North Central Indiana Teen Challenge Student Handbook

Transcription

1 North Central Indiana Teen Challenge Student Handbook A MESSAGE TO STUDENTS & FAMILIES A Message to Students We are pleased that you are considering Teen Challenge to begin your recovery from addiction. Teen Challenge is one of the most successful faith-based recovery support programs in the world; we contribute our success to our foundation in faith. We believe that true change comes from what God can do on the inside of us. If you are interested in faith-based recovery, Teen Challenge is the place for you. All of our classes, counsel, and environment are rooted in a belief in God and values found in the Bible. We are serious about faith-based recovery because it has provided the most successful care available for overcoming addiction and beginning a new life. Coming into Teen Challenge can be difficult at first. When drugs and alcohol wear off, and you find yourself away from all that s familiar, a variety of emotions can be experienced. Feelings of anger, pain, guilt, homesickness, or even being trapped, can creep in on you. As badly as you know you need to begin this journey, this internal war can be most difficult. Experience tells us that once an individual passes through this initial struggle they will adjust to the program. You have probably had moments where you wanted things to be different, but were unable to break the cycles of addiction. We are determined to help you get your life back. No one can lead your life but you; we want to help you become that responsible leader! A Message to Families Families will need to be strong. We must shut the door on every excuse to leave the program prematurely. As brave as the student may appear, fears of facing the challenge of changing their life is real. The family s natural instinct is to relieve pain, but there s no growth without it. We need families to stand strong as we help the student take a hard look at their life. Teen Challenge must have the family s support throughout the process of change. Whenever they communicate pain, encourage them to stay the course and refuse to support a departure from the program. Recovery is a family issue touching every member of the family. It is our hopes the entire family becomes part of the process of recovery of your father, son, or husband. North Central Indiana is happy that your son, father, or husband is here. We are committed to do all that we can that is feasibly possible to help your family member retain full and complete recovery, find restoration and forgiveness. If you have any questions about this manual, please feel free to call our office. Teen Challenge Residential Recovery North Central Indiana Teen Challenge is a one year residential recovery program designed to assist individuals with life-controlling addictions. Teen Challenge has three phases called Induction, Training and Re-entry. The 1

2 first two phases are mandatory for completion with the third phase being optional for students wanting assistance with transition back into society. The phases are each six months in length, Re-Entry having additional options, serving adult males eighteen years of age and older. Monthly Costs It costs Teen Challenge $500 per month per student to properly run the program. That is why we ask that you do whatever you can to help raise the $500 monthly tuition. However, if you can t come up with the $500 monthly tuition we are willing to work with you in any way we can in order to get you into the program. Teen Challenge also asks for a $ non-refundable Induction Fee to cover the cost of phone interviews, processing student files, transportation, curriculum and miscellaneous costs incurred during the intake process. Induction and monthly tuition fees should be made payable by cashier s check or money order to North Central Indiana Teen Challenge. All other funds (i.e. student personal accounts, return fare, and medical) should be made out to North Central Indiana Teen Challenge. Personal funds will be maintained by Teen Challenge (students are not allowed to keep funds on themselves during the first 8 months of the program). Personal or Phone Interview A personal or phone interview is required with all applicants. Upon acceptance, an entry date will be set contingent on available bed space. Please be aware that no phone calls are allowed during the student s first 21 days. For an interview call (574) and ask for the Intake Coordinator. Physical Health We require that potential students have a physical exam prior to entering Teen Challenge. A blood test for HIV, Hepatitis B-C and VDRL must be conducted prior to acceptance to North Central Indiana Teen Challenge. Student must have a TB test with results prior to entry into the program. Identification - A picture I.D. and a social security card are needed. Return Fare - We require return fare or pre-purchased ticket to be on file with us. Background Checks Background checks will be ran prior to acceptance. Sex offenders will not be accepted into Teen Challenge. However, they will be referred to an appropriate program. A student who is married must provide proof of marriage. What to Bring Please have the following items available as you enter Teen Challenge: 1. Induction Fee $500 2

