Maternity Home Resident Policy Manual

Transcription

1 Maternity Home Resident Policy Manual RLOM RP

2 Contents WELCOME... 1 OUR MISSION... 1 ADMISSIONS POLICIES... 2 Admissions Procedures... 2 PROGRAM ELEMENTS... 3 Financial Literacy and Savings... 3 Debt... 3 Savings Plan... 4 Budget Plan... 4 Mental Health Counseling... 5 Parenting... 5 Education/Career/Volunteer... 6 Education... 6 Employment... 6 Volunteering... 7 Spirituality... 8 Life Skills... 8 OUR HOUSE POLICIES... 9 BEDROOMS... 9 COMMUNICATION... 9 DRESS CODE... 9 DAILY ROUTINE... 9 Monday - Friday Schedule... 9 Saturday Schedule Sunday Schedule After Baby Daily Routine FINANCIAL RESPONSIBLITIES FIRE EMERGENCY PROCEDURE (Per requirement 65C ) Evacuation Area HOUSEKEEPING Daily Chores RLOM RP

3 Family/Weekly Chores INSPECTIONS LAUNDRY LAUNGAGE MAIL MEDIA AND INTERNET TV Radio Cell Phone, ipad, ipod, MP Internet Computer and Printer MEALS/NUTRITION (Per requirement 65C and 65C ) MEAL SCHEDULE MEDICAL CARE Administration of Medication Bed Rest Common Colds/Flu Prenatal Care Postnatal Care OVERNIGHT PASSES PERSONAL HYGIENE TRANSPORTATION (Per requirement 65C ) VISITORS WEAPONS GENERAL POLICIES CHILD CARE CONFLICT RESOLUTION CONSEQUENCE POLICY GRIEVANCE POLICY (Per requirement 65C ) Non-Disclosure of Physical Address and House Phone Number Housekeeping Guidelines Bathrooms RLOM RP

4 Bedrooms Dining Room and Foyer Kitchen Lanai and both Front Walkways Laundry Room and Hallway Living Room RLOM RP

5 WELCOME Welcome to the Redeeming Life Maternity Home. We are a Christian maternity home for single expectant women. We pray your residency will prepare you for your future and equip you with tools to master everyday life situations. We are here to assist and help in any way we can. This Policy Handbook has been prepared for you in order to provide a detailed description of our residential program. Please familiarize yourself with our expectations and regulations. Our hope is that this house will be considered your home and a place of comfort, peace and growth as you prepare for your baby s arrival. As with any home rules and expectations are present to ensure peaceful coexistence. All of the guiding principles of Redeeming Life are based on the fruit of the Holy Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. OUR MISSION Motivated by God s grace, Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries seeks to reach out with the love of Christ to support single expectant mothers. We do this by providing a safe, stable, Christcentered home with opportunities for growth in their relationship with their Savior, as well as career, parenting, and life skills education, that they might love and care for their children as God loves and cares for them. RLOM RP Page 1

6 ADMISSIONS POLICIES At Redeeming Life we recognize each of our applicant s situations will be unique. Therefore each case will be evaluated on an individual basis. If we are unable to offer you residency at Redeeming Life, our staff will make every effort to work with other community agencies to assist you in finding a program that best meets your needs. After your personal interview with our admissions staff there will be a team meeting to review your application and decide if residency at Redeeming Life is the best option for you. It is important you understand residency is completely voluntary. Our decision to admit you into the home is in no way binding upon you. In turn, if your placement at Redeeming Life is not mutually satisfactory we reserve the right to revoke your residency at any time. Also, as stated in our admissions policy, applicants may be subject to passing a comprehensive drug test, psychological screening and full background check. Reading, understanding and accepting the policies outlined in this manual are part of your admissions process. If after going over this manual with your admissions counselor, you agree to our policies, procedure and rules, you will sign a letter of acceptance which will become part of your file. Admissions Procedures Completed Application Personal Interview Passing Drug Test Has the desire to participate in Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries Program Agrees in writing to comply with all RLOM Program and Policies Acknowledges that all bags, suitcases, personal belongings, and room are subject in inspection during the move in process and weekly thereafter. RLOM RP Page 2

