Referrals

Referral Sources

We receive our referrals from our contracted partners, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) or the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA). At this time we have no private clients in the program.

The Referral Process

Accepting a youth into the program begins during the referral process where a relationship between the Program and Parole officer/Caseworker is formed. The youth is discussed over the phone (or from a written referral request the Caseworker has submitted) to assess appropriateness for current openings. In this initial conversation, the youth's current placement, history, and areas of behavioral and mental health concern are discussed. It is necessary to attain a youth's detailed history and current state prior to making a placement decision. This information must include a recent case plan (within 6 months) and a psychological assessment. We also encourage additional information such as educational information, family involvement, mental health assessments, and any discharge summaries from prior placements to be sent.

Youth Progress screens each youth we receive a referral for. We are equipped for a face-to-face, or video screening with the youth, intake coordinator, probation/parole officer, family, and any support person the youth may want present. Additionally, the current program treatment team may be present at the screening. The screening also allows us to follow up, clarify, and expand on the youth's answers from the pre-screening form and ask questions about information acquired from the referral packet.

After reviewing all of the pertinent information, the treatment team determines if YPA is the proper placement. Factors that could signal a youth is not appropriate for YPA include but are not limited to: mental health needs that have not stabilized, extreme acts of violence or recent sexual aggression, and behaviors that signal a safety risk to other youth, staff, or the community.

Although we prefer to see recent stability or behavioral improvements, we primarily use the referral information to divulge the challenges and needs of the youth. In order to provide consistent and comprehensive treatment to our youth, YPA staff will work with the youth's previous placement, to create as seamless a transition. The youth's case manager will be in contact with their previous treatment provider to ensure staff has a complete picture of the previous youth's program, including their strengths, weaknesses and other information.