 |
 
FAQs
What if my child wants to leave program?
Voluntary Participation
Participants are placed in the program by the authority of their parents or guardians,
who are highly involved in the child's treatment from the initial point of contact
throughout the duration of the program. Some participants enter treatment willingly;
others are not pleased about attending the program. Alaska Crossings staff are happy
to assist families with the intake process. We are also willing to speak directly with
your child if they have hesitations or concerns about attending the program.
No child can attend
the program without knowledge and consent to treatment. There are no exceptions.
Alaska Crossings does not allow a child to be "escorted" to the program by a for fee service
that takes the child against their will. We feel that these services can actually traumatize
the child.
While it is in the best interest of participants to complete the entire program, those
who indicate a desire to leave the program will be given the opportunity to discuss this
option with their field guides. The field guides will relay this information to the clinical
team who will work with the child's family to determine whether or not it is safe and
appropriate for the child to leave the program. This means that many times participants
cannot exit the program when they want to. Even when it is determined that it is in the
best interest of the child to leave the program, they may need toremain in the program
until arrangements for placement in another program or transportation from the field may be made.
What are the rules and expectations of my child during the program?
General rules of conduct
Alaska Crossings is not a punitive program and rules are in place to protect the well being of
all participants and staff. Failure to abide by these rules may result in removal from program
and possible criminal prosecution. All participants are held to the following rules of conduct:
- We do not permit use or possession of alcohol, drugs or tobacco products.
- Over-the-counter medications and prescriptions may only be administered with specific
permission from parents or physicians. All medication is held by appropriate staff and
self-administered by participants under staff supervision.
- Weapons or articles which staff believes could be used as weapons, including personal
knives, are not allowed.
- Participants may not leave, or work on plans to leave the program, without permission of
staff.
- Participants must avoid behavior that endangers themselves or others, including staff.
This includes violence or threats of violence; engaging in or encouraging risky behaviors; or
failing to follow instructions regarding safety issues. Participants may be charged if they
assault another participant or staff.
- Participants are responsible for following the program's rules and for obeying staff
members at all times.
Self-determination
Participants are encouraged to participate in the development of their treatment goals.
Youth are encouraged to help in the setting of program rules. It must be stated that no
participant is allowed to conduct themselves in a manner that places themselves or others
at risk. Learning to question authority, boundaries and rules in a respectful and thoughtful
manner is an important skill to be developed.
Work
PParticipants will not have the opportunity to work for remuneration. They engage in
substantial physical activities each day; hiking, paddling, collecting firewood,
cooking, constructing shelters, and traveling backcountry. These activities are
necessary for keeping up with the group, taking care of themselves and assisting
others. Some expeditions may have aopportunity to complete a short community service
project. Participants must agree to these projects and they would never be forced to
participate in these projects. Typical projects would involve minor trail clearing
or trash pick up for the Park Service.
Can I speak with or visit my child while in Program?
Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is limited to emergency and operational needs during the program.
For this reason, after the initial contact is made with you upon your child's arrival in
Wrangell, we are unable to facilitate phone calls to your child while in program.
Weekly Messages Home
Every week throughout the program participants have the opportunity to send a message
home. These messages are transmitted from the field to the office and thenforwarded
to home through email. These messages are uncensored by the Alaska Crossings staff.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to send a short message back into the participant
each week.
Support Letters
We ask for a letter of support from parents or guardians to be delivered to your child
approximately half way through the program. Your cooperation with this request is greatly
appreciated. At that time participants will write a response letter to their parent or
guardian. Parents and guardians may write other correspondence to their child during
the program, and send them to the Alaska Crossings office. These letters will be
delivered to the participant the night or morning before the graduation at the end
of the program. We do not open a participant’s mail. We ask that families do not
send in food to the program.
Visits to Alaska Crossings
Visits are not possible during the program. However we do encourage family members
or guardians to come to Wrangell to attend the graduation ceremony at the end of each program.
State of Alaska Child Abuse Hotline
At the start of each program all participants are provided with the State of Alaska
Child Abuse Hotline phone number. They are then instructed that if at any time they
feel they are being abused by a staff member they will be allowed to contact the
Child Abuse Hotline to make a report. This call can be conducted through one of
the programs satellite telephones. The participant must demonstrate that they
are calm and in control of their behaviors and actions prior to their use of the
satellite telephone as it is a vital piece of emergency equipment.
What about my child's privacy?
Privacy
Each participant's personal privacy will be ensured and protected within the constraints of
communal living in an outdoor environment. The participant's own behavior may determine
additional measures needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the participant, which may
affect the degree of personal privacy available to them. The Alaska Crossings behavioral health
philosophy includes personal solitude and time alone. Participants set up their own tarps or
tents in an area assigned by their field guide. Occasionally participants may need to share a
tarp or tent when necessary due to weather, location or damage to outdoor equipment. Privacy
for dressing, cleansing, toileting and self-care is largely determined by the participant's own
efforts.
Informed Consent
A written, dated and signed consent form shall be obtained from the participant and the
participant's family or legal guardian for any involvement in research programs, or for
photographs and quotations that might be used by news media or in promotional items for the
AICS Alaska Crossings programs.
Dignity & Respect
Each participant's personal dignity shall be recognized and respected in all aspects of their
all care and treatment.
Personal Property
Participants are not allowed to bring personal property with them on program, except for
clothing as described in the Alaska Crossings equipment list.
If unapproved items are discovered once the participant has arrived, they will be collected and
left in a secure location in town. These items will be returned to participant upon leaving
program. Because we cultivate an environment of honesty and trust, participants are given the
opportunity to turn over any of these items without question or consequence before beginning
the program. A comprehensive list of approved items is included in the intake packet.
Alaska Crossings will not be responsible for unapproved items found once the program begins. We
ask that parents and guardians be attentive and assist in packing their
child's bags. If there is suspicion of any possible contraband items, we ask
that you inform Alaska Crossings. Equipment searches are sometimes unavoidable and unpleasant
for participants and guides. They are conducted for the purpose of providing a drug-free and
low-risk environment.
What about my child's spiritual beliefs?
Religious Freedom
Alaska Crossings cannot provide access to religious services, religious leaders, or to the
standard community religious resources of each participant's choice. Participants are
encouraged to consider the spiritual aspects of the wilderness setting. They are free to
discuss any aspect of their own religion and values. We observe 30 seconds of silence before
meals to allow for personal reflection as each participant sees fit.
|