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Residential Policy Handbook

  TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • INTRODUCTION
  • ADMISSION POLICIES
  • PROGRAM POLICIES
  • PROGRAM SERVICES
  • Medical
  • Counseling
  • Spiritual
  • Doctrinal Statement
  • Education
  • SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICES
  • Clothing
  • Shopping Trips
  • Mail
  • Laundry
  • Recreation
  • Special Outings
  • Library
  • Money and Valuables
  • GENERAL RESIDENTIAL GUIDELINES
  • Dress
  • Conversation
  • Conduct
  • Entertainment
  • In-house Guidelines
  • Residential Rooms
  • Home Maintenance
  • Chore List and Descriptions
  • Food and Meals
  • TV Privileges
  • Quiet Hours
  • Pets
  • Transportation
  • Fire
  • Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol
  • Personal Hygiene
  • Discipline
  • Medical
  • Telephone
  • Visitation
  • Signing Out
  • PROCEDURES FOR LEAVING THE PROGRAM
  •  

    Welcome to Harbor House Maternity Home, a Christian maternity home for teens. Living here will be an experience that will help to prepare you for the future and to be better able to master the daily problems of living and getting along with others. You are at a stage now in your life where past problems may not be as important as they once were. You are going to be a mother now and regardless of whether or not you choose to parent or release your child, you have new responsibilities, including the health of your baby during your pregnancy. We are here to assist and help you in any way we can.

    The following pages detail our residential program. Please familiarize yourself with our expectations and rules. Remember, any time a group of people lives together, there are certain adjustments needed. Consideration and understanding are both helpful.

    Your mailing address is:

    P.O. Box 357
    Celina, OH 45822


    ADMISSION POLICIES

    When applying for admission to Harbor House, each candidate will meet with the Admissions Director, tour the facility, complete an application form and obtain answers to any questions or concerns she or her parents may have.

    The candidate is then required to meet with the Counselor for an assessment interview. If a candidate is accepted, she must agree to follow the policies of our program:

    A. Permission of parents is required for all minors before admission to Harbor House.

    B. Residents are required to pay a $100 processing fee prior to admission.

    C. Harbor House may require previous psychological, medical or educational records as needed.

    D. If a client/resident is a currently an alcoholic or drug addict, she will need to qualify for a rehabilitation program before admission to Harbor House. If she smokes cigarettes, she will be asked to quit smoking entirely before entering the program.

    E. If the client/resident is dealing with emotional or mental issues/problems, the counselor will evaluate her situation to determine whether or not the Harbor House experience can be a benefit to her.

    F. Whether a resident is planning to parent or place her baby, she is required to enter the program by her seventh (7th) month of pregnancy. This allows time for the resident to benefit from the classes, counseling, and appropriate medical care.

    G. When entering the program you will not be allowed telephone contact with anyone for 2 full weeks.

    H. When entering the program all visits will not start for three full weeks.

    I. Parent and/or referring county agency is responsible to pay housing cost of USD $50.00 per day (USD $350.00 per week) for each resident. A sliding fee schedule has been established as a guideline that takes into account the applicant's family size and family income. No applicant will be denied residency based solely on an inability to pay, and the Director may waive any part, with the exception of the application fee, after a financial assessment of the family.
     

    PROGRAM POLICIES  
    A. All bags, suitcases, knapsacks, packages, and rooms are subject to inspection by the Harbor House staff at any time, if deemed necessary without prior notice.

    B. Harbor House is not responsible for damaged or stolen personal property brought to the premises.

    C. Each resident is expected to follow all house rules. When in doubt, it is the responsibility of the resident to ask a house parent about the appropriateness of any activity or behavior. Failure to comply with these rules will result in disciplinary measures.

    D. Abstinence from sexual activity during your pregnancy is mandatory for medical and moral reasons.

    E. Possession or use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs and/or their paraphernalia is strictly prohibited.

    F. Residents are required to complete daily chores and specially-assigned tasks. (See Task Descriptions)

    G. Residents who have not graduated from high school and who have not been accepted into our GED program are required to take classes with Harbor House teachers instructing.

    H. Attendance is required at all chapel, counseling sessions, classes, special events and educational activities.

    I. Residents may stay at Harbor House up to 30 days after delivery. The doctor must medically discharge the resident before she is released from the hospital.

    J. If a minor leaves Harbor House property without permission, her parents will be notified and a report will be filed with the police department.

