effective management of the therapeutic milieu. Clients that disclose abuse offer referrals to program mental health staff and/or external providers for individual therapy and trauma-specific therapeutic interventions such as EMDR, prolonged exposure, and TF-CBT.
Physical Plant Assessment for 1916 University Ave W 1.Describe the condition and design of the facility as it relates to the safety of the people receiving services:
The program is in a one-story building in the Midway area of St. Paul. The building has an elevator that goes from the lower level (basement) to the ninth floor, and two elevators that go from the lower level (basement) to the eighth floor, all used for various businesses in the professional building. Regular maintenance is performed on the building by an outside agency.
2.How will the program reduce the potential of abuse and/or harm to people related to the facility's condition and design in terms of safety for people receiving services?
The building has accessible Fire Marshall-approved fire extinguishers. Smoke detectors are installed in rooms. The front and back entrance is protected by security cameras. Formal fire drills are held on each shift monthly. There are a total of 3 exits that staff and clients may use in case of an emergency.
Programming for adult and adolescent clients will be conducted at different times of day to minimize contact between the different age groups. In the rare circumstance where clients of both groups may have programming at the same time, staff will be trained to ensure they are served in different parts of the program/building, and rules regarding socialization between adult and adolescent clients are followed.
3.Describe any areas of the facility that are difficult to supervise:
There are no areas in the primary program facility that are difficult to supervise. The only exception to this would be an unlikely scenario in which an office is left unlocked.
4.How will the program reduce the potential of abuse and/or harm to people related to the facility's areas that are difficult to supervise?
The front desk staff is a Peer Specialist who is available to supervise clients as they move back and forth between the different program spaces.
Environmental Assessment for 1916 University Ave W
Describe the locations of the facility, including information about the neighborhood and community that the facility is in:
The program is in the Central-Midway neighborhood of St. Paul, a block from Snelling Avenue and Highway 94. This neighborhood has many businesses and agencies to improve the overall economy of the area. There is an increased police presence in the area due to the continuing concerns about homeless individuals and the potential to purchase drugs and alcohol in the area. There is public transportation on Lexington, Hamline, and University Avenues, within a block of the building. Many participants who come to the program are unfamiliar with the surrounding community and how to keep themselves safe from abuse while in the community. This makes them more susceptible to abuse and crimes while in the community.
How will the program reduce the potential of abuse and/or harm to people related to the location of the facility, including factors about the neighborhood and community?
A tour of the facility is given upon a client's first visit. Clients are initially oriented to the building, and an intake process is begun. Clients are re-oriented as needed. The program will maintain a good working relationship with the local police and neighborhood. Staff will counsel clients on appropriate community behavior.
Staff cannot control client behavior in the community. If clients engage in behaviors that place them at risk, staff will develop a plan to modify the behavior. This may include discussions with staff, education on safe behavior, contracts between staff and the client, or outside counseling and education. Advocacy is done with and for clients who become victims of crime. Coordination with outside resources occurs to support the client and facilitate any needed intervention.
Clients who demonstrate a lack of familiarity with the community or a low level of independent functioning are given special instructions by staff, such as how to be safe in the community by not going out after dark alone, not carrying large amounts of money on their person, etc.
Describe the type of grounds and terrain that surround the facility:
The building is located on a busy street, University Ave. There is limited street parking, and the back has a small employee parking. There is an area where clients can be dropped off/picked up. There is adequate lighting outside of the building on all sides.
How will the program reduce the potential of abuse and/or harm to people related to the type of grounds and terrain that surrounds the facility?
There are no obstacles that would impede people from entering or leaving the building.
Describe the type of internal programming provided at the program:
The services will be adequate about the provision of treatment for persons who have a chemical use disorder and/or mental illness. Outpatient services are scheduled for 5 days a week, with groups and individual work, sober recreational opportunities, and living-skills development. Outpatient clients can participate in a variety of services outside of scheduled programming hours if prior arrangements are made with staff.
How will the program reduce the potential of abuse and/or harm to people through the type of internal programming provided at the program?