3 Cashier s Check, Money Order payable to Teen Challenge. 2. TB, HIV, & Hep B,C, test results or $32 to get it done here 3. Two forms of ID (Picture ID & Social Security Card) 4. Return fare or pre-paid ticket 5. Clothes hangers 7. A Bible 8. Notebook, paper, pens, pencils 9. Postage stamps, envelopes. 10. Clothing: for church, class, work duties, and leisure. Laundry is done once per week so no more than a week s worth of clothes should be brought: At least one pair of dress pants for church Collared shirts (Polo, golf, oxford, button down, or rugby style shirts) At least one tie 4-5 pairs of pants T-shirts (no secular music, foul language, suggestive or offensive images) Underwear and socks Shoes (dress, work, and sneakers) Clothes that you will need to work outside in different climates 11. Towels, wash cloths and a pillow. 12. Medical and dental insurance information (if applicable) 13. Copy of marriage certificate (if married). This is required for visitation and off-campus passes with spouse. 14. Court Orders (for adjudicated students). 15. Psychological and criminal profiles must be addressed prior to entry. DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS Food, Tapes of music (any kind), books, Tape player, ipod/mp3 player, radio, clock radio, tobacco products, cellular phones, pictures of adults of the opposite sex who are not immediate family members. You may bring a personal CD player that doesn't have a radio and christian CD's. If a Bible, classroom supplies, church clothing, towels or bedding are unavailable to you Teen Challenge will provide them. PROGRAM LENGTH A student who is in need of life change does not miraculously transform overnight. Change requires a process over time, and a student must be willing to commit to whatever time is needed in order to effect change. Although many recovery programs are much shorter in length, there are no other programs that have as great a success rate as Teen Challenge. This is due, in part, to the length of the program. Many times, students who enter the Teen Challenge program have spent years trapped in their addictions, and it requires time before they are truly ready to receive the proper tools to change. North Central Indiana Teen Challenge is a minimum of one year in length. Depending upon circumstances, program length may be extended, but will never be shortened. North Central Indiana Teen Challenge does not accept students for less than one year. This includes check-ins that are both voluntary and court-ordered. Although the Court may impose less than a one year sentence, our program has a minimum length requirement of one year. If a court-ordered student still elects to enroll in the program, he must agree to serve the entire year, or whatever time it takes for completion of the program. Teen Challenge will not provide a successful completion letter, or graduation certificate to the Court for any 3

4 time less than the prescribed time for that student, which will never be less than, but can be greater than one year. Time is typically added to a student s stay if the student incurs any infractions of policy during his stay in the program; hence the possibility of completion of the program taking more than one year. Completion of the program is critical to the success of the student. Therefore, it is imperative that he is supported to this end. Family members should not allow any room for discussion of removing the student from the program before he has completed all requirements of Teen Challenge. Upon enrolling a student in Teen Challenge, family members must agree that they will not assist the student in exiting the program before completion of the program. Communications North Central Indiana Teen Challenge maintains strict policies concerning student passes and visitation, mail and telephone calls. Please note that students who are on disciplinary action may have passes, phone calls and/or mail privileges temporarily suspended. A list of approved family and contacts will be made upon entry. Students should not be given cell phones at any time, including passes and other visitations. Students are not allowed to have or use cell phones. A student found with a cell phone could be dismissed, or the person discovered to have given the student the cell phone, or the use thereof, could lose all visitation and communication privileges. Students may not have visitors at their work sites, on the Teen Challenge campus, or rendezvous at any location other than what is allowed during approved pass times. Failure by family members or friends to respect these policies could result in dismissal of the student, or loss of all future passes. The pass structure has been carefully planned and designed to the best benefit of the program to ensure smooth operation. Families and friends should not make special requests for special passes, or to change the pass schedule. All visitors coming onto the Teen Challenge property must dress appropriately and be properly covered. Visitors should remain in designated public areas only. Female visitors should not mix with other Teen Challenge students and must remain with family members in public areas at all times. Teen Challenge family members should visit with each other as the process of healing begins by talking and communicating openly. All visitors, family members and students should respect others visitation times, keeping appropriate boundaries. During visitations students should visit with their own families and guests only. Visiting with other guests and family is prohibited. Any food, drinks or snacks brought by the family need to be consumed at the time of the visit. Food and drink items will only be saved for later if there is enough to share with the entire student body. Passes and Student Visitation Only those contacts approved on a student s communication list will be allowed to visit with them on their visitation and/or passes unless special permission is given by staff. When arriving, visitors and family members should check in first before they see their student. Visitors and Family members will be required to show IDs when checking in. Visitors and family members may visit in the designated visitation areas. Visitors and family members are not allowed in the dorm rooms. If the student has an off campus pass then he may go ahead and leave with his family after check in but must be back to check in at designated time. 4

