Collier House
Collier House is a transitional living program for young adults ages 18-21 years old, located in Keyport, NJ. The program provides a safe, attractive, and stable environment, with staff present 24 hours a day. Collier House helps prepare its young adults for a smooth transition into adulthood and is designed to assist in developing the life skills necessary to lead a self-sufficient and productive life and recognize the individual's strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences (SNAP).
Admissions:
Candidates are referred to Collier House through the New Jersey State Department of Children and Families, Monmouth County Division of Social Services, Care Management Organizations, Youth Case Management, and Basic Center Shelters. Candidates may also be identified by community providers, mental health professionals, residential programs, schools, and others.
A referral packet should contain:
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Social History
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Mental Health Evaluation (if applicable)
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Complete Health History
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Birth Certificate
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Social Security Card
An intake interview will be scheduled to allow the candidate to view the program and determine if placement in the program is appropriate. For more information regarding the referral and intake process, please contact Christina Troyer, Program Manager, at 732-264-3222 or ctroyer@collieryouthservices.org.
Welcome to Collier House!
- Young Adult's Rights
- Collier Commitment and Responsibilities to our Young Adults
- Non-Violent Practices
- Bullying and Victimizing Policy
- Grievances/Open Communication
- Young Adult's Commitment and Social Responsibilities
- Young Adult's Responsibilities
- Therapeutic Counseling Services and Individualized Planning
- Guests and Outings
Young Adult's Rights
All young adults are given a copy of all rights while in our care. Here is a glance at some of those rights:
- To be treated with respect and dignity that is culturally sensitive.
- To be free from discrimination solely by reason of gender, sexual orientation, race, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, or disability.
- To be free from abuse, exploitation, retaliation, humiliation, neglect, and violation of personal and physical boundaries.
- To expect that CYS will disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
- To request and receive timely information regarding your care and treatment plan.
- To expect all information regarding services will be kept confidential, to the extent allowed by law. Employees of Collier Youth Services are mandated by law to report all suspicion or evidence of child abuse and/or abuse.
Collier Commitment and Responsibilities to our Young Adults
- We commit to maintaining a safe, clean environment. Each team member treats Collier as if it was our home.
- All team members commit to identifying and achieving each young adult's goals through strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences (SNAP).
- All team members have a safety plan and are encouraged to use it as the young adults in the home do.
- Each young adult has the right to practice (or choose not to practice) and attend the religious activities of their choice.
Non-Violent Practices
Bullying and Victimizing Policy
Collier Youth Services believes that each young adult is entitled to live in an environment that is safe and free of harassment, intimidation, and bullying. We are committed to an environment that fosters nonviolence with open communication and acceptance of growth and change. We encourage forming relationships with people so that each person may experience a sense of belonging, dignity, and hope. Disruptive behavior can be detrimental to a safe environment and is therefore taken seriously.
Bullying or victimizing means any written (which includes cyberbullying), verbal or physical expression, or active or passive behavior intended to cause distress to one or more young adults.
These dysregulated behaviors can be carried out physically (e.g., hitting, kicking, pushing, choking), verbally (e.g., name-calling, threatening, taunting, teasing, spreading rumors, gossiping), or in other ways, such as making faces or obscene gestures, excluding or causing social isolation.
The Program Director and staff members will consider the nature and circumstances of the act committed, the level of harm, past or continuing patterns, and the context in which the alleged incident(s) occurred.
Grievances/Open Communication
If a young adult has a grievance or problem, they are able to speak with either the Youth Counselors or the Program Manager. Grievances are usually settled at this point. At times, the Collier House Staff may want to include the young adult's DCF, YCM, or CMO worker for assistance; the young adult may request to speak with him/her.
There is a staff member on duty at all times of the day, and young adults may speak freely with whoever is working. Speaking with staff regarding grievances/problems does not necessarily mean the young adult will receive their desired outcome. The Collier House Staff’s main concern is that the young adults have a fair opportunity for input and receive a fair settlement.
If a young adult's grievance involves the other young adult residing at Collier House, they may call a red flag meeting by informing the Youth Counselor on duty. The staff member will be present. The staff member may also call a Reset meeting to help solve grievances, if necessary.
Each young adult is expected to treat each person in the house with inherent respect. Therefore, talking about other members of the community is unacceptable. If a young adult must confront an issue, it is our expectation that they will speak to the person directly or to the counselor on duty. If they choose not to confront the situation, it is our understanding that they will withhold from making derogatory comments.
