The Bobby Benson Center is a residential and outpatient, community-based social-learning model program designed to provide adolescents, ages 13-17, with the opportunity to gain the skills needed to develop a lasting recovery from dependency on drugs or alcohol. Specifically, the treatment program is designed to help break through the denial of drug and alcohol addiction, develop skills to manage the ups and downs of life and begin taking personal responsibility for actions. To begin this process, clients are introduced to their peer group and assigned a buddy, living accommodations and a primary counselor.

Clients are expected to work closely with a primary counselor in the development of a treatment plan aimed at identifying and understanding alcohol/drug problems and applying proven methods to change behavior. Clients are given reading and writing assignments to help meet treatment goals. Before graduation, the assigned primary counselor will develop an aftercare plan that provides the best opportunity for recovery. We believe that clients have the ultimate responsibility for recovery. The staff of Bobby Benson Center is committed to working with each client to develop the ability and learn the responsibility of seeking solutions to problems and to working towards achieving goals.

Here are some elements of life at The Bobby Benson Center:

THE PURPOSE OF GROUP SESSIONS:
Clients may have character difficulties and emotional problems, which they are unaware of or refuse to admit. Only when they become aware of these problems, or are able to accept them without defensiveness, can clients learn to do something about changing. The purpose of a group session is to offer individuals the opportunity to become aware of their personal shortcomings and problems, to learn how to accept their imperfections and then to help them learn how to cope with problems in a more appropriate manner. The importance of personal development and attitude change for the client cannot be overemphasized. The alcoholic/addict, for example, does not only have a drug problem - they have a problem with living life as a sober person. Only when they are able to recognize both good points and bad points can they better adjust to the world. If they do not do these things, their sobriety will be miserable and/or they will resume using drugs or alcohol.

In order to be an effective group member and to get the kinds of changes in behavior group members seek, the following ground rules are followed:

1. Complete honesty, frankness and openness is expected during participation in group sessions.
   
   
2. Group members must accept full responsibility for all the behavior displayed in a group.
   
   
3. Dealing with personal problems must take priority over being right or seeking comfort at the expense of not changing.
   
   
4. Each group member is expected to be deeply and personally concerned about all group members. Group members should be sensitive, firm, honest and patient.
   
   
5. Each group member is expected to watch the interaction of the group, to evaluate the group, and to help it grow to become a more useful tool for personal change.
   
   
6. Confidentiality: The information gained during group sessions is confidential in nature and considered privileged communication. Staff work as a treatment team and can share information about clients to ensure the highest quality of care. Information is not shared with outside persons unless a specific release of information has been signed by client and family.
   

CLIENTS' RIGHTS AT THE BOBBY BENSON CENTER:

1. The right to treatment and services under conditions that support and comply with treatment needs and lay and judicial orders.
   
   
2. The right of an individualized written treatment or service plan (to be developed promptly after admission), treatment based on the plan, periodic review and reassessment of needs and appropriate revisions of the plan, including a description of services that may be needed after discharge.
   
   
3. The right to ongoing participation in the planning of services and the conditions of one's own condition.
   
   
4. The right to refuse treatment, except during an emergency situation.
   
   
5. The right not to participate in experimentation unless you have voluntarily given written consent; the right and opportunity to revoke such consent.
   
   
6. The right to freedom from restraint or seclusion, other than during an emergency situation. An "emergency" is defined as when a supervisory staff deems restraint necessary to prevent imminent harm to the client, to others and/or to the property when other means of control may not be effective or appropriate.
   
   
7. The right to a humane treatment environment that affords reasonable protection from harm and provides appropriate privacy.
   
   
8. The right to confidentiality of records and to revoke release of authorization consents; except when action has already been taken.
   
   
9. The right to view and obtain a copy of records, unless denial of access is documented as necessary for treatment.
   
   
10. The right to converse with others privately and to have access to the telephone and mails, unless denial of access is documented as necessary for treatment.
    
    
11. The right to file a complaint or grievance without concern that the agency or its staff will take action against you.
    
    
12. The right to referral, as appropriate, to other providers of mental health services upon discharge.
    
    
13. The right to informed consent to non-emergency treatment.
    
    
14. The right to access personal funds and valuables as described in the facility policies and procedures manual.
    
    
15. The right to exercise one's civil rights granted by the United States Constitution.
    
    
16. The right to authorized absences as outlined in the facility policies and procedures.
    
    
17. The right to be free from discrimination in receiving program services. The Bobby Benson Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, ethnic group identification, national origin, age, or mental and physical disability.
    
    
18. The right to knowledge of rights withheld or removed by a court of law.
    
    
19. The right to have visitors in accordance with facility policies and procedures.
    
    
20. The right to a qualified, competent staff and to know names and titles of staff.
    
    
21. The right to be informed of rights at time of admission and to have access to written rules and regulations.
    
    
22. The right to physical exercise, recreation, and an adequate diet.
    
    
23. The right to educational programs in treatment.

CLIENT INPUT:
Input is very important. Throughout treatment, clients will have opportunities to share thoughts, ideas and suggestions regarding treatment at the BBC. At any time during treatment, clients may ask to share input with staff.

BECOMING A SENIOR CLIENT:
After successfully completing 28 days of treatment at the Bobby Benson Center, clients are considered for the status of Senior Client. Eligibility to become a Senior Client is based upon the client's commitment to recovery as reflected in their behavior.

Senior clients are eligible to:

• Leave campus with a BBC staff person or family member for specified outings
  
  
• Develop work skills and earn "Bobby Benson Center Bucks" to be used for specified privileges

Senior clients are responsible for:

• Being a positive role model for newer clients
  
  
• Being supportive of staff
  
  
• Bringing to staff's attention any concerns in the community
  
  
• Refraining from lying or keeping secrets in the community
  
  
• Actively and daily working on school work in the classroom
  
  
• Actively and daily participating fully in group and all treatment activities