5 Guidelines for Passes and/or visitation.a student is prohibited from communicating with girlfriends during the first six months. The privilege of talking with a girlfriend will be considered after the student has completed six months in the program. After a student completes his six month he may have a girlfriend visit upon staff approval. A student is not allowed to visit any person of inappropriate character or any place of questionable reputation. A student may not smoke, use tobacco products, use drugs or alcohol, or use the following types of medications: pain medication, sleeping pills and sedatives. Also, a student may not use other drugs that are narcotic type drugs while he is in the program. If a student is under a physician s care that feels the student must take narcotic type drugs that student should seek a medical or psychiatric facility for assistance, as Teen Challenge is not a medical facility. A student may not have money in his possession during the first 8 months. Family and friends are requested to refrain from giving the student cash while he is on pass. A student who is found to have money in his possession when returning to Teen Challenge is subject to discipline or dismissal. Family members may provide money for the student s account, but all funds should be given to a Teen Challenge staff member only, not to the student himself. Students may withdraw money from their student accounts for use while they are on off campus passes. Students are responsible to return all funds and receipts for expenses immediately upon return from passes. Failure to balance cash and receipts may result in disciplinary action. Transportation will be provided to bus station departures and returns are scheduled during business hours 9:00am-5:00pm. When travel arrangements are made after business hours the student is responsible to secure their transportation and communicate to appropriate staff two weeks prior to pass. Students must not be late in returning from passes. Returning late may jeopardize the student s next pass or other privileges, or possibly extend his time in the program. Students will be searched upon returning to the Teen Challenge Campus for contraband. Upon returning to campus, a student may not be given food items or soda for future use, as all food products are not allowed in the dormitory rooms. All items of this nature left with the student will be confiscated upon his return to campus. Family members may not smoke or use tobacco products while on the Teen Challenge campus. The consumption or possession of alcohol, either before picking up the student, during the pass, or returning the student to campus, is also prohibited. Family members must be free of any type of intoxicants during the student s pass. The use of alcohol or drugs by a family member while a student is on pass with them will result in that family member losing visitation and communication privileges. The pass structure has been carefully planned and designed to the best benefit of the program to ensure smooth operation. Families and friends should not make special requests for special passes, or to change the pass schedule. All such requests will be denied. Emergency Passes Special passes (including weddings) beyond the regular pass schedule are handled on a case by case basis. Emergency passes for death or sickness are allowed for immediate family members only, and are not granted for friends or extended family members. Emergency passes for the death of an immediate family member will be approved for 48 hours. Passes for Students on Community Control and Probation Any pass given to a student on probation is approved only under the conditions specified by the Court and/or the student s Probation or Parole Officer. Students are not allowed to take a pass and commit any action or violate any clause specified by the Court or the Probation and Parole Office. Any student on Community 5

6 Control is not allowed to have a pass without proper authority from the courts. They are confined to the property of Teen Challenge, except where they are attending assigned Teen Challenge functions or duties, including work sites. Parents may visit during an approved visit day on the Teen Challenge campus. Approved Visitation Areas For the safety and well being of everyone during visits, Teen Challenge must require that all family members remain in the picnic area or the visitation area. All other facilities and property are strictly off-limits. During visitation, and to ensure that children do not get separated from their families, all children of all ages must be supervised and be escorted at all times by an adult family member. Family members will not be allowed to wander away from the designated areas for safety reasons. All families will be required to STRICTLY adhere to these rules. Failure to follow these rules may result in visitation restrictions or other loss of privileges for individuals who do not follow these policies. Teen Challenge will not be responsible for any incident that may occur with an unescorted child of any age. Clothing Restrictions Teen Challenge is a ministry, and as a ministry, its campus, students and pastoral leaders should be treated with the highest level of respect. Therefore, all persons coming on to the Teen Challenge campus must be properly clothed at all times. The pastoral leaders of Teen Challenge expect family members, friends and guests to strictly adhere to these clothing policies. Failure to heed these rules will result in a pastoral leader requesting that you dress appropriately for the campus, or to leave the campus immediately. Female family members, friends and guests should NEVER come onto the campus wearing inappropriate clothing. Female family members should also wear appropriate undergarments. Examples (not all inclusive) in inappropriate clothing are: See-through garments Tight fitting garments or garments that are revealing Shorts worn 2 above knee length Skirts or dresses shorter than 2 above the knee Shirts or blouses which reveal the navel or midriff Garments that allow undergarments to be seen Garments with inappropriate themes or words Male family members, friends and guests should also be aware of their dress code. Examples (not all inclusive) in inappropriate clothing are: Tank tops Fishnet shirts T-shirts with inappropriate themes or shirts which advertise alcohol, cigarettes, bars or nudity Any pants style that reveals undergarments Jewelry with symbols of the occult or horoscopes. Telephone Calls Telephone calls are a privilege and may be restricted as a part of disciplinary action. Students may not receive incoming phone calls. A student is eligible to place phone calls after he has been in the program for 30 days, provided he is not under disciplinary action. All phone calls are monitored. Each student has an assigned time and day(s) to place his phone call(s). 6