7 PROGRAM ELEMENTS **All residents are expected to maintain 40 hours of program elements per week.** Financial Literacy and Savings No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. Matthew 6:24 (NLT) The resident will start completing the RLOM Financial Literacy Core the first week of residency. This core includes financial education using Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University lessons along with practical activities and modules. Within these first four weeks, residents will have established a budget and savings plan. The residents will continue with one unit per week until all units are complete. The Resident Director may vary the order of these units per the individual needs of each resident. Core Expectation: Resident completes 10 units within the first 90 days of their residency. The resident s will watch Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University (FPU) DVD series. There are a total of nine units. The resident will complete a workbook lesson that coincides with each DVD unit and weekly homework. Homework consists of reading Dave Ramsey s Complete Guide to Money and establishing a budget and savings plan. All lesson components are to be reviewed with facilitator of Financial Literacy Classes. After completion of FPU, there will be units pertaining to financial literacy. In addition to these lessons residents will open a checking and/or savings account and provide monthly bank statements during Case Management. If resident is participating in the RLOM program during tax time, resident will file a tax return with the IRS. Debt Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender. Pro 22:7 (NLT) Residents will establish a plan to eliminate all existing debt. There will not be any new debt incurred while participating in the Redeeming Life Maternity Home Program. The only exception to this policy is for educational tuition and books for education expenses. For RLOM RP Page 3

8 education expenses a resident can borrow only the amount needed these expenses. The total amount of new debt must be approved of by Resident Director. All debt will be reviewed in weekly case management meeting. Savings Plan On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV) All residents will establish and maintain a savings plan while participating in the Redeeming Life Maternity Home Program. This savings plan will consist of saving 2/3 s of all income prior to any expenses. All income includes child support, cash income, employment wages, tax returns, government incentives, cash gifts, and any other income. Proof of all income will be proved during case management. All money in the savings plan will dedicated for a use. Approved spending for savings is establishing an emergency fund, paying off debt, purchasing a vehicle, and funds to transition into housing. All other desired spending of savings will be discussed and approved with Case Manager. The 2/3 s saving amount will be calculated by taking the net amount of income and multiplying it by.66. The remaining 1/3 is to be used for budget expenses. Savings plan will be reviewed in weekly case management meeting. A violation will be issued for not following approved savings plan. Budget Plan Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3-4 (NKJV) All residents will establish and maintain a budget for monthly and yearly expenses while participating in the Redeeming Life Maternity Home Program. This budget plan will consist of fixed recurring and variable expenses. These expenses will not exceed 1/3 of a resident s income. A final budget will be established within the first four weeks of residency. This budget plan will be reviewed in weekly case management meeting. A violation will be issued for not attempting to follow an approved budget. RLOM RP Page 4

9 Mental Health Counseling Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 Our prayer for the women who reside at Redeeming Life is that they will lead independent and successful lives abounding in the love and grace of Jesus. Often the trials and tribulations of life result in unhealthy habits and a lack of confidence. All women will attend individual counseling as a participating resident of Redeeming Life Maternity Home program. After the initial period of seven sessions, if additional counseling is needed or desired, the resident and the counselor will set the schedule of when and how often they will meet. The Case Manager and Resident Director will be informed of continued counseling and will approve the schedule. Any resident seeking adoptive placement for her infant will be referred to a licensed child-placing agency. Core Expectation: Resident will attend seven counseling sessions. The first will be within two weeks of their move-in date and complete additional counseling sessions as recommended. The first mental counseling session will be made by case manager. Every appointment after the first will be scheduled by the resident. If an appointment has to be cancelled it will be done 24 hours prior to date of session. A written violation will be issued for all appointments not cancelled or attended. Transportation to and from mental health counseling will be provided by Redeeming Life if needed. Parenting Parenting is divided into the following categories: birth plan, prenatal care, postnatal care, infant care, daycare/child care, and discipline techniques, specifically Conscious Discipline, the teachings of Dr. Becky Bailey. This category is made up of RLOM curriculum as well as materials and opportunities of other local agencies and organizations. Parenting starts with proper medical care. All residents are required to have pre-natal and post-natal care for herself and her baby. Core Expectation: Residents will schedule initial doctor s appointment within five days of their move-in date if it has not already occurred. Residents will complete Parenting Units within identified times. RLOM RP Page 5