If a young adult has a grievance with a Youth Counselor, they are to speak to the Program Manager. If the Program Manager is not in or on vacation, they are to speak with the Director of Residential Programs. If, at this time, the young adult is not satisfied, then they should follow the fair appeal procedure noted above.
Young Adult's Commitment and Social Responsibilities
- All young adults must commit to not having any illegal/recreational drugs, alcohol or weapons in the home.
- No smoking on premises. This includes vapes, electronic cigarettes, etc.
- Drug and/or alcohol paraphernalia is strictly prohibited for the Collier House. It cannot be displayed. This includes clothing, writing, etc.
- Young adults are to uphold their commitment to confidentiality and not share information about others outside of the home.
- It is the expectation that each young adult upholds their commitment to nonviolence and demonstrates respectful behavior at all times.
- Young adults commit to safety by notifying team members when they are feeling unsafe or know another young adult may feel unsafe.
- Engaging in sexual activity within the home or with another young adult residing in the home is strictly prohibited.
- Appropriate clothing is required at all times throughout the house (must be wearing a bra and socks/slippers/shoes when not in your room). Undergarments must be covered. Pajamas are not to be worn out of the Collier House; to include pajamas of any kind.
- Cursing is not allowed, whether toward staff or other young adults.
- No using the stove or oven after 10 PM. You may prepare a cold snack or use the microwave to reheat food.
- Cell phones/electronics must be turned off during dinner.
- Video calls are not to be made downstairs unless you are in a private room and have received permission to do so.
- Regular phone calls can be made downstairs as long as you inform a counselor when you are on and off the phone.
- Food is not to be left unattended on the stove or in the oven.
- No deep-frying is allowed on the stovetop.
- No electronics while cooking to eliminate dangerous distractions.
- Eating is only allowed in the kitchen, dining room, and Sanctuary porch areas.
- All hot hair devices will be stored in a safe place. After each use, the curling iron, hair straighteners, or hair dryer must be unplugged and stored in a safe place away from all bedding, plastic containers, or anything else flammable. All hot objects should be placed in a glass container.
- The use of extension cords is prohibited.
- Music may not be played too loud as to not hear someone knocking on your bedroom door.
- Food/beverages are no permitted in bedrooms other than water.
- All young adults are provided with a Chromebook, as needed, while they reside at the Collier House. Chromebooks may be used anytime throughout the day or night.
Young Adult's Responsibilities
Daily Chore
Every young adult will have a daily chore to complete. The chores rotate on a weekly basis. Chores should be completed by 9:00 PM and kitchen chores by 11:00 PM. If you plan to return after 9:00 PM, your chore must be done before you leave that day. If this is not a possibility, it should be completed as soon as the young adult returns. The Treatment Counselor will check chores daily. If the chore is not completed correctly, you may be asked to redo the chore.
Bedrooms
All young adults are required to maintain an organized and clean room. All rooms are checked daily at noon, and all beds must be made and rooms cleaned before the young adult leaves the house.
Meals & Cook nights
Each week, a young adult will be assigned an evening to prepare and cook dinner for the house. Each meal must consist of a protein, a veggie, and a starch. Dinner must be cleaned up by the designated young adult immediately following the meal. Collier House Staff encourages all young adults to try to be present for the dinner hour. If a young adult is unable to attend dinner due to their school or work schedule, the staff on duty should be notified. Each young adult is responsible for clean-up on their cook night.
Dinner meetings take place on Friday nights, which include all young adults sitting with a staff member to plan their grocery list and their cook night for the upcoming week. Grocery shopping is completed every Saturday at 12:00 PM—all young adults must be in attendance unless they are scheduled to work or receive advance permission from the Program Manager.
Employment
Each young adult is required to work a minimum of 30 hours per week in order to remain in the Program. If the young adult is attending school full time, then they must secure a part-time job of at least 15 hours per week. A young adult may only borrow a laptop downstairs for school or work until they have secured employment and have received their first paycheck. Young adults who are not employed should be showered, dressed, room clean, bed made, and ready to start their day by 10:00 AM, Monday through Friday. From 10:00 AM -3:00 PM, unemployed young adults will search for jobs and participate in life skills and other activities the staff has planned for that day. Young adults who are fired or quit their job without having another job lined up will also have a curfew of 11:00 PM. Young adults who are scheduled to work but call out for the day, will not be permitted out in the community.