    K. Harbor House reserves the right to dismiss a resident at staff discretion.

    L. If a resident breaks a city, state, or federal law, she is responsible to the proper authorities for the consequences of her actions.

    M. If a resident believes that her legal rights have been violated, she should request an appointment with the Executive Director.

    N. Residents who have no private insurance, will be required to apply for Medicaid/Healthy Start.

    O. Incoming or outgoing mail may be read and confiscated without prior notice.

    PROGRAM SERVICES A. MEDICAL
     
    1. Prenatal, delivery and postnatal care are provided to the birth mother and baby until each is released. The medical program is under direction of a medical doctor. Medical expenses incurred by mother or baby after leaving Harbor House will be the responsibility of that mother.

    2. All babies are delivered at Coldwater (Ohio) Community Hospital. Residents generally stay at the hospital 24 hours, and then are released to Harbor House until dismissal from the program. A nurse will be on duty or on call during the resident's stay. Those residents having a C-section or other complications will stay at the hospital until medically dismissed.

    3. Trained labor coaches are provided. Approval must be given by medical staff and house parents before a family member or friend can serve as labor coach. Only females are permitted as coaches (boyfriends may not be coaches).

    4. No medication of any kind may be kept in a resident's room; all medications are dispensed in the clinic. All residents are required to take medications and prenatal vitamins prescribed by the doctor. Residents must pick up medications from the clinic before leaving on a visit.

    5. Parents who have questions concerning their daughter's medical care should contact our medical department.
     

    B. Counseling
     
    1. Residents have the opportunity to confidentially discuss any personal issues with a professional counselor.

    2. Each resident will be assigned a volunteer and is required to complete a series of training workbooks entitled, "My Baby and Me" on an individual basis. Each resident will meet on not less than a monthly basis to discuss progress being made.

    3. Counselors may, at their discretion, provide family mediation and counseling.

    4. Group counseling provides an individual the chance to explore, with other residents, the challenges and pressures each young woman is facing.

    5. Former residents may contact their counselor for additional support after they leave Harbor House.
     

    C. Spiritual
     
    1. All girls must attend (at least weekly) a church that conforms to our doctrinal statement of faith.

    2. Daily devotions and weekly Bible Studies are required.

    3. To assure attendance, a church bulletin is required if a resident chooses to attend a church other than that of the house parents.

    4. Residents are provided with transportation to and from selected church services on Sunday.

    5. Parents wishing their daughter to attend churches other than those previously selected must provide approved transportation and have church approved by the Harbor House board and staff.

    6. Opportunities are available to attend Christian concerts and special programs.



    The Harbor House Doctrinal Statement of Faith
      • We believe the Bible to be the ONLY inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God.
      • We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
      • We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His personal return to power and glory.
      • We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful men, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
      • We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enable to live a godly life.
      • We believe in the resurrection of the body of the saved and lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
      • We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in Christ.

    D. Education
     
    1. Residents of Harbor House are required to attend school. This school, which is held on-site, will be taught by licensed and/or retired teachers. Students will be in school at least 5.5 hours per day and will not free to accept phone calls during that time.

    2. The GED program is for residents who need an alternative to the traditional high school education. Students who will be unable to finish their high school requirements will be considered for this program. In most cases, we recommend that a student continue her high school education, if possible. All residents must have their counselor's approval for GED participation. Minors must have parental consent. Residents working toward GED certification will also attend assigned Harbor House classes.

    3. Exercise, sewing, crafts and training classes are offered. Residents are expected to attend. Activities include group outings planned by the house parents, (swimming, picnics, shopping, etc.). Occasionally there will be envelope stuffing and the putting on of labels for bulk mailings.

    4. Homework will be done before evening television and weekend visitations. Homework is to be checked by house parents Friday by 4:00 p.m. to assure visits. Homework will be done to an adequate degree, house-parents discretion.

    5. Residents who have graduated from high school or have received a GED certificate and wish to enroll in college classes or correspondence courses may do so. All transportation, fees and arrangements are the sole responsibility of the resident.
     


      SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICES
     
    A. Clothing

    Maternity clothing is available for use while at Harbor House. All maternity clothing provided to a resident must be returned in clean condition prior to checking out. Maternity wear is required at all times once entered into the program.

    B. Shopping Trips

    Residents wishing to go shopping have the opportunity to do so. Transportation is provided to select shopping areas. Also, Harbor House is located one (1) block from downtown and a few blocks from the post office. Residents may wish to walk for daily exercise. The Public Library is also nearby. If a resident so desires, she may apply for a library card.