7 Mail If a student makes a call during the day or at any other time apart from his assigned time(s), that phone call must first be approved by administration. If a student makes telephone calls at any time or at any place without permission, he has committed an infraction that can be grounds for disciplinary action or dismissal. A student may have phone visits with the following persons: His Wife and/or Children Parents Grandparents Siblings An approved pastoral leader Any other person within the family structure who has been pre-approved. Phone calls are 15 minutes in length, made to one person (see list above) twice a week. Staff may amend these rules in the event that families do not speak English. Students may send and receive mail two weeks after admission to the program. Students are to put outgoing mail in an unsealed envelope and turn into the office for screening and mailing. Staff reviews all out-going and incoming mail, and inappropriate mail will be destroyed. Any letters found to have foul or vulgar language; inappropriate content or themes that are questionable in nature will be destroyed and will not be given to the student. Students may receive mail from family members and appropriate church leaders that are on the approved contacts list for that student. Any package or letter that contains inappropriate or illegal contraband will be turned over to proper legal authorities. Students are responsible for their own postage. Mail should be addressed to the student as follows: SPECIAL RULES FOR FIANCEES North Central Indiana Teen Challenge Attn: (Student s name) P.O. Box 376 Osceola, IN The following rules do not apply to any Teen Challenge student who has had a casual relationship, a sexual encounter, or a girlfriend. These policies are designed to assist a Teen Challenge student who has had a serious and on-going relationship of one year or longer that may develop into marriage. Teen Challenge students are not allowed special privileges for any reason or under any condition except those specified in the following rules. If a Teen Challenge student and his fiancée are granted permission to communicate by mail (phone calls are NOT allowed) and visit on visit day, and any of the following rules are broken, privileges will be immediately suspended for the remainder of the time the student is in the Teen Challenge program. Further failure to follow policies and procedures will result in the student s dismissal. These rules are not open for negotiation or manipulation in any way. Fiancée writing privileges are granted at the discretion of the Executive Director only and on a case-by-case basis, and may be suspended at any time for failure to adhere to these rules. Each fiancée must apply for visitation and writing privileges personally to the Executive Director. At his own discretion, The Executive Director will approve or deny each application on a case-by-case basis. The Executive Director will inform the applicant within 15 days of his decision concerning the application. If an 7

8 applicant is denied, the Executive Director may give directions or specific requirements for the fiancée to meet within a certain time frame for possible future approval. If the fiancée s application is approved, writing privileges may begin in the student s 4th month in the program, provided he is not on discipline Teen Challenge Requirements for Fiancées The following items (which are not all inclusive) are minimum requirements for acceptance for a fiancée to write or have visits with a student: The fiancée must attend church weekly and become involved in the church she chooses to attend. Each fiancée must be of good moral character, should not smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs. Each fiancée must be willing to abide by all rules as herein stated: The relationship between the Teen Challenge student and his fiancée must remain Godly and moral at all times. The fiancée must agree to find herself with individuals with good character and place herself in locations of good reputation. All communications between the Teen Challenge student and his fiancée must be Godly, moral, and must not be inappropriate in subject matter, or contain sexual innuendos or profanity. Any message that the fiancée may deliver by written or verbal means should be of a positive nature that is helpful, uplifting and healthy. Please be aware that Teen Challenge staff screens all mail. Any letter that is deemed inappropriate will be returned with a warning. If the warning is not heeded, all privileges will be suspended for the remainder of the student s enrollment at Teen Challenge. Telephone calls are not allowed between the Teen Challenge student and his fiancée. The only communication between the Teen Challenge student and his fiancée should be by mail and during approved visits. A student may carry one wallet sized photo of the fiancée, provided the fiancée is properly clothed and the photo does not contain inappropriate themes. Other than an initial greeting, which may include a hug, there should be no physical contact between the fiancée and the Teen Challenge student. This rule must be followed to the letter. THE TEEN CHALLENGE STUDENT IS NOT GIVEN AN OFF CAMPUS PASS WITH HIS FIANCEE AT ANY TIME WHILE HE IS IN THE PROGRAM. A VIOLATION OF THIS RULE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND FURTHER VISITS AND COMMUNICATIONS WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR THE BALANCE OF TIME THE STUDENT HAS REMAINING IN THE PROGRAM. FURTHER RULE VIOLATIONS WILL RESULT IN THE STUDENT BEING DISMISSED. Fiancées must be appropriately clothed as described on pages If the fiancée or the student breaks any of these rules, all visitation and writing privileges will end, and will NOT be restored. Further communication will not be allowed until the student completes the program. Work Experience Program While a student is enrolled at North Central Indiana Teen Challenge, he is required to work in one of the work detail operations of Teen Challenge. The work component of the program, which requires manual labor, is designed to teach responsibility, ethics and relational dynamics as related to the work environment. Although this proves to be difficult, it provides much needed discipline in a student s life. This component is an integral part of the program; students do not work for personal wages. The General Work Experience Program (GWEP) here at North Central Indiana Teen Challenge is a work related occupational activity that serves as an instructional method in a vocational experience. This program is to help the student to achieve identity, self-esteem, and self-confidence for the future. Our GWEP is designed to develop and promote understanding for job success through supervised part-time work experience. It will teach our students how to be responsible, productive, and develop personal dignity about work. Our GWEP is designed for students with life-controlling problems. It is coordinated by concerned staff that is acquainted with the students needs. In GWEP the worksite effectively becomes the classroom. The Teen Challenge of 8