10 Education/Career/Volunteer Every resident is expected to attend school, work, or volunteer out of the home during their time at the maternity home. Upon the week of entry, the resident will decide which path or combinations of paths they wish to pursue during their residency. If they do not secure employment within the first 21 days of residency, volunteer work must be established by the resident. If a resident has not received their high school diploma or GED, it is expected that they work to achieve that educational goal. It is strongly encouraged that residents pursue higher education in order to better provide for themselves and their children if they plan to parent. Core Expectation: Residents will secure employment upon admission. If employment is not secured within 21 days, they must find outside volunteer work. If a resident has not yet obtained a GED or high school diploma, they will begin working immediately on completing this requirement. Education High School Diploma or GED Residents that will be working towards their high school diploma or GED will do so in a class room setting. Resident take all required testing for placements during second week of residency. Out of the Home volunteering will be required for residency that are seeking a high school diploma or GED and are waiting for classes to start. Trade School/College Residents that would like to pursue a higher education will research field of interest during the first and second week of residency. This research will include career opportunities, two different educational institutes to attend, tuition and other costs educational costs. Residents that decide to seek a higher education will follow RLOM Financial Debt Policy for education. Residents that decide to seek a higher education full-time will be expected to maintain part-time employment. Residents that decide to seek a higher education part-time will be expected to maintain full-time employment. Employment Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 (NLT) RLOM RP Page 6

11 Residents will seek honorable employment. This employment will be with an employer that either withhold taxes or issues a 1099 for taxes. Employment will not be At Home work. Full time (32 +) employment (or two part-time positions) is required unless resident is enrolled in an education program. All work schedules and paychecks will be provided to case manager on a weekly basis. Residents will complete and present to case manager a Job Tracker Form while seeking employment. While seeking employment resident will complete a minimum of 15 applications per week. Residents will have the opportunity to attend Job Readiness and Resumes classes if needed. Volunteering In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 (NIV) Volunteering is intended to promote goodness or to improve human quality of life. Volunteering has positive benefits for both the volunteer as well as the community served. It is a great way to make contacts for possible employment. Residents are expected to volunteer with in the RLOM Program. This volunteering could be working festivals, fund raising events, or church activities. Appropriate attitude and behavior is expected during all volunteering events. Residents that have not obtained employment with the 21 days of residency or is to far along in their pregnancy to be hired will volunteer out of the home for a minimum of 14 hours per week. This volunteering will start on the 22nd day of residency. Out of the Home volunteering will be required for residency that are seeking a high school diploma or GED and are waiting for classes to start. In this case the resident will start volunteering immediately. Residents that are too far along in their pregnancy to obtain employment will start volunteering out of the home prior to the 22nd day of residency. Volunteering will continue until employment is obtained, schooling starts, or child is born. If resident does not work for more one week, employment is lost, or school break is longer than a week volunteering will start on day 8 of the break. RLOM RP Page 7

12 Spirituality Residents are given many opportunities to engage spiritually with other residents, the church community, and individually. RLOM holds the value that families worship together. Unless a resident is ill, they are expected to attend church at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (LCR) on Sunday mornings. They are also expected to attend Bible class prior to church service. They will also attend Explorations classes that are held at LCR per the organization of the pastor. Residents will participate in evening family devotions in the home. Residents may attend other church services in addition to LCR Bible Study and Service. Residents may attend other church services in addition to LCR Bible Study and Service. Additional services must be at a different time than Sunday LCR Bible Study and Service. Core Expectations: Attend weekly services, Bible class, and explorations at LCR. Participate in family devotions and Bible studies. Life Skills And here s why: God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding. He s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere. He keeps his eye on all who live honestly, and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones. Proverbs 2:6-8 (MSG) Life skills refers to the skills you need to make the most out of life. They are skills that are usually associated with managing and living a better quality of life. They help us to accomplish our ambitions and live to our full potential. Residents are given many opportunities to build various skills that will be useful in life. Life Skills are taught in a class setting, one on one, and in small group sessions. Residents will participate in building skills such as communication skills, time management, healthy relationships, coping skills healthy nutrition for mothers and children, cooking skills, proper hygiene, household cleaning, and small household repairs. Core Expectations: Resident will participate and gain healthy life skills while participating in the program. RLOM RP Page 8