    C. Mail

    Outgoing mail may be placed on the bottom step before 8:45 (except Sunday). The mail will be picked up at the post office daily. Tampering with and/or removal of mail from another resident's mail slot is prohibited. Mail is delivered to residents by house parents. Stamps are available for purchase in the Executive Director's office.

    D. Laundry

    A washer and dryer, as well as laundry soap, are provided. Residents will be assigned a laundry day. Residents are required to wash their towels and linens at least once a week.

    E. Recreation

    Recreational activities are scheduled periodically for the resident's benefit. A lounge area with a television set is available along with a video library. A variety of game equipment is also available.

    F. Special Outings

    Trips are taken to area attractions such as museums, Christian concerts and parks. On occasion, we have overnight retreats.

    G. Library

    The library contains encyclopedias, dictionaries, current periodicals and newspapers as well as a wide variety of books.

    H. Money and Valuables

    For convenience and security, a bank is provided at the house parent's station. Parents wishing to send an allowance should send the check or money order payable to their daughter. Harbor House recommends that parents provide $10-$40 per month. For your own protection, we suggest that if you are keeping large amounts of money, valuables, or personal papers, they be locked in the safe in our office. Each girl is responsible for cashing her own checks. In order to do this, she is required to establish a savings account at the bank of her choice. There is a bank within walking distance of the home. Budgeting will be taught and attendance of these sessions is required by all residents.


    GENERAL RESIDENTIAL GUIDELINES

    These guidelines are necessary to maintain order and a pleasant atmosphere for all residents. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary measures.

      A. Dress

      Residents are expected to wear maternity clothes immediately upon entry into the program. Modest dress and a neat appearance are expected in public areas. Shoes or slippers must be worn on first floor at all times. Bare feet will be at your own risk. Residents may wear shorts, but not short shorts. Halter tops, tube tops, and see-through mesh tops are not permitted. No jewelry pertaining to cults or the occult will be worn at any time. After 8:00 p.m., residents may wear night clothes to watch television; however, a robe or sweats is a must. You must wear appropriate clothing to church or other group functions. The house parents may ask you to change if they feel that you are inappropriately dressed.

      B. Conversation

      We desire Harbor House to be a positive experience and environment for our residents. This atmosphere is maintained through the behaviors and attitudes of each resident. If you have a concern about the Harbor House program, policies, staff members, etc., please discuss this with a staff member. We request that residents maintain a respectful demeanor when interacting with staff and other residents. Since choosing to plan an adoption or to parent is a private and personal matter, discussion of this subject will be done only in an appropriate counseling session. Negative criticism of a resident's choice to plan adoption or to parent will not be permitted. Ephesians 4:29, Do not let ANY unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but ONLY what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

      C. Conduct

      Please treat others with respect and you will be treated the same. Physical fighting will result in disciplinary action. Violation of this rule could result in assault charges being filed. This rule extends to staff members also. Any girl hitting or talking disrespectfully to a staff member will be disciplined or possibly have criminal charges filed depending on the severity of the offense. We also do not tolerate threatening behavior, rudeness, verbal abuse, or obscene language. Deliberate harassment, causing division, or ganging up on any one girl will result in a warning or disciplinary action. No one has to prove how tough she is, because no one needs to be tough at Harbor House.

      D. Entertainment

      In order to provide a wholesome atmosphere for residents of all ages, we have set the following guidelines:
       

      1. Extremely violent, sexually explicit, satanic, or perverted literature, TV, or music is not allowed. A small list of authorized television programs is posted in the TV room.

      2. In respect for others, the volume of music and/or TV. should not be audible outside of your room.

      3. A VCR is provided in the commons area. Video rentals must be approved by the staff.

      4. You may not bring a portable TV., stereo, head set, or radio and alarm clock combination. An alarm clock will be provided and we have piped-in music.
       

      E. In-house Guidelines
       
      1. Please knock and receive permission to enter before entering any office.

      2. It is important that all residents observe all posted guidelines for the building and grounds.

      3. Please limit the amount of time spent in the front entry and reception area. Residents will be paged when their guests arrive.

      4. House parent's quarters are completely off limits to all residents, unless given special permission. Please be considerate of their privacy.
       

