Information for Parents
At Salem, our goal is to help bring reconciliation between you and your son. We do this through an environment filled with Christ's love as well as structure and discipline. Below is an overview of our program and what you can expect.
Program Basics
Salem's program involves phases that your son progresses through. These are explained in greater detail on our program pages. In his time here, your son will be given daily goals and expectations that he is expected to meet. His ability to do this will determine how quickly he progresses through our program. At several intervals throughout the program there are parent reviews so you can meet with the staff to hear how your son is progressing.
Religious Training
Your son will have many opportunities to learn about life in Christ here at Salem. There are daily devotions in their cottage, several chapel services each week, and Sunday worship services. While we don't promote any specific denomination, we do believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and all aspects of our program are Christian-based; from counseling to academics.
Parental Visits
Salem encourages the reconciliation of the entire family. However, to break certain cycles of bad behavior, we have found it beneficial that there be "no contact" between the son and his family for six weeks.
After the six weeks are complete, the family comes for a counseling session with their son and a counselor and may then have a weekend visit either at the family home or here at Salem.
After this initial visit, your visits will be determined by which level of our program your son is in. During the first phase there is no contact except at the 6 week mark.
During the second phase, you are allowed one home visit per month and two phone calls per month. There is no limit to mail.
Further progression through our program allows for additional time together until your son is spending a large amount of his time with you to ensure an easier transition back to your home.
Gifts
Gifts may be sent to your teenager on holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. We do ask that you abide by our rules as far as what is acceptable. This list is located in our application information.
Telephone Calls
Your child's counselor will call you once a week. The case manager will also be in weekly contact with you. During phase one of the program, your son is not allowed phone calls. During the second phase, he is allowed two phone calls a month. The third and fourth phases allow for weekly calls.
Travel Arrangements
All home visits should be arranged with your son's counselor or the case manager. This includes your arrival times to Salem as well as any travel itineraries for air, bus, or train travel. We recommend you check with your son's counselor or case manager prior to purchasing tickets to ensure someone is available to transport your child to the specified location.
Counseling Program
Each resident meets individually with his/her counselor for one hour a week. In addition, most residents are involved in group therapy meetings. We have group therapy for adoption issues and for addiction issues. All groups are led by counseling staff.
The counseling staff works closely with the local psychiatrist and the local physician for evaluations and monitoring medication. They then communicate all information to you. Upon a resident's graduation, the counseling staff provides aftercare for the resident and family via phone calls for the first four weeks and every other week the following month. We are also available for any on-site counseling that may be needed.
Discipline Policy
Discipline can be used as a tool to move a teenager in the right direction. We believe that correction for inappropriate behavior is necessary, but must follow strict and ardent guidelines to ensure its success. Discipline must therefore be consistent, purposeful, and fair. No disciplinary measures will be physically or emotionally damaging to your son. All residents will be treated fairly and equitably.
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