being asked to leave. The ANCHOR Group Home and Shelter Care property is always under video surveillance. |
| PERSONAL BELONGINGS |
| Your child will need adequate clothing that is appropriate for the season. We ask that they not have shirts or shoes that are red or blue, as these colors can be associated with gangs. No offensive language, signs or symbols displayed on clothing will be allowed. They will not be allowed to have cellular phones or other electronic devices for the first two weeks at the Group Home and Shelter Care. When they do earn the privilege of having a cell phone, it will only be allowed during the evening free time hours (6pm-9pm) and as the Group Home/Shelter Care schedule allows. He should not bring in items such as DVD’s or CD’s or related items to the facility. Any personal property, clothing, jewelry, electronics, money, etc. brought into the Group Home/Shelter Care is the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian and your child, ANCHOR will not be responsible for these items. If your child has their own grooming supplies such as roll-on deodorant, shampoo, lotion, etc., you may bring these to him. No aerosols, sprays, or items that contain alcohol will be allowed. ANCHOR Staff will need to review and inventory the items you bring; items that are not allowed will be returned for you to take home. |
| PERMISSION FOR HEALTH CARE |
| Since your child is a minor, we need for you to give us permission to obtain emergency health care. This will be taken care of during the Intake process. Therefore, we will need to make copies of any applicable insurance cards. Please also provide the immunization information, if available. We will try to coordinate care with you when possible so that you may be present. In the event of an emergency, we will call you as soon as the crisis allows—our first concern will be to get the necessary treatment for the child. |
| OTHER PERSONAL DOCUMENTS |
| We will need copies of your child’s other important documents such as social security card, birth certificate, Virginia ID, Insurance card, immunization records, etc. |
| DAILY SCHEDULE |
| Your child is expected to follow the schedule and will need to participate in their approved educational plan. In addition to normal routines such as personal hygiene time and meals, the schedule allows for homework periods, recreation, and personal time. |
| EMERGENCIES/ALTERNATIVE SHELTER |
| You child has been informed of what is expected during a fire drill. The ANCHOR staff has a plan for many types of potential situations such as severe weather conditions, a tornado, a drought, an illness or injury, as well as many other possible conditions. If the program must seek alternative housing for the youth, the group would be transferred to 100 Cleveland Avenue. The family will be kept as informed as possible. |
| GRIEVANCE/PROBLEM RESOLUTION |
| If you feel like you or your child is being treated unfairly by staff and you cannot resolve the issue with the staff, please let us know so that we can work with you. There is a grievance form in the Group Home and Shelter Care, that you can fill out or you can ask a staff member to assist you. You need to know that the program will not respond in a punitive way to you filing a grievance. There is always an administrator on call who can be reached if needed to resolve the issue. If you disagree with the initial findings of the staff, the Supervisor/Counselor will hear your appeal. You may reach an administrator at (276) 403-4719 if it is outside of normal business hours. |
| ALLOWANCES/PERSONAL MONIES |
| You may provide your child with spending money although, this is not required. Normally, he will not need any cash. It is suggested that he not be given more than $5.00 unless there is a special planned activity. Any special planned activities such as a trip to a museum or theme park will be planned and the family will be informed of any costs not being covered by the agency. |
| Your child may send and receive mail. When sending a letter, please put your child’s name on the envelope. Please do not send any items through the mail. We will provide two stamps and two envelopes per week. Any additional materials for correspondence will need to be provided by a parent or guardian. All mail must go through the United States Postal Service. Hand delivered mail will not be accepted. |
| Reading Material |
| The Anchor Group Home and Shelter Care gives residents access to the public library. Your child can bring books or magazines, but they will be subject to search. |
| Medical Services |
Will be coordinated with the parent/legal guardian and are their responsibility. IMPORTANT: PLEASE BRING ALL MEDICATIONS FOR YOUR CHILD IN THE ORIGINAL PILL BOTTLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER ADMISSION. IN THE EVENT OF A MEDICAL CONDITION OR ALLERGY, NOTIFY THE NURSE OR A MEMBER OF ADMINISTRATION IMMEDIATELY. |
| Food Service |
The ANCHOR Group Home and Shelter Care follows a menu that is approved thru the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program monitored and developed by USDA. Things like calories, sodium content, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are considered when developing menus. If your child has any food allergies, please contact our USDA Manager or any other ANCHOR staff. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. |
Please feel free to call for questions and concerns, anytime you need to talk to someone at (276) 634 – 2910. The ANCHOR Group Home and Shelter Care staff will contact you as soon as it is possible if:
- Your child is charged with a criminal offense as a result of illegal conduct within the ANCHOR Group Home and Shelter Care.
- Your child has attempted a self-destructive act.
- Your child is removed from the ANCHOR Group Home and Shelter Care for emergency medical care due to illness or injury. Please remember that parents are financially responsible for emergency care and prescriptions.