      F. Residential Rooms
       
      1. Please do not trade or move furniture.

      2. Rooms are expected to be clean and in order at all times.

      3. Room and bed assignments may not be changed without permission.

      4. Residents are discouraged from borrowing or loaning personal items.

      5. Bedroom care should be attended to immediately upon rising in the morning. The floors are to be swept, furniture dusted, and waste baskets emptied daily; sheets are to be changed on a weekly basis. The floors will need to be checked for dirt under furniture and windowsills. All bedroom mirrors are to be cleaned weekly. Nothing is to be taped or nailed to the walls or woodwork. No drug-related, profane or offensive posters or similar items are to be displayed. Candles are not to be burned in resident's rooms or anywhere in the upstairs area. Please water all personal plants once a week.

      6. Males are not allowed in residential rooms.
       

      G. Home Maintenance
       
        1. Any problems relating to the home upkeep and sanitation should be reported to the house parents.

        2. Chores will be assigned to all residents. Chores are to be done immediately upon rising in the morning. Kitchen chores are to be done immediately following each meal and following the evening meal, prior to the television being turned on. Meal planning is also assigned by the house parents. If for some reason a resident is unable to do her chores, she must obtain release from these duties from the house parents. It will then be the responsibility of that resident to arrange a substitute.
         

      H. Chore List and Descriptions
       
      NOTE: All chores must be completed by 8:45 am every day.

      LIVING ROOM: Should be kept neat and clean at all times. Please do not leave things lying around. Sweep and dust daily. Furniture should be moved and swept under once per week. Water plants weekly.

      DINING ROOM: The table is to be cleared after each meal, washed and wiped dry. Sweep floors and wash and dust the furniture. Smudges on glass, windows, and pictures should also be cleaned.

      KITCHEN: Dishes are to be done as soon as the meal is finished. Counters, stovetop and refrigerator, etc., are to be wiped clean daily. Wastebaskets are to be emptied, and floors swept and mopped in the kitchen, bath and pantry areas.

      LAUNDRY ROOM: You will be assigned a certain day and time for your own laundry. Be sure that your clothes are taken back to your room, folded and hung up or put away. Before leaving the laundry room, wipe clean the washer, dryer, and table, and empty the lint trap in the dryer.

      HALLWAY: Dust and/or sweep daily. Nothing is to be left in the hallway at ANY time.

      STAIRWAY: Dust and/or sweep weekly. Nothing is to be left on the stairs at ANY time.

      BATHROOMS: Sinks and showers are to be cleaned and scoured as well as the floors swept and mopped and mirrors polished, daily. The toilets are also to be washed and scrubbed daily. The floors should be mopped and the trash emptied on a daily or as needed basis.

      COUNSELING ROOM: Sweep and dust weekly.

      CLASSROOM: Chairs and tables are to be kept neat and orderly. The floor is to be swept daily and after each craft class. Trash needs to be removed daily.
       

      I. Food and Meals
       
      1. You will participate in the daily food preparation. The refrigerator is available for meal preparation at all times. Snacking is allowed with prior permission.

      2. Food is allowed in the kitchen, TV room and dining room, but NEVER in the bedroom quarters, classroom or chapel.

      3. Dinner will be from 5:00pm to 6:00pm weekdays, and must be attended by all girls in the home unless you have notified the house parents by noon of that day. Grace will be offered before each meal.

      4. Occasionally we will go out to eat.
       

      J. TV Privileges
       
      NO daytime television. Evening programs may be watched after the supper chores are finished. Television will be turned off at 9:00pm unless special permission is given. Daytime television is permitted on weekends, i.e. Saturday and Sunday.


      K. Quiet Hours

      1. There should be no noise upstairs in the bedroom area after 8:30pm. Some girls prefer to go to bed early. If you want to socialize, please do so in the TV room.

      2. Bedtime during the week is 9:00pm with the lights turned out by 9:00pm. On Friday nights, you may stay up until 12:00 midnight; however, on Saturday night each resident must be in bed by 10:00pm.
       

      L. Pets
       
      There may already be a house pet living in the home, however no pets will be allowed to be brought into the home by residents due to different allergies that may affect other residents. We do, however, welcome all stuffed animals.


      M. Transportation

       

      No personal vehicles are allowed, due to the limited parking space, added responsibility, and insurance liability.