13 OUR HOUSE POLICIES Our goal at Redeeming Life is to provide a home environment that creates trust, security, support, encouragement, and mutual respect to all who live and work here. To insure the protection and safety of all residents and visitors, policies and procedures have been developed for the stability of the home and its residents. BEDROOMS No Food of any kind in bedrooms All drinks must have a cover or cap on it Doors will remain open during daytime hours COMMUNICATION As a matter of respect residents will communicate with Resident Director or designee when leaving the premises; providing destination and approximate return time. During weekly Case Management resident will provide employment, school, and/or volunteer schedule. DRESS CODE Residents should be dressed appropriately before breakfast each day. Proper under clothes are to be worn during daytime hours. Night clothes may be worn in the common areas of the house after 8pm. Good judgment on what to wear is expected. If you question whether something is appropriate you should check with one of our staff members. Be prepared to change your clothing if a staff member deems the outfit in not appropriate. DAILY ROUTINE Everyone s day will be unique but our overall routine is described below. Monday - Friday Schedule Ready for Day 9:00 am - Shower, Dress, Make Bed, Straighten Room, Breakfast 9:00 am 5:00 pm Work/School/Education Education, Employment Search, Volunteering. RLOM Program Requirements ---- MUST BE COMPLETED IN COMMON AREAS OF HOME OR OUTSIDE OF HOME. During the hours of 9am 5pm Monday thru Friday residents will not spend more than 60 minutes in their rooms. This includes phone calls made or received RLOM RP Page 9

14 between these hours. RLOM requires 40 hours of program work each week. A timesheet will be kept and turned during weekly case management meeting. Dinner 6:00 pm Dinner/Devotions and evening chores by 7:30 pm Free Time 7:30 pm Quiet Time 10:00 pm Saturday Schedule Ready for Day 10:00 am - Shower, Dress, Make Bed, Straighten Room, Breakfast Family/Weekly Chores to be completed before 6:00pm Dinner 6:00 pm Quiet Time 12:00 pm Sunday Schedule Ready for Church 9:00 am - Shower, Dress, Make Bed, Straighten Room, Breakfast and Clean up 9:00am 12:00pm Bible Study and Church Service - We attend as a family Dinner 6:00 pm Quiet Time 10:00 pm Saturday and Sunday are considered days off and RLOM residents may rest in their rooms as long as their responsibilities have been fulfilled. After Baby Daily Routine Weeks 1 and 2 after baby is born Excused from chores and daily schedule Weeks 3 and 4 after baby is born Daily and weekly chores will resume and work towards maintaining daily schedule (C Section will have light duty on Chores). Resident will resume case management goals. Resident not spend the day in bed at this point. Weeks 5 and 6 after baby is born Resident will towards resuming all requirements of Redeeming Life Maternity home, including securing daycare and employment. Resident will take trips out of the home with their child to establish a routine. After the sixth week resident will resume all requirements of Redeeming Life Maternity home. RLOM RP Page 10

15 FINANCIAL RESPONSIBLITIES Redeeming Life Maternity Home will assist each resident with personal hygiene products and other needs. This assistance is available according to contributions and donations received from the local community. As part of the RLOM Program each resident is expected to maintain a budget, which includes a plan to save 2/3 s of ALL income. Proof of savings will be provided to the Resident Director at each weekly case management meeting. Resident Director will assist with the budget planning. Each resident is expected to purchase the ingredients for the meal they are assigned to cook each week and any personal items desired. No loans or additional debt will be incurred while in the RLOM Program. The only exception is education loans. Education loan amount will cover cost of education expenses only no additional loan amount will be borrowed. FIRE EMERGENCY PROCEDURE (Per requirement 65C ) Evacuation routes will be posted in the kitchen and laundry room. Fire extinguishers are located in the kitchen, laundry room and storage room Due to fire regulations, matches and lighted candles are not allowed in the home. Fire drills are required monthly and the occupants of the building should be evacuated. The Residence Director will schedule the drill. In the event of a fire the following guidelines have been established: 1) If there is a fire or you smell smoke, close the doors to isolate the fire and begin to leave the building. 2) Yell "FIRE" to alert other occupants of the danger 3) Once safely outside the building, call 911 and report the fire. 4) Remain outside the building, a safe distance away, to provide information to the Police/Fire Department as they arrive Evacuation Area The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer located across the street from the residence will be the designated evacuation area. RLOM RP Page 11