9 North Central Indiana GWEP is a vital part of the overall program, ministry, and educational process at Teen Challenge. There are a variety of different duties that a student may be required to do. Refusal to cooperate with the demands of the GWEP will be met with discipline or dismissal. The work experience is mandatory, not optional. Teen Challenge students will not be paid for any services rendered while in this program. Rules 1. Do not take anything from the work crew sites. This is grounds for dismissal from the program. Do not take anything from the kitchen or golf course to your room. No cleaning supplies. 2. Do not talk to members of the opposite sex if working in the community. 3. It is required that you do all the work assigned to your specific job. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action. Medicine The Teen Challenge Program does not accept students who take addictive medications that are narcotic type medications. Such medications include, but are not limited to, painkillers, muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, benzodiazepines and sedatives. If a student is prescribed an unacceptable medication while he is in the program and chooses to take the medication, then he will be required to leave the program. Any student who is either entering the program or who is currently in the program who has been prescribed a medication should take the medication exactly as ordered by the Physician. Failure to do so could result in that student s dismissal from the program. Teen Challenge is not a medical facility. All non emergency medical or dental issues should be dealt with prior to entry or upon completion of the program. Persons who take psychoactive medications will be considered for entry into the program, but are not guaranteed entry into the program. Each person will be considered individually for entry. Teen Challenge, however, is NOT a medical facility, and is not allowed by law to make medical assessments. Because the Teen Challenge is NOT a medical facility, it is not a place for a student to detox from medications or intoxicants of any type. Before entering the program, every Teen Challenge student should be completely detoxed from all intoxicating substances. Teen Challenge will not be responsible if a student does not act responsibly and detoxify himself before entering the program. If you have a condition such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy etc., you are responsible to take your medicine at the med call times. If you have an episode between med calls, medicine will be given to you to help your condition. However, discipline may be administered if you have been negligent to take be at med call responsibly. This is to cultivate an attitude of consistency with your medical needs, as there may be no one to make you take your medicine outside of the program. The painkiller Tramadol will not be allowed in the program. CAMPUS GUIDELINES STUDENT RULES Staff May Amend General Rules The Student Rules are adhered to and enforced by Teen Challenge staff. However, these rules do not limit staff in certain circumstances in making exceptions or the Executive Director from making general changes. 9

10 1. If a student leaves a personal item lying around at any time, it may be confiscated. 2. Students are not allowed in the administrative offices. 3. All outside appointments and passes must be pre-approved and have signage on the form before leaving not later than 24 hours in advance. Any last minute appointments may not be approved. 4. You shall not help yourself to items donated to the program without staff approval. Doing so shall be theft of Teen Challenge property. 5. North Central Indiana Teen Challenge is a non-smoking facility. Smoking on or near our campus is prohibited. Also no tobacco of any kind (smokeless, dip, chew, etc.). No nicotine gum. 6. No cursing, negative joking or jesting. Fighting or stealing is grounds for immediate dismissal. 7. Students must show respect to all leadership, teachers, staff and students at all times, and must not curse, joke or jest in a negative or vulgar way, or fight. There is a NO TOLERANCE policy for striking a staff or student, and criminal charges will be filed in such cases. 8. When being corrected by staff, do not attempt to justify or explain. Simply accept the correction and if appropriate apologize for conduct. Do not walk away. Be respectful. 9. A student found to be manipulating staff will be met with discipline. 10. If you are found to be playing one staff person against another you will be subject to discipline. 11. When in need, always go to a staff first. Find a staff member who is on duty and do not approach those who are off duty, except in an emergency. 12. Students will give up all drugs immediately and will be dismissed for possession or use of drugs. 13. Students will not talk about street life, drugs, or use street slang. 14. Students of Teen Challenge should conduct themselves as responsible Christians at all times. 15. Students are to be on time for chapel, classes, meals, and work duties. 16. Leaving campus at any time without permission is grounds for an automatic dismissal. Do not go beyond these boundaries without permission. 17. Students are not allowed outside after dark unless you have special permission from staff on duty. 18. Board games are allowed during free time only. 19. You are not permitted to gamble. 20. Profanity, foul language, coarse or ethnic jokes, street talk or racial remarks, obnoxious behavior that creates unnecessary noise in the Center, such as shouting, whistling, slamming of doors are all prohibited. 21. IF You open it, close it 22. IF You turn it on, turn it off 23. IF You unlock it, lock it 24. IF You break it, call a staff person 25. IF You can t fix it, call a staff person who can 26. IF You borrow it, return it 27. IF You use it, take care of it 28. IF You make a mess, clean it up 29. IF you move something, put it back. 30. Students are not allowed to take food and drinks outside the dining hall. Food, as well as cups, plates, and utensils, should never be taken out of the cafeteria. Gum is strictly prohibited on campus at any time. A bottle of water is permissible in dorm rooms. Do not fill your bottle with a non water drink from the dining hall and carry it to your room. 31. A student leaving campus without permission will be dismissed. 32. Lights shall be turned off when a student is not present in the dorm room. 33. A student should flush the toilet each time he uses it. 34. All clothing is to be marked when a student comes into the program. A student must not borrow things from other students. If a student does not have adequate clothing, he should talk to staff. 35. No hats are to be worn in the building. 36. If you get up before wake up, be quiet. Don t talk to other students in the hallways. Keep noise to a minimum. 37. NO HORSEPLAY. 10