      N. Fire

       

      There will be fire drills monthly. You never know when there drill is a real fire. You are required to evacuate the building as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in the building at the time will make a difference as to which exit you will use when leaving. Please gather at the out building at the rear of the building as soon as possible as these drills are timed. If you should fail to evacuate the building you will lose one weekend visit. Also, please turn off the stove, before exiting the building. Due to fire regulations, we will not allow any matches or candles in the bedrooms or bathrooms.


      O. Smoking, Drugs, and Alcohol

       

      1. Drugs and alcohol are not good for you or your baby and will not be tolerated. Confirmation of use will result in discipline and risk your being expelled.

      2. No smoking will be allowed in or outside of the home. This rule shall be observed by you and all members of your family and visitors. If you are found smoking anywhere in the home you may be asked to move out. Smoking is hazardous to your unborn child's development.
       

      P. Personal Hygiene
       
      1. Be considerate of others with your bathroom time. We prefer that each resident spend only 15 minutes in the bath and all other care to be done in her room. Each resident is to bathe or shower daily. Please be clean and neat in appearance at all times.

      2. All residents will be up and ready for the day and its activities by 8:45am, Monday-Friday.
       

      Q. Discipline
       
      1. Verbal Reminders

      Any staff member may verbally remind a resident of house guidelines and expectations.

      2. Demerits
       

      a. Any staff member may issue a demerit to a resident for not following any of the house guidelines.

      b. Staff may issue an immediate logical consequence, in addition to the demerit, such as: not being able to go on the next trip if late at a meeting point, being confined to room for yelling in hallway, etc.

      c. If a resident does not receive a demerit in a thirty day period, and has maintained a positive attitude, her previous demerits will be voided, (not including previous sets of three).
       

      3. Set of Three Demerits
       
      a. An extra hour of work will be given once a resident has received her first demerit.

      b. After the first set of three demerits, one visit will be lost, in addition to the additional work being completed. NO PHONE PRIVILEGES WILL BE ALLOWED UNTIL ALL DEMERITS ARE WORKED OFF.
       

      4. Attitude Demerits
       
      Because a positive attitude is so important to the success of our program, any set of three demerits given for a negative attitude will result in a disciplinary action. For every one demerit after the first set of three one visit will automatically lost in addition to the loss of phone privileges as well as the extra work load.


      5. Disciplinary Action

       

      Examples of behavior that will result in Disciplinary Action are: a. Deliberate or willful disobedience of rules or a staff member's instruction.

      b. The acquiring of three demerits for negative attitude in conduct, gestures, or conversation.

      c. Substance abuse or possession of paraphernalia dealing with smoking, drinking or drugs, on or off the Harbor House premises. Items will be confiscated and not returned.

      d. Disrespectful conduct, profanity, gestures, action, or conversation toward staff members, guests, or other residents.

      e. Verbal threats or acts of physical violence against any resident, staff member or visitor.

      f. Willful damage to property, including the use of graffiti.

      g. Stealing.

      h. Excessive arguing among residents.

      i. Sexual activities.

      j. Running away from the facility.
       

      One or more of the following consequences will be issued for any of the above offenses, or for behavior of equivalent severity, whether listed or not:
       
      a. In-room restriction or restriction to a clinic room.

      b. Work duty.

      c. Loss of passes.

      d. Loss of phone privileges.

      e. Parental notification.

      f. Any other appropriate penalty.

      g. Dismissal, if necessary.
       

      Privileges such as TV, outings, parties, special privilege passes, opportunity to work for pay, are always forfeited when a disciplinary action is received. For each additional disciplinary action, the penalty will be increased. Example: two passes revoked instead of one pass, three hours of work duty instead of one, etc.

      In the event of extreme behavior of any kind, a meeting will be held with the Disciplinary Board to determine an appropriate course of action.
       

      If demerit is argued about at the time given there will be another one granted on top.

      Harbor House reserves the right to alter any policy or rule at any time.
       

      R. Medical
       
      1. Lamaze classes are required. Your volunteer will be your coach. Boyfriends cannot be coaches for the girls in delivery.

      2. Doctor appointments are the resident's responsibility. Each girl is assigned a volunteer for transportation, WIC, counseling, etc. You are to notify that person of your next appointment when she returns you to the home. You should also make a note of the date and time on your personal calendar and the group calendar. If, for some reason, your volunteer is unable to take you, notify the house parents at once and they will arrange transportation.

      3. Our policy is that all deliveries are made at Joint Township District Community Hospital in Coldwater, Ohio.
       

      S. Telephone
       
      1. Phones are available on the house parents' floor for residents to use.

      2. We would prefer there be no outgoing calls. Please arrange a time with your daughter to call so that it will not conflict with her program schedule here.