16 HOUSEKEEPING In order to maintain a safe and clean home at all times residents are required to participate in housekeeping. Each month you will be assigned areas of responsibility for weekly cleaning chores in addition to daily chores. All completed chores will be subject to inspection. For detailed expectations as to how the task is to be completed and how often see Housekeeping Guidelines. Daily Chores - All daily chores are assigned and posted in the kitchen area. All daily chores will be completed by the assigned resident unless Resident Director does the reassigning. Daily chores must be completed before a resident turns in for the night. If resident is scheduled to be out of the house during the dinner hour when chores are normally completed it is their responsibility to complete them when the return to the home. It is the resident s responsibility to complete assigned chores. Family/Weekly Chores - All weekly/monthly chores will be completed between Friday and Sunday. If a resident is working or has a scheduled overnight visit, assigned chores can be completed the day before. Monthly chores are completed the last weekend of each month. INSPECTIONS All bags, suitcases, backpacks, rooms, and personal belongings are subject to inspection. Inspections are completed at move in and weekly. Inspection schedule can be changed by the Resident Director or designee without notice. LAUNDRY Each resident will be assigned a day of the week for doing her personal laundry. Sheets and towels must be washed once a week. Your clothes are to be folded, hung up, and put away the same day they are laundered. All laundry left overnight will be collected by a staff member and discarded. Before leaving the laundry room, check the lint trap in the dryer and make sure there is nothing left in the machines or on top of them. Laundry must be completed by quiet time. LAUNGAGE This is a Christian environment. There will be no foul language, swearing, or using the Lord s name in vain. RLOM RP Page 12

17 MAIL Your new mailing address is 2516 S. Oak Avenue, Sanford, FL Outgoing mail should be placed in the designated outbox. Redeeming Life staff will either place the mail in the mailbox for pick up or take it to the post office. Special handling or large packages should be discussed with the Resident Director or her designee. Incoming mail will be sorted and distributed by the Resident Director or her designee. Only Redeeming Life staff will handle resident mail. MEDIA AND INTERNET TV There will be a television in the living room for general use by our residents. Appropriate viewing choices are expected. The Resident Director or her designee will determine if a show is appropriate but in general the programming should not contain excessive violence, nudity, profanity, or the occult. There will be no televisions permitted in the resident s bedrooms. Radio A clock radio is provided in each bedroom. As with television, no sexually explicit, satanic, or violent music is permitted. The sound level should not be audible from outside your bedroom as a courtesy to everyone. Cell Phone, ipad, ipod, MP3 Today music and television programming no longer comes just via a clock radio or full sized TV in your living room. The same guidelines that apply to the community television and clock radio apply to your personal devices. There is restricted cell phone use while participating in the RLOM Program. Residents will not be on the phone during the hours of 12:00pm and 6:00am, unless it is an emergency. The first two weeks of residency resident will refrain from using cell phone. There is a house phone that is available for residents to use. No personal devises are permitted during devotions, meetings or meal times. RLOM RP Page 13