11 38. The only candy allowed is individually wrapped hard candy. 39. Drink packs are allowed but can not be consumed in the dorm rooms. Television 1. The television is only to be used for sporting events. All other television use is prohibited. 2. When watching sporting events, the satellite is to be turned off manually during all commercials. 3. Women s sports such as volleyball or tennis are prohibited. 4. Television may be viewed on Saturdays between 2-5 PM and Sundays between 1-5 PM. Staff or senor student must be present. Music 1. Praise and worship music is all that is allowed to be played. 2. Listening to the radio on the boom box is prohibited whether it be a Christian or secular radio station. 3. Acoustic guitars may be played outside only 4. Secular music is prohibited in any form. Whether it is listened to, played on guitar, sung, whistled, etc... Dorms 1. You are responsible for the cleanliness of your room or area. 2. Students are not allowed in any other student s room for any reason. 3. Students are not allowed to go through another student s belongings. 4. There will be no standing or walking around the dorm in boxer shorts or underwear. 5. Your bed must be made every day before devotions. 6. Clothes are to be hung neatly on hangers. 7. You must keep your clothes and undergarments folded neatly. 8. You may not tamper with the thermostat. If it is found that you have, the entire dorm will lose A/C for a period of time or other appropriate discipline as deemed by staff. 9. Do not put your feet on any furniture or sit on chair arms, sofa backs, counters, or anywhere that is not specifically made for seating. 10. Nothing is to be hung on the walls anywhere in the building by a student. Nothing is to be hung on bunks, or ceiling, or anything that is Teen Challenge property. 11. Footwear is required for all common living area. 12. There is a ZERO TOLERENCE policy for being destructive to Teen Challenge property. Destructive behavior to the building, belongings and property of Teen Challenge could result in immediate dismissal. Devotions 1. Devotions are a time set apart in devotion to the Lord. You should use this time in a manner consistent with honoring Him. 2. No sleeping. 3. No eating. 4. No talking. 5. You are expected to be either praying or reading your Bible or your assigned devotional. Some outside devotionals may be approved at staff discretion. 6. Outside books must be approved by staff. No secular books are permitted. 7. You are not allowed to do homework during this time. General Classroom Rules 1. No rowdy disturbances in classroom at anytime. 11

12 2. All classroom materials should be treated with proper care. There should be no writing in study materials provided for you by Western Kentucky Teen Challenge. Chairs, tables and desks are to be treated with care and respect. Damage of materials may result in discipline. 3. No food or drinks are allowed in the classroom for any reason. No gum or candy. 4. Do not leave your seat or talk without permission. 5. During class or study hall, if a student needs assistance, he must raise his hand. 6. Do not turn around or make noises to gain the attention of a staff member. Wait patiently for someone to respond to you. 7. Use the restroom before class starts. You will not be given permission to go to the bathroom during class. 8. Before coming to class, a student must be properly groomed. His clothes must be neat and his hair and body must be clean. 9. Students should always bring books, pencils, pens, paper, notebook and Bible to class. Teen Challenge may provide some training books and educational material. 10. Students will accomplish more by staying focused. A student should keep his head up, keep his eyes on his work, and not look around the room. 11. Unnecessary noise is very distracting. Students should be very respectful to other students. Enter and exit the classroom in an orderly and quiet manner 12. Students must not talk or pass notes during class. There is to be no talking or any form of communication in class without the teacher s permission. 13. Students must keep their work area neat and clean at all times. 14. Every student is required to pass all tests. If a test is failed, there will be no free time or phone calls until the test has been successfully passed. If a test is failed two times a student may receive an additional month in the program. 15. Don t wad up paper during class. Save trash until after class. 16. Do not get up out of seat without permission. 17. Always work on material pertaining to the class. Bible reading may be done in free time or devotions. 18. All students must be early to class. Class starts at the appointed time. 19. During group classes, do not talk while the teacher or another student is talking. 20. If you are sleepy, you may stand up. Do not fall asleep. 21. Do not write discipline or letters home during class 22. Do not lay your head down at any time during class Quiet Time and Lights Out 1. Quiet time begins at 9: Quiet time is for writing letters, reflecting, devotions. 3. Conversations should cease in all public areas and everyone should be either in their room or the bathroom. 4. Quiet time is a time to wind down and get ready for bed. Once lights out rolls around, it means lights out. 5. No showers will be taken during quiet time. 6. At the appointed time of lights out, all students must be in their beds. 7. Preparation for bed should be completed before lights out, during quiet time. 8. Students should remain in their beds and go to sleep at this time. 9. There is no talking permitted during lights out. Dress Code 1. Church wear consists of a collared shirt, slacks (not jeans), shoes, and socks. Shirts must be tucked in. 2. No piercing of any kind is allowed. 3. Students must keep their clothes clean and ironed. 4. If you do not have adequate clothing, shoes, or a belt, talk to your staff about getting clothes from our blessing source. 5. Pants should be pulled up far enough that underwear does not show. 12