      3. Long distance calls may be received through the 586-9029. Long distance calls may be received after 5:30 PM and until 8:30 PM Tue, Thurs., and Fri., and 12 - 8 PM on Saturday and 1 - 5 PM on Sunday. Please understand that during meals, until meal chores are completed, or during school, we will not answer the phone. Also, there are NO phone calls during planned activities, check will your daughter for her schedules.

      4. We encourage parents to initiate long distance calls to their daughters rather than their daughter initiating calls. Calls may be received during the following hours:
       

      Monday and Thursday 5:30pm- 8:30pm

      Friday: 5:30pm - 8:30 pm

      Saturday: 12:00pm- 8:00pm

      Sunday: 1:00pm- 5:00pm
       

      Time limits of 15 minutes are necessary, depending on availability of in-house phones. There is also no phone privileges if client has a visit that day.

      5. There will only be phone calls accepted from father of babies or girls boyfriends after proper counseling and approval by house parents and counselor. Girls will only be able to accept incoming calls from males as we do not support girls calling males.
       

      T. Visitation
       
      1. A resident may arrange for her family and friends to visit. She will be allowed one visit per weekend. We require a 24-hour advance notice for passes. Please give special attention to visiting hours and plan to visit during those hours only. This will allow the resident to participate in classes and activities scheduled by the Harbor House staff. Visitation hours are as follows:
       
      Saturday: 12:00pm-8:00pm

      Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
       

      2. Anyone visiting a minor must be listed on her release form which is filled out by her legal guardian upon admission.

      3. There are designated visiting areas for all visitors. Visitors are not allowed on the residential floor in order to protect the privacy and confidentiality of other residents. Public display of affection with non-related male visitors is not allowed. Boyfriends are not permitted to visit the home and there is to be no personal contact while staying at Harbor House.

      4. Harbor House maintains the right to deny visits if they are perceived to be emotionally or physically damaging to a resident.

      5. Harbor House is not able to provide overnight lodging for parents and friends of residents.

      6. Upon request only, and subject to Harbor House approval, a mother who lives out of town may stay overnight with her daughter after the baby is born. We are sorry that we have no facilities for male relatives.

      7. We do not allow the girls to return home, except in cases of extreme emergency, such as a death in the family.

      8. Harbor House reserves the right to deny any visit we deem unsafe or emotionally detrimental to the resident, regardless of whether or not parental permission has been granted.

      9. All visits must be approved by 12:00 noon Thursday prior to the visit.

      10. Persons wishing to take minors on a pass must meet the following requirements:
       

      a. Must have parental approval.

      b. Must be over 18 years of age.

      c. Must have staff approval.

      d. Must have a valid picture ID.
       

      NOTE: Since there are some weekend classes, residents should check the weekly class schedule before planning visits.
      U. Signing Out
       
      1. Harbor House will be using the Buddy System for all activities outside the home. This will work with all residents of Harbor House only.

      2. You must notify a house-parent and sign out on the sheet by the door.

      3. You may not be gone for longer than two (2) hours without letting the house parents know. Also, you must sign in when returning.

      4. You must be back by dark in the winter and by 8:00 p.m. in the summer.
       


    PROCEDURES FOR LEAVING THE PROGRAM

    The following procedures must be done between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

    A. Medical release obtained from Doctor.

    B. Room check:
     

    1. Room in order and thoroughly cleaned.

    2. Linens must be laundered and in place.
     

    C. Luggage check will be required.

    D. A resident wishing to leave the Harbor House program prior to delivery must first discuss this with her primary care-giver (a house parent) and with a counselor. The counselor will make the necessary contacts with parents and staff to initiate the above check-out procedure. If the resident is under 18 years of age, her parents must sign a release form during weekday business hours. At least 24 hours advance notice must be given to adequately process withdrawal from the program.

    E. Unless special arrangements are made at the time of departure from the program, personal items left of the Harbor House premises will not be obtainable after 30 days.

    F. A resident leaving Harbor House prior to delivery must have all discipline taken care of and be in good standings with school.


    Copyright ©1996-2008 Harbor Life Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved.
    NORTH: 3900 Laylin Rd. • Norwalk Ohio USA 44857 • 419-668-4400
    WEST: PO Box 357 • Celina Ohio USA 45822 • 419-586-9029