The decision to place your child.

The decision to place your child/youth or even consider the opportunity is a very emotional and unsettling time for the family.  There are so many unanswered questions, so many "rumours" about out-of-home care, the thoughts of how can I "give my child away", what will my other children think and feel, that they are next? What will my family members and friends think, will they think I have given up on my child?

These are all commonly asked questions and feelings in a sea of emotions.  You understand your child/youth is neurodivergent that requires specialized support.  You have modified your home environment and life in every attempt to accommodate your child'/youth’s needs.  You have accessed every support available within your community, but they are either not appropriate for your child/youth or there is not sufficient support to meet their needs.  You are aware that your child/youth requires specialized services and that the others in your home require some time and attention as well and you are stretched so thin yet the guilt you feel is overwhelming.

Many families experience these feelings and emotions and sometimes find comfort and knowledge if they can speak with others who have had the same experiences.  Learning how the process worked and how they feel about their decision now and the "if I had only known then what I know" situations can provide you with information that can aid you in becoming comfortable with your decisions.

If you feel that you would like to speak with a parent who has experienced what you are going through or who you would like to ask questions of, please send an e-mail to our information e-mail and we will connect you with a parent who made the decision to place their child/youth.  Send an e-mail to info@dlcrs.com and provide a contact name and number or e-mail and a brief outline of your child and your situation and we will do everything we can to match you up with families with similar past experiences.

How often can I visit/call my child?

You can call and visit your child/youth as often as you like but we do encourage families to call first as many times, the children and youth are out on an activity.  We also recommend that for the first two weeks of placement, you visit at the residence or take your child out in the community but that you not take them home.  This aids the child/youth to transition to their new home and get to know their peers, their environment, the routines, and the staff.  You are welcome to call your child at any time but if you wish to speak with the staff, we ask that you do so outside of "peak" hours when the children/youth are home as staff time needs to be focused on the them.  Calling during the daytime hours or after 9 pm gives more time when staff are able to answer any questions and have a dialogue.

Can my child come home for visits?

After the first two weeks, your child/youth may go home whenever you choose if there are no legal restrictions.  It can be important for some children and youth to have a set routine, knowing what comes next is very important.  If it is at all possible, it is advisable to get into a routine for home visits.  Some families take their child/youth every second weekend and may see them during the week; some have their child home one day every weekend while others visit at the residence with their child.

Do we need to provide their clothes and do their laundry?

Upon admission, we ask that each child/youth be admitted with sufficient clothing, footwear, and outerwear for that season.  D.L.C.R.S. has an annual clothing budget for each child/youth that will provide all basic necessities and families are always welcome to provide any clothing they so choose. No, you do not need to do laundry, that is done at the residence by both the child/youth and staff.  This is seen as a teaching time for the child/youth while accomplishing a chore as well.

Do we need to provide food?

D.L.C.R.S. offers a nutritious well-balanced diet that takes into consideration all allergies, cultural restrictions, and sensitivities. Families are more than welcome to provide their child/youth with any treats, snacks, meals, etc. that they so like.

How long can my child stay at D.L.C.R.S. and where do they go from here?

Fundamentally, D.L.C.R.S. is a children's agency. Services have expanded to provide care to transitional-age youth who are awaiting transition to their adult placements.  If at age 18, there are no appropriate placements available in an adult placement or if the youth is not yet ready for a move to an adult placement, consideration will be given to continue to provide service on an individual basis. We do recognize that appropriate adult placements can take time to secure or create and we do not at this time have a set discharge age, but we do not feel the individual should remain in placement past the age of 21 years of age.