13 6. No clothing showing drugs, gang life, secular music, women, or offensive language shall be worn on campus at any time. Any clothing deemed inappropriate by staff will be discarded. 7. All students must have on socks and a shirt with sleeves outside of your room. No tank tops or other shirts with exposed armpits are allowed outside of your dorm room. 8. Students must shave daily. 9. Student must shower EVERY DAY. 10. No hats are to be worn in the building at any time. Hats are to be worn frontwards or backwards only. 11. Never use staff bathroom. You should not be past the double doors to staff area at any time. 12. Shoes must be worn to class. Not sandals, crocs, flip flops, house shoes, etc... Med Call 1. Medicine will be distributed at the appropriate times only. 2. Bring a bottle of water with you to med call. 3. No medicine will be dispensed outside of the prescribed times. 4. Medicine will be handed out by staff only at their discretion. 5. All Medicine will be taken in presence of staff in the med room. No meds will be saved for later. 6. All over the counter medication will be limited. Each one and time will be evaluated. All medication will be logged on student medical charts and will be given according to the dosage on the label. Illness and Bed Rest 1. Students may not stay in bed and miss scheduled activities unless they are sick. Illnesses such as vomiting, severe diarrhea and fever (taken with a thermometer), are the only acceptable reasons for missing planned activities, and the staff must approve these exceptions. 2. If a student awakes in the morning ill, he must immediately inform a staff member who will determine if indeed the illness requires a day off. If it is determined that a student is ill and must remain in bed, he is not allowed to participate in any activities whatsoever the entire day and is required to remain in bed all day. NO EXCEPTIONS. 3. If a student is ill and in bed, he is not allowed to eat in the kitchen, but must take his meal at bedside in the sickroom. A soup will be served during mealtimes all day to help speed recovery. Kitchen 1. All food served must be eaten in the designated dining areas, never in the classroom or dorm. 2. All fasting must be approved by the Senior Counselor at least one day in advance. Mandatory fasting is not required at any time. 3. A prayer will be said before the serving of any food. 4. If a student is sick in bed, the only food at every meal they will receive is soup and two pieces of bread. 5. Meal times are appointed. Anyone absent from meal time forfeits that meal. Meals are not served at your convenience. 6. No complaining about meals. Be thankful for the food God has provided. 7. You should never argue with the kitchen crew about anything. If you have a problem, go to staff. Do not harass or argue over anything with the kitchen crew. 8. No food, drinks, utensils or dishes are ever to be taken from dining hall. 9. Students are to display reverence during prayer for a meal. Office and Staff Areas, Staff and Volunteer Relations 1. Students may not enter the main office or any staff person s office without prior approval from a staff on duty. 2. Students are not allowed in staff quarters without permission. Do not go to the staff housing hall for any reason. Do not knock on a staff quarters door. 13

14 3. You should not be in the hall where the staff quarters are for any reason. 4. You should never be in the hall leading to the chapel for any reason without permission. 5. Staff members are not permitted to lend or borrow from students, have business arrangements that might include buying, selling or renting property, cars, money, or personal items. Students should not ask staff, and staff should not ask students to enter into any type of business relationship beyond the professional relationship of staff and student. 6. No student shall exchange personal information which includes address, mailing address, and phone numbers to any volunteer or church member. Church and Outside Meetings 1. On Sunday morning, students are to be ready to leave for church at the scheduled time. 2. Once at the church, you are to go directly to the sanctuary as quietly as possible. Going to the bathroom or getting drinks is prohibited unless permission is given to you by the staff member on duty. 3. Students will sit together as a group with a staff person. 4. Do not talk to members of the opposite sex under any circumstances. 5. When the service is over, please wait for a staff member to tell you to leave. When directed, go promptly to the van. 6. Do not use the church s musical instruments. 7. Bring your Bible to every service. 8. Do not raise your hand as a first-time visitor or to receive information from the church, or for promotional products. Don t sign up for mailings. 9. Students will remain under staff supervision at all times. 10. Students must use the bathroom in a group of at least two. You may not use the bathroom alone and may not use bathroom during service. 11. You must dress according to the dress code. Personal Hygiene and Grooming 1. A student should keep himself clean and neat at all times. He should never go to bed dirty. 2 At the scheduled time, students should shower daily and spend no more than a total of ten (15) minutes in the bathroom: five (5) minutes in the shower and showers are taken during designated shower time. 3 Students should brush their teeth, wear deodorant, and shave every day. 4 Moustache is allowed to the corner of the mouth, and sideburns to the bottom of ears. No hair on chin. 5 A student should pick up after himself (i.e. clothing, shampoo, bathroom and shower items, etc.). Do not leave hair in shower, sink, or bathroom floor. 6 A student s hairstyle must be kept neat, clean and trimmed. Staff will use discretion. STUDENTS MAY CUT THEIR OWN HAIR, BUT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS A STUDENT ALLOWED TO CUT ANOTHER STUDENT S HAIR UNLESS PRE_APPROVED. Vehicle Rules 1. No eating or drinking of any kind is allowed in the van. Any trash that accumulates should be picked up. If you see trash in a vehicle, pick it up whether it is yours or not. 2. Students are not allowed to yell out of the windows, try to communicate with or make facial or hand gestures to other people, females, or passing vehicles. 3. Under no circumstances will Teen Challenge allow its property to be damaged or its vehicles to be stolen. If a student steals a Teen Challenge vehicle, or takes a Teen Challenge vehicle without permission, Teen Challenge will prosecute that student to the fullest extent of the law. 14