Education/Vocation
All young adults are encouraged to continue their education, seek higher education, and/or explore vocational programs. Collier House staff assist each young adult in exploring their individual educational goals and coordinating them. We are located less than 10 miles from our local Community College, Brookdale Community College.
Young adults are permitted to open all letters and packages unattended. If a staff member suspects that a package contains contraband, the young adult will be asked to open the package in front of two staff members.
Program Fee
Each young adult is expected to pay a program fee each month. This is 50% of their monthly earnings. This fee serves to prepare the young adults for budgeting and paying rent once in permanent housing of their own. The program fee will be held in a savings account and will be returned to the young adult when they leave the program. We hope that this will be used for a security deposit, first month’s rent, and/or other start-up costs, but the choice is the young adult's.
Social Learning Groups
A group was developed to introduce participants to the knowledge and skills to create and sustain non-violent lives. This group is held every Tuesday night at 7:30 PM and follows the Sanctuary themes of the month.
Laundry
Collier House has a washing machine and dryer available to the young adults. Each young adult has their own day to complete their laundry, in addition to “Open Days.” On these days, they are responsible for washing, drying, folding, and putting away their own laundry.
Cell Phone Policy
All young adults are permitted to have and hold their own cell phones. The Collier House is not responsible for payment of this item. If the staff feels that contraband is contained on their phones they reserve the right to go through their messages, texts, pictures, and videos. This procedure will follow the search and seizure guidelines. If a young adult is unable to use their cell phone appropriately and properly, the staff will hold their cell phone until they can demonstrate that they are ready for this privilege.
Under no circumstances can a young adult publish bullying messages on any social networking site, and if they do that, they can lose their cell phone and computer for 2 weeks. If a young adult is using their phone for sexting and or any other inappropriate measure, the Treatment Team will work with them so that they understand the ramifications on both their safety and their futures. They, both young adults and staff, will
develop a plan that will individually fit their needs and teach cell phone responsibility.
Each young adult has the right to use the staff phone to call any family member, caseworker, or friends. Collier House has two phone lines, so it is important that a phone line is available for other incoming calls and/or emergencies.
Valuables
The Collier House is not responsible for any valuables you lose and/or misplace. If you have things of value, you can purchase a lockbox for safekeeping (staff must be provided an extra key).
Therapeutic Counseling Services and Individualized Planning
Collier House recognizes each individual's Strengths, Preferences, Abilities, and Needs (SNAP).
Crisis Intervention Plan
This plan is created within a week of admission with the young adult and the social worker and includes your definition of a crisis, current coping skills, warning signs, actions to be taken to respond to identified triggers and risks, and preferred interventions necessary for personal and public safety.
Safety Plan
During the first week of admission to the program, the young adult will develop their own personal safety plan that identifies personal coping skills to be utilized during times of heightened emotions or feelings of being unsafe. A Safety Plan is a list of activities that a person can choose when feeling overwhelmed so that they can avoid engaging in unsafe behavior. Safety plans are a visual and concrete reminder for both staff and young adults about the need to manage one's emotions in order to keep themselves and others safe.
Therapeutic Counseling Services
Each young adult is required to meet with the Collier House Social Worker a minimum of once per week for clinical individual counseling.
Individualized Service Plan
Each young adult will have an Individual service plan meeting within 30 days of admittance. After the initial 30-day meeting, the young adult's progress will be reviewed every 3 months at their Individual Service Plan Meeting. Parents/Guardians, caseworkers, social workers, and any party involved in the young adult's treatment are invited to attend. The purpose of this meeting is to develop collaborative, person-centered goals supporting the young adult's commitment to achieving their goals identified in treatment, educational/vocational and employment goals, physical, emotional, spiritual, and medical needs, recreational preferences, and review of your crisis plan. The treatment plan addresses all identified risk factors, behaviors, or concerns that are addressed in your crisis plan. The Individualized service plan addresses the individual's strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences (SNAP).
Transition & Discharge Planning
Transition goals are developed at the initial 30-day Individual Service Plan Meeting and are reflective of the young adult's treatment goals. These are reviewed every 90 days during each meeting. The treatment team works with each young adult individually to assist them in identifying secure and stable permanent housing that fits their goals and needs. Each young adult must give Collier House a minimum 1-month notice of discharge. This allows the young adult to formalize a realistic independent living plan. All young adults will be asked to have their rooms cleaned and emptied by the planned designated time.
Community-Based Services
Additional services are available to meet the individual needs of the young adult if they require additional support per clinical assessments. Some of the services include:
- Assisting with identifying a primary care doctor/specialized doctor
- Assisting with identifying a psychiatrist within the community for medication management.