18 Internet Internet access is available for use by our residents on laptop computers only. This is a privilege and has to be earned. The access code will be entered into your laptop by RLOM staff once the privilege has been earned. Internet service is available between the hours of 8am and 11pm. Our staff is prohibited from giving out the access code. Internet service will not available for cell phone, tablets, or other personal devices. Computer and Printer There will be at least one computer and printer available for use by our residents. Scheduling time for the computer will be done by the Resident Director or her designee with preference given to any resident who needs access for on-line classes. Each resident will use removable data device to store and save personal data. Additionally, no data should be downloaded onto the community computer from any site unless authorized by RLOM staff. Personal computers are allowed in the common areas of the home. If this policy is not followed, Resident Director reserves the right to store personal computer equipment in a secured location. MEALS/NUTRITION (Per requirement 65C and 65C ) We believe families should eat meals together as often as possible so there will be a planned evening meal every day. The Resident Director or designee will conduct meal planning with the residents at the weekly house meeting. Planned meals will follow healthy dietary guidelines. Each resident will be responsible for purchasing and preparing at least one evening meal per week. For our minor residents the Resident Director or volunteer will supervise all cooking and use the opportunity to instruct the minor on proper food preparation and nutrition. NOTE: Financial assistance may be provided in the event a resident in unable to afford to purchase a weekly meal for the family. MEAL SCHEDULE Breakfast: Before 9am. Residents are responsible for their own breakfast. Lunch: Residents are responsible for their own lunch Dinner: Family dinner will be served at 6:00pm. There will be left overs available for any resident who is unable to be at dinner due to work or other schedule conflicts. RLOM RP Page 14

19 MEDICAL CARE Administration of Medication All medication (prescription and non-prescription) will be kept securely locked up in the locker provided by RLOM with a padlock to keep medication secure. All narcotics and psychotropic medications will have a medication log that will be maintained by the staff accurately stating the name, prescribing doctor, quantity, method of administration, dose, time medication was given, and administering staff signature. All prescriptions must have a label with the residents name on it. Under no circumstances will medication prescribed for one resident be given to another resident. NOTE: Prenatal vitamins may be kept in the resident s room. Bed Rest Redeeming Life understands that individuals handle morning sickness and various other sensitivities during pregnancy differently. All residents are expected to fully participate in the RLOM program unless a medical physician prescribes bed rest. If bed rest is prescribed, Resident Director will contact physician to discuss limitations and make adjustments to the residents schedule. Common Colds/Flu Redeeming Life recognizes that common colds are a part of life. If a resident has a cold or flu it is expected that they speak to the Resident Director and remain in bed. If a cold symptoms that require bed rest last more than 3 days, a medical appointment will be required. Prenatal Care Each resident is required to have prenatal care and is responsible for all medical expenses (including expenses for the baby). Residents may choose their own private provider or they can utilize the services of the Seminole County Health Program to coordinate prenatal care. Postnatal Care All babies are to be delivered at the hospital designated by the resident s physician. The mother and baby will remain in the hospital until medically discharged by her physician and the baby s physician. Proof of proper discharge is required upon returning the Redeeming Life. RLOM RP Page 15

20 OVERNIGHT PASSES Overnight Passes with family and friends will need to be requests 72 hours in advance and in writing. One night once a month is the maximum allowed overnight pass. Hospital stays do not require an overnight pass. PERSONAL HYGIENE All resident are expected to have good personal hygiene. This includes daily showers, brushing of teeth, wear clean cloths, use of deodorant, and wash hands after using the restroom and/or hanging a child s diaper. TRANSPORTATION (Per requirement 65C ) Transportation may be provided to shopping centers and the grocery store on scheduled days and times. Those days and times will be listed on the group calendar. Transportation may be provided, if needed, for other appointments. These must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance with Resident Director. Medicaid Transport must be used for physician appointments. Appropriate restraining devices will be used at all times by all occupants of the vehicle. The number of persons in a vehicle used to transport residents shall not exceed the number of available seats. Public transportation may also be used by our adult residents but for our minor residents, public transportation is limited to employment, educational and vocational purposes only. If a resident has a vehicle, they must provide a valid Florida driver s license, proof of insurance, and tags must be current. Residents are not allowed to transport other RLOM residents in their personal vehicle. Personal vehicles of residents will be parked in the church parking lot. VISITORS In order to maintain a peaceful and safe living environment for all of our residents and staff, and to protect the purpose of our ministry, there are no visitors in the home. All professional RLOM RP Page 16

21 meetings (Healthy Families, Healthy Start, Lawyers ) will meet at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer for privacy of the parties meeting and all other residents in the home. WEAPONS Weapons of any kind are not permitted on RLOM property. Failure to comply with this rule will result in immediate dismissal. RLOM RP Page 17

