Visits, Phone Calls and Mail

Visits, phone calls and mail from family members and others are encouraged. It is helpful for children in treatment to have consistent and predictable routines.

On-campus visits

There is no waiting period for visits by family or designated parties. We ask that parent/guardians set up visits through the therapist. It is important for us to know who is on campus at all times. It is also important for the milieu staff to help children prepare for emotions they may feel before and after visits.

Visits with non-family members are allowed if approved by both Orchard Place staff and the parent/guardian. Visits with lawyers, social workers, probation officers and clergy are allowed. We do not have specific visiting hours but ask that visitors avoid school hours.

Off-campus and home visits

Many children benefit from spending time with their family in the community or home. This is an opportunity to practice new behaviors and promote healthy family relationships. We encourage families to choose goals for the visit. Again, we request that visits are scheduled with the therapist in advance. We might also need to send medications with the child and plan for staff coverage and meals for the children remaining on campus.

 

Parent Newsletter

The OP Parent News newsletter provides information and resources for parents of children attending Campus and other Orchard Place. It is published twice a year in March and October. 

 

What Should We Pack?

Parents/guardians are expected to provide clothing for their children while they are at Orchard Place. The unit staff will work with you to make sure you know your child’s clothing needs during their stay. However, if you cannot provide clothing, let us know; we have a clothing closet available on campus.

We ask that you send clothing suitable for the season. Laundry is done several times a week in each unit. Please be sure clothing is marked so that it is not misplaced. An easy way to do this is to put your child’s initials on the tags with permanent marker.

Below is a typical clothing list. You may choose to send more than what is listed, but space is limited.

Toiletries are available in each unit but children may bring their own. Anything marked “keep out of reach of children” or containing glass must be kept in a secure place. Aerosol cans are not allowed.

Please send minimal personal items due to room-sharing and limited space. You are welcome to send your own pillow and bedding or use the bedding provided. A bulletin board is in each room; if you post pictures or other items, please do not display your last name, address or phone number to protect your privacy. You should not send expensive items, sharp items, glass or pottery. We encourage you to send a book and a few reminders of home.

Electronics

You may send a personal CD player or battery-powered radio. We allow Game Boy/Game Boy Advance but limit playing time. Only electronic games rated “E for Everyone” are allowed. We We do not allow Personal PlayStations (PSPs) due to their e-mailing capabilities, MP3 players, iPods or burned CDs due to increaed difficulty monitoring appropriate music. Children are not allowed cell phones on campus.

Our rules are based on research regarding the negative effects of inappropriate games and music on children, as well as our wish to protect families from the loss of expensive items. We do provide game systems, CD players and CDs in every unit.