15 Disciplinary Action 1. Failure to comply with any of these rules can and will result in a disciplinary action. The action taken will be decided by the disciplinary committee. Time in the program, amount of prior offenses, amongst other things will be the basis of the action given to you for your disobedient act. 2. Please refer to, Procedures for Departing Students, for detailed information regarding disciplines. Discipline Teen Challenge is a program of strong work ethics and strict discipline. We understand that both of these things can at times be hard, but know that they both help make men strong as well as build character. 1. Inappropriate behavior, which may include the breaking of written rules or policies or failure to take direction from staff, will result in disciplinary action. 2. Disciplines may include writing projects, the loss of privileges, extra work duties, loss of passes and other privileges, added time to the program or other disciplinary action as needed. Severe or repeated inappropriate behavior can result in dismissal. 3. Failure to comply with disciplinary procedures could result in dismissal Discharging Students 1. Infractions of any Teen Challenge rules or policies may result in a student being dismissed from the program if he does not respond to discipline. Acceptance back into the program will be considered based upon attitude and available bed space. 2. The Executive Director or Program Director will authorize all dismissals. 3. A student who damages any Teen Challenge property or who engages in fighting or physical struggling will face grounds for immediate dismissal and possible criminal charges. 4. If a student is dismissed or has chosen to leave the program on his own, Teen Challenge holds no obligation for his transportation or return home except to carry him to his chosen mode of transportation back home, such as the bus station or the airport. If a student leaves the program or is dismissed, or if he walks off the property (which will result in his dismissal), he should carry all his personal effects with him at his time of departure. After his dismissal or exit from the program, that student is no longer allowed on Teen Challenge property. 5. Any items left behind become property of Teen Challenge if not picked up within 3 days. Return Fare Procedure for Departing Students All students are required to have return fare or a pre-purchased ticket on file. Students deciding to leave during business hours: Will be processed between 9:00am - 5:00pm. Are requested to contact their family to communicate that they are leaving. Will have a family member or designee contacted by Teen Challenge to inform them of the student s decision to leaving the program. Will be transported by Teen Challenge to the Bus Station, Air Terminal or Local Shelter. Are required to take all of their belongings at the time of departure. Teen Challenge will not send them at a later time. Any item left behind becomes the property of Teen Challenge if not picked up within 3 days. Students deciding to leave after business hours: 15

16 Will be responsible to secure their transportation. Are requested to contact their family to communicate that they are leaving. Will have a family member or designee contacted by Teen Challenge to inform them of the student s decision to leave the program. Teen Challenge chooses to communicate at the time of the departure when possible, but no later than the next business day. May remain until the next business day providing their attitude is cooperative. Those who are uncooperative will be asked to pack their belongings and depart the campus immediately. They will be responsible for their own transportation. Are required to take all of their belongings at the time of departure. Teen Challenge will not send them at a later time. Any item left behind becomes the property of Teen Challenge if not picked up within 3 days. Students refusing to leave Any student refusing to leave the premises when dismissed will be removed by the local Sheriff. If a student returns to any building, including the Administration Building without an appointment, he will be considered trespassing. Teen Challenge is NOT responsible for, nor will we replace, any missing or damaged items belonging to the student if he does not carry his things with him at departure, and all items will become the property of Teen Challenge. Teen Challenge makes every effort to accommodate a student s departure during office hours. We will not allow the students choice to leave the program after hours alter the program schedule for other students or become the crisis of Teen Challenge. If a student leaves the program, he will not be eligible to re-enter the program for a minimum of one month, and possibly longer at the discretion of the intake office. Some students may not be allowed to re-enter North Central Indiana Teen Challenge at all after leaving. 16