22 GENERAL POLICIES CHILD CARE Residents are responsible for the care of their children at all times at RLOM. When the resident returns to work or school, arrangements with a child care provider will be made by the resident. Residents and staff are not allowed to babysit or care for another resident s child. All babysitting and child care will take place outside of the maternity home. Children will only be disciplined by the mother. Corporal punishment, including screaming at, shaking, hitting, slapping, pushing, name-calling, and berating a child, is not an acceptable way of discipline. Your child is expected to be in daycare at the age of six weeks from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. At Redeeming Life we believe in fostering a home abounding in love and mutual respect. Our staff and residents will be trained in and follow the discipline program of Dr. Becky Bailey know as Conscious Discipline. The program focuses on using everyday events to address the parent s emotional intelligence as well as that of the child. The program empowers adults to consciously respond to daily conflict, transforming it into an opportunity to teach critical life skills to their children. Conscious Discipline was named as a national model for character education by the Florida State Legislature. CONFLICT RESOLUTION Even in the most harmonious homes conflict will arise. While every attempt is made to keep the peace the following process will be followed when conflict arises: 1) The residence are asked to resolve the conflict on their own by discussing concerns with the person directly involved. 2) If the resident is unable to come to a resolution after step one the Resident Director will step in and mediate the situation. 3) The Resident Director, through mediation, will offer solutions to overcome the conflict. All parties will be involved in deciding the final solution. 4) If no solution can be agreed upon the Resident Director has final authority to determine a fair resolution. RLOM RP Page 18

23 CONSEQUENCE POLICY Choices come with consequences, either negative or positive. Consequences for our actions are a part of everyday life. As program and personal goals are set and met the Resident Director will apply a consequence for a positive behavior. The consequences for positive behavior are earning shopping privileges in the Baby Boutique and additional privileges such as the right to a house key. When the conscious or unconscious decision is made to violate a Redeeming Life Maternity Home policy or procedure there is consequence. In the event the Resident Director has to apply a consequence for a negative behavior the following process will be followed: First Violation of Redeeming Life Maternity Home policies, procedures, program or rules is a written warning. This warning will be documented as to the challenge to meet with the policy and ways to over this challenge. Second Violation of the same Redeeming Life Maternity Home policies, procedures, program or rules is a written warning and loss of a privilege/added tasks for a predetermined time. The privilege will be determined by the Management Team. Examples of privileges are (but not limited too): House restriction Cell Phone restriction Extra chores Volunteer hours Writing an essay on a topic provided by Resident Director Third Violation of the same Redeeming Life Maternity Home policies, procedures, program or rules is a written contract stating resident s intensions to improve behavior, acknowledgement of dismissal policy, and loss of a privilege for a predetermined time. The privilege will be determined by the Management Team. Fourth violation of the same Redeeming Life Maternity Home policies, procedures, program or rules is mandatory dismissal from Redeeming Life Maternity Home. Chronic issues may result in dismissal from Redeeming Life Maternity Home. In these cases the Resident Director has final authority. RLOM RP Page 19

24 Choosing to not accept the consequences for your actions will be considered an act of voluntarily deciding to terminate your residency at Redeeming Life Maternity Home. Common Violations: Not saving 2/3 s of all income Not folding laundry and putting it away same day Not following personal hygiene policy Not being up, breakfast completed, room picked up, and dressed before 9am Not completing Daily or Weekly chores Failing to complete core program elements tasks (financial, parenting, employment) for weekly case management GRIEVANCE POLICY (Per requirement 65C ) An atmosphere of peace and security is valued at Redeeming Life Maternity Home. Every attempt should be made to resolve disagreements peacefully with the resident or staff involved. If this is not possible, the following process will be followed: 1) The resident will complete a formal grievance reporting form. 2) The completed form is given to the Resident Director. The RD will review and discuss possible solutions to the issue with the resident. 3) The RD will work with the parties to bring an acceptable solution between all parties. 4) If the resident is not satisfied with the outcome of the settlement she can escalate the issue to the Executive Director by: a. Informing the RD she is not in agreement with the resolution b. Provide a copy of the original grievance form to the Executive Director no more than 3 days after the original incident. c. The Executive Director will hold a meeting within 3 days of receipt of the complaint of all parties and mediate a resolution. d. The Executive Director has final authority on the appropriate resolution. 5) In the event the grievance is with the Executive Director the resident may submit their grievance form directly to a member of the Board of Directors. The Board will then review the issue, decide of a course of action and implement the decision. The Board had final authority on the appropriate resolution in this situation. RLOM RP Page 20