- CPC for substance abuse-related concerns
- 180 Turning Lives Around for victims of domestic violence
Life Skill Participation
Upon entrance into the Program, each young adult will be required to complete a life skills assessment and the Casey Life Skill Assessment. Within 45 days of entrance, each young adult will complete the Youth Success Transition Plan (TPYS) to help build structured goals and plans for discharge. This information will be used to help prepare her for the life of an independent adult. Some areas of the life skills program that recognizes the individual's strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences (SNAP) include:
- Money Management
- Food Preparation
- Personal Hygiene
- Medical/Health Care
- Interpersonal Skills
- Relationships/Communication
- Parenting
- Search for Permanent Housing
- Permanent Employment
- Educational Planning
- Use of Community Resources
- Legal Skills
- Consumer Skills
- Future/Goal Planning
After completion of both the Life Skills Assessment, TPYS, and the Casey Life Skill Assessment, the young adult will meet with the Program Manager or Counselors to construct individualized personal goals. The young adults are expected to work actively on these goals. Each young adult is to attend a weekly life skills session in which the above topics will be discussed. The staff is available at any time to assist the young adults.
Guests and Outings
Guests
Collier House must be notified 24 hours in advance if a young adult is expecting a guest. Only one guest per young adult is allowed each day. Young adults are not allowed to have boyfriends or partners in their bedrooms or anywhere on the second floor. Guests are only allowed in the designated areas, i.e., living rooms, dining room, Sanctuary porch, and back patio. Guests may visit from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM on weekdays. 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM on weekends. Every young adult is responsible for the actions of their guests, guests may not interfere and must show respect to the other young adults. It is up to the staff to determine if the guest will be allowed to return.
*Collier House requires the following to be kept on file for each guest that comes to the house and/or each guest that the young adult goes out with in the community: Driver’s License/ID, Vehicle Registration, Proof of Vehicle Insurance, Phone Number.
Curfew
Young adult's daily curfew is 12:00 AM.
If a young adult is enrolled in high school, their curfew is 11:00 PM.
If a young adult needs an extension on their curfew, they must request approval at least 24 hours in advance from either the Program Manager or the Director.
Outside of attending work/school, young adults cannot leave the house before 9:00 AM on weekdays and 10:00 AM on weekends. If there is a special occasion where a young adult would have to leave early, please have it approved 24 hours in advance.
Checking-In
It is the young adult's responsibility to inform the Staff of their whereabouts. They must inform staff when going between one destination and another and check in with staff every 4 hours. The young adults must provide staff with personal information of friends/family at each location.
Outings
No young adults are to accompany another young adult to their family’s home or on an outing with friends unless both the Director of Residential Programs and the Program Manager approve this in advance.
Overnight Visits
Young adults may schedule overnight visits outside of the house with immediate family members only at any time. All overnight visits must be requested at least 24 hours prior and pre-approved by the Program Manager.
Transportation to and from overnight visits must be coordinated by the young adult and is not the responsibility of the treatment team. The young adult must call to check in before going to bed each night and when they wake up each morning while on overnight visits.
Vehicles
Collier House has one van that treatment team members use to transport young adults to appointments, school, outings, and events as necessary. Music on external speakers is not permitted. The use of earbuds is permitted. No eating, drinking, or smoking in the Collier House Van. Seatbelts must be worn, and young adults must remain seated at all times. The van has a safety camera with an internal view of the vehicle to maintain safety for all passengers. Collier House staff will not use their personal vehicle to drive the young adults anywhere.
The Collier House encourages each young adult to obtain their licenses and a vehicle. After obtaining a license, they must follow the provisional license rules, such as:
- Can only operate a vehicle between the hours of 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- The driver and all passengers must wear a seat belt
- The driver can not operate a vehicle and cell phone at the same time
- The driver can only have one other person in their vehicle that is not registered to the same address.
The owner of the vehicle is the only person who can operate the vehicle.
At the time of the young adult's curfew, they hand in the keys to the staff member on duty.
Collier House needs a copy of their current insurance card, registration, and license in order for the vehicle to be operated. If we do not have the current paperwork, the staff members will revoke the privilege of driving until all the paperwork is current.
If the young adult is found to have broken provisional license rules and/or was in an accident, they will not be permitted to drive other young adults in the house to protect each person’s safety.
If a staff member believes that the vehicle contains contraband, they will follow the written policy of search and seizure.