Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I be able to visit my child?
A: Contact and visitation with your child is determined on an individual basis and is a decision made by the treatment team, including the parent and placing agency regarding frequency and type of contact. Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems does not limit contact with family due to the child’s behavior or use the resident’s behavior as a means to limit visitation with his family.

Q: What can I bring with me if I am going to live at Beacon Light?
A: Most kids bring some favorite personal items, like: a radio, stuffed animals, pictures of their family and friends, and things like that. Some kids even keep a goldfish or two in their rooms. You will have your own dresser and closet space to keep your things in. After you are here a while, you may want to bring your bicycle. We keep the bikes in a locked garage and no one but you will be able to use your bike.

We try very hard to help kids keep track of their personal items. Your things will be as safe as we can make them and you don’t have to worry about having your things stolen or broken. We keep each kid’s personal and recreation money counted, recorded and locked up for safekeeping. If you want to buy a soda or something, you just need to ask the staff to get your money for you.

Bring your clothes, too. We will make sure you have enough clothes for school, play, dress and outdoor activities.

Q: How long will I stay at Beacon Light?
A: Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems will consider you for discharge based on the results of your 28 day reviews and the progress you make toward the goals in your Individual Service Plan.

When you are admitted, goals are set which will determine what you have to do in order to be discharged. Every 28 days, your treatment plan is reviewed by the Treatment Team. Your county caseworker, probation officer or case manager, parents or guardians and others responsible for you are kept up to date on the progress you make toward achieving the goals. All these people are invited to attend a case conference every three months.

Planned Discharges: A planned discharge is one which everyone responsible for your welfare agree that you should leave the program, and have planned and prepared for the move.

Unplanned Discharges: If you show behavior that requires us to have you leave the program, your parent and your county will be told immediately.

If a planned discharge is because your parent, your county, or you have failed to follow the terms of your Individual Treatment Plan, we will notify everyone in writing of the decision to discharge you. The discharge date will then be at least three weeks away. We will explain the reason for your discharge under the client grievance procedure.

Q: What happens if I don’t agree with the treatment I am receiving at Beacon Light?
A: Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems has a grievance procedure that can be used by a child, their parent, or placing agency if something has occurred during treatment that someone does not agree with.

Q: Will I be treated differently because of who I am?
A: Your treatment at Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems will not be based on your: background, religion, age, whether you are male or female, who you are related to, or where you are from.

Q: How will I know what my rights are?
A: You and your family will be educated on your rights and responsibilities before and while you are at Beacon Light. You and your family will be asked to sign a form as proof of this.

Q: Will I get a bill for services provided at Beacon Light?
A: You and your family will be told about Beacon Light’s many services and their costs, although most service costs are covered under Medical Assistance.

Q: Will I be informed of medical treatment decisions?
A: The doctor will talk with you and your family about any medical problems you have, unless there is some reason it wouldn’t be good for you to know. You and your family have a right to be part of your medical treatment. We do not do any experimental research, and you have the right to say you don’t want to be a part of any.

Q: For what reasons will I be discharged from Beacon Light?
A: You successfully finish your treatment.

You have a problem and we aren’t able to help you.

It would be better for your well-being, or the well-being of others, if you were at a different place.

Specifics on your discharge will be recorded in your treatment plan.

Q: Will I get into trouble if I complain about my treatment at Beacon Light?
A: We want you to understand and feel comfortable using your rights while you are at Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems. You can give ideas for changes to the staff as well as to your parents and therapists. You can also file a grievance, which is an official complaint, if you so desire. No one will punish you or hold it against you if you do this.

Q: Do you restrain kids?
A: You have a right not to be hurt or mistreated in any way. If you become very angry to the point where you could hurt yourself or others, we can hold you in a safe way.

Q: Will other people know why I am getting treatment?
A: Any information we have about you or your family will only be given to staff and doctors that need it to follow your treatment plan. The only way others can have your information is if your parents (or you, if you are over 14 years old) give their permission.

Q: Will I have to do work?
A: You will only be required to do work that is part of your treatment (like your daily room care).

Q: Can I keep all of my stuff?
A: You have the right to keep and use your personal clothing and belongings, as space allows. There are two exceptions to this:

1. Your things violate other’s rights
2. Your treatment plan says you can’t have or use some of your things.

Q: What do I have to do at Beacon Light?
A: Your responsibilities are to:

- Participate in your treatment plan
- Respect other’s rights and privacy
- Follow program rules
- Keep yourself and your things neat and clean

Q: Can I go to church?
A: Beacon Light makes every effort to accommodate each child’s individual spiritual denomination. Parents who live close by are permitted to take their child to church each week; we just ask that notice is given prior to the service.