25 Non-Disclosure of Physical Address and House Phone Number For the safety of all residents and children participating in the RLOM program, the physical address of Redeeming Life Maternity Home and the house phone number can only be given to friends and relatives that have been approved of by the Resident Director. Violation of this policy will result in immediate dismal from the RLOM Program. RLOM RP Page 21

26 Bathrooms Housekeeping Guidelines Daily: Each resident is expected to wipe down tub and counter after use. All feminine hygiene products will be properly disposed of in provided sanitation bags and disposed of by the resident. Weekly: Toilets will be cleaned inside and outside. Lighting fixtures will be thoroughly cleaned. Tile floor will be swept and mopped. Polish/clean mirror. Monthly: Cabinets will be thoroughly wiped down. Door will be cleaned on both sides. Baseboards will be washed. Bedrooms Residents are responsible for maintaining their own bedrooms. Daily: Trash Bins are to emptied. Beds are to be made before 9am. Floors are to be free of clutter. Weekly: Floors are to be vacuumed. Room will be dusted. Bedding will be washed on assigned laundry day. Monthly: Door will be clean on both sides. Closet doors will be cleaned. Baseboard will be cleaned. Dining Room and Foyer Daily: Floor needs to be swept. Residents are responsible for wiping down and putting away booster seats or high chairs they use after the meal is complete. Weekly: Dining table will be dusted including the table legs and all chairs. Wall hangings and other furniture will be cleaned/dusted. Glass on French doors will be cleaned. Light fixtures are to be dusted/cleaned. RLOM RP Page 22

27 Monthly: Front door will be cleaned on the inside. Baseboards will be washed. Kitchen Daily: Floors are to be swept and mopped with the swifter. Trash must be emptied and taken to the garbage cans outside the garage. Dishes are done promptly after each meal. Counters, stove top, and inside of microwave are to be thoroughly wiped clean after each use. Refrigerator and freezer are to be kept tidy during the week by all residents. All food will be covered or put in a container with a lid. Weekly: Each resident is responsible to clean their own refrigerator, freezer, and pantry bins. Refrigerator and freezer will be wiped down inside and out. Floors will be mopped with a regular mop. Monthly: Cabinets will be thoroughly wiped down. Light fixtures are to be dusted/cleaned. Baseboards will be washed. Lanai and both Front Walkways Weekly: Table(s) are to be wiped clean. Floor and walkways will be swept. Plants are to be watered, if any. Monthly: French door(s) and entry doors are to be cleaned on the outside, including glass. Walls and ceiling are to be swept clean of cobwebs and other debris. Laundry Room and Hallway Daily: Each resident is responsible for picking up personal items at the end of each day. Lint will be cleaned out of the dryer after every use. Weekly: Washer and dryers will be cleaned inside and out. Utility sink will be washed. Trash must be emptied and taken to the garbage cans outside the garage. Shelve/table unit will be organized and dusted. Wall hangings will be dusted/cleaned. RLOM RP Page 23

28 Floors are to be vacuumed and mopped. Monthly: Laundry room and hallway closet doors will be cleaned on both sides. Baseboards will be washed. Living Room Daily: Each resident is responsible for picking up personal items at the end of each day. Weekly: Living room rug will be vacuumed Living room furniture and fixtures will be dusted. Living room pillows and cushions will be fluffed. Living room floors will be mopped. All electronics will be dusted with clean soft cloth. Monthly: Any leather furniture will be dusted. Sofas, loveseats and chairs will be vacuumed. Floor under the sofa and chair will be swept and mopped. Baseboards will be washed. RLOM RP Page 24