Transitioning to Our Care
We’re here to help you easily transition to treatment
As you or a loved one is preparing to transition to Abbott House’s Residential Treatment Care, we understand that the thought of moving to a new place that you’ve never been before can be quite overwhelming, and maybe even a bit scary on the surface. These feelings are completely natural and are okay to feel. However, we’d like to put you at ease as much as we can. As you’re making this transition, know that our caring team will be here to support you every step of the way and that we’ll do everything we can to ensure your transition is as smooth as can be.
To better prepare you or a loved one for this transition, we’ve put together a guide to help better understand what to expect and how to prepare for your arrival in Mitchell.
Abbott House provides all clothing needs and shoes for residents, however personal clothing is acceptable as long as it meets the clothing guidelines. These items should fit in one suitcase and can include up to 10 outfits and other items following the guidelines listed below. It is strongly suggested that only what is listed under the guidelines for the intensive unit are brought due to a limited amount of storage available
Most of the young people at the Abbott House residential treatment program wear jeans, t-shirts, long sleeved shirts, sweatpants and sweatshirts. To ensure you have an adequate amount of clothing, a clothing inventory will be completed, detailing what you bring with you. At that time, we will see which items you need and within a day or so of your arrival, a staff member will help you get the clothes you need. Should you need new clothes, staff will work with you.
Starting off – Intensive Unit
Clothing Guidelines
- Bottoms (jeans/sweatpants/shorts) no jeggings/leggings/yoga pants or anything similar – the less stretch, the better
- T-shirts (no long sleeves or zippers)
- Underwear (100% cotton only)
- Sports Bras (no underwire, metal clasps, or padded bras with pockets)
- Socks (ankle/low cut socks only)
- 3 pajama shirts (t-shirts or short sleeve PJ tops– intensive unit is provided with specific sleep shorts)
- 2 sweatshirts (crew sweatshirts only, no hoodies)
- 1 pair of tennis shoes (no laces, metal, Velcro – slip ons only)
- 1 pair of flip flops or slides
- 1 pair of slippers
- 1 winter coat, hat, and pair of gloves
- 1 swimsuit (tankini or one piece)
Other things
- Posters, stuffed animals, and books – up to 3 each
- 2 personal blankets – no bigger than twin size (no tie blankets or ones with strings)
- 10 Pictures (on photo paper – no frames or photo albums)
- Prescription Medication / Scripts
- Medicaid Card, Personal Insurance Cards, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card (if have not already sent in copies with application – will make copies for our files)
In the future – once moved out of the Intensive Unit, girls may have:
- Clothing: Hooded sweatshirts, long sleeve shirts, dresses, cardigans, zip-up light jackets, PJ bottoms, tank tops (wide straps – no spaghetti straps)
- Accessories: rings (up to 2), earrings (2 pairs), bracelets (up to 2 – no metal), watch (no metal), and makeup (13 & older – limited amount of specific products)
Things to leave at home
- Hygiene Products – Abbott House provides all hygiene products needed
- Electrical items: straighteners, alarm clocks, radios, etc
- Art supplies, journals, notebooks, magazines
- Electronics: Cell phone, laptop, iPod, etc
- Outside food, drinks, or snacks
- Anything not listed above to bring – if questions on something, please call the Abbott House.
You are here because your parents, guardian, or someone acting as a parent signed an application for your treatment here. Even if you did not make a decision about coming to Abbott House we believe that every child should have the following rights while in care in our program:
- Every child has the right to enjoy freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
- Every child has the right to as much privacy as they can handle and is reasonable in a residential treatment program.
- Every child has the right to have her opinion heard and to be included to the greatest extent possible when any decision is made affecting her life.
- Every child has the right to receive appropriate and reasonable adult guidance, support, and supervision.
- Every child has the right to be free from physical abuse and inhumane treatment: every child has the right to be protected from any form of sexual exploitation.
- Every child has the right to receive adequate and appropriate food.
- Every child has the right to receive adequate and appropriate medical care.
- Every child has the right to clean, safe, and sanitary surroundings.
- Every child has the right to receive an educational program which will maximize her potential.
- Every child has the right to refuse treatment and can follow the children’s grievance procedures.
As you advance in the program you may have internet privileges in the school if you have consent from your parents and/or guardian but only if it does not cause a problem for you. You will not be allowed to communicate by email on the internet while at Abbott House. Absolutely no social media will be allowed while at the Abbott House.
Possession or use of alcoholic beverages, inhalants, non-prescription drugs or legally controlled drugs is strictly forbidden. All medications must be prescribed by an approved physician and dispensed by Abbott House staff.
We encourage guardians to allow the young lady time to settle in before visiting, but phone calls are encouraged and are, in fact, part of their girl’s treatment program. Calls are intended to help family members stay in contact and continue to work on problems together. A schedule for telephone calls will be worked out for youth and their family. Youth may make calls and receive calls. One call per day is allowed from only the individuals listed on the contact list.
Incoming and outgoing mail may be monitored and can be restricted. Generally, mail to/from Abbott House will need to be approved by a parent or worker and monitored by an Abbott House therapist or case manager. Youth may be required to open mail in the presence of staff, separate the pages, and return the envelope to staff. The number of letters mailed for youth will be limited to seven per week. We do ask that guardians limit the items and supplies they send.
Length of treatment varies greatly depending on individual needs, assessments, progress and previous experiences. Treatment programs for most young people average in length from 9 to 12 months. However, every individual progresses at a different rate, so length of treatment is very individualized.
For Questions or to Place Your Child in Residential Treatment:
Should you have any questions regarding Abbott House’s guidelines for Residential Treatment, please give us a call at 605-996-2486. To place your child in Residential Treatment, please reach out to Lana Andersen, Intake & Marketing Coordinator at 605-996-2486 ext. 115.