Plains Trail Group Home

I. GENERAL

 

Your stay: The length of your stay will be based on the Referring Agency’s timeline for each individual (30 to 90+ days). 

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Expectations for Recovery Support: Residents are expected to attend a recovery support meeting according to their Referring Agency’s program requirements. Residents are expected to archive their meeting attendance by having proof of their attendance inside their own personal folders.  Personal folders should be available for review by House Manager or Landlord at any time.  Failure to attend meetings as described may result in discharge.

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Resident activities: Residents are expected to remain at Plains Trail Group Home unless they are at work, attending a medical or counseling appointment, participating in a recovery meeting or other recovery-related activity, or away from the house for another valid and verifiable reason. Examples include job searching, visiting the library, volunteering, spending time with a sponsor, being with a friend who supports recovery, visiting a family member, exercising outdoors or at a gym, or running errands. Please note that any questionable activities may be reviewed by the House Manager.

 

Employment/Activities: Residents are expected to be employed or actively engaged in job searching, education, or other productive activities.  It is also expected that most Residents are engaged in these activities from the hours of 10-4.

Financial Responsibilities: Residents are responsible for securing their own food, clothing, toiletries, child supplies, medication, and all other personal use items.

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Not a nut-free environment: Resident are informed that PTGH is not a nut-free environment.  Residents are free to prepare and have all types of food.  Residents are responsible for avoiding nuts or any other items they, or their children, are allergic to and to taking individual precautions as necessary.

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Accidents or injuries: It is expected that each Resident will conduct herself with care and avoid hazards and activities that could be considered harmful to her or her child(ren). Personal responsibility shall be expected from all Residents. Plains Trail Group Home is not liable for accidents or injuries of any kind and shall not be held liable for any incident or accident or any occurrence that happens at Plains Trail Group Home.

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Child supervision: Adult Residents must always supervise her child(ren).  PTGH is not responsible for injuries or accidents of any kind involving children or adults at the property.

 

Discharge: We are committed to supporting Residents who are working to stay on track in their recovery and improve their family situation. However, there may be times when the PTGH House Manager or Landlord requires a Resident to leave the home and make other living arrangements. Reasons for discharge may include, but are not limited to, failure to follow these policies, failure to take part in household responsibilities, behavior problems, failure to work well with other Residents, attitudes or actions that negatively affect others, or any other situation that PTGH House Manager and/or Landlord determine is grounds for discharge. Any discharge decision made by the PTGH House Manager and/or Landlord is final and cannot be negotiated.

 

II. SUSBTANCE USE

1. Zero Tolerance: Absolutely no alcohol, drug, or any mind-altering substance use shall be allowed by any Resident, staff or visitor of the house on or off the premises.  Any Resident or visitor can and shall notify PTGH House Manager and their own Case Workers and Recovery Team if there is illegal drug use in the house.  Law Enforcement will be called if there is use of illegal drugs at PTGH.

2. Discharge: Any Resident in possession of alcohol, or drugs, or any mind-altering substances is prohibited and will be immediately discharged from the house.  No Exceptions.

3. Random Drug/Alcohol Testing: Plains Trail Group Home Administrators have the right to request residents to provide drug test results.  If a resident refuses to arrange and submit results for alcohol and/or drug testing, the resident will be immediately discharged from the house.

4. Reporting residents: Any substance use by another Resident should be reported immediately to PTGH Administrator and the reporting Resident’s own case worker and Recovery Team.

 

III. SMOKING

1. No smoking: Absolutely no smoking or vaping is allowed inside the house at any time.

2. Carport: Smoking or vaping is only allowed on the side patio car-port area and only towards the front nearest to the parking area.  It is very important that no smoke enter the house because the smoke sensors will be set off and the Fire Department will show up. 

3. Back yard: No smoking on the back porch or backyard.

4. Required Disposal: Always dispose of used cigarettes in designated trash can located at carport.  Improper disposal of cigarettes may be cause for discharge.

5. Other Residents and Children: Please refrain from smoking near the child of another Resident.  Further, if another Resident does not wish to be exposed to secondhand smoking, they have the right to inform you about that.  You must then stop and resume smoking once the other individuals have left the carport.  Common sense and respect must be practiced by both parties with regards to smoking and sharing the common outdoor space that can be used by all Residents.

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IV. MEDICATION MANAGEMENT

1. Medication Management: Residents are responsible for managing their own medications.  Absolutely no discussions about medications shall be allowed between Residents. 

2. Storage: No medication shall be stored in the shared refrigerator or in the reach of any other Resident.  Each Resident shall store their medications inside the provided lockbox inside their private bedrooms. Upon discharge, lockbox key must be returned to House Manager, or the resident will incur a $50.00 fine. 

3. Medication Prescribed and No Sharing: Residents must inform House Manager of all medications. At intake medications shall be documented. All medication shall be taken as prescribed.  Medication may not be shared with other residents.  (This includes over-the-counter medication.)  Actions like these may be cause for discharge.

4. First Aid Kits: There are two first aid kits stored inside pantry.  Supplies therein shall be used by adults Residents and shall be used as needed.  Care shall be taken to not waste supplies.

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V.  HOUSE OPERATIONS

1. Group Chat: Residents shall be encouraged to participate in the group chat for PTGH Residents. 

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2. Sleeping in bedrooms only: No sleeping in the common areas or on the couch.

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3. Candles:  No burning of candles, incense or other incendiary materials – no exceptions. 

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4. Cleaning and Chores: All Residents, without exception, are expected to keep the house clean, neat and safe. Residents must participate in regular chores to maintain cleanliness and order. This is done through a Weekly Chore Chart agreed upon by all Residents.  The Weekly Chore Chart is based on the General Chore List that does not change.

 

Sharing the Chores Equally: It is advised that Residents rotate the different chores so that all may have the same level of participation.  All items from the General Chore List must be included in weekly assignments.

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Residents are expected to complete their assigned chore daily and weekly. The inability to complete a chore must be discussed with other residents in advance, if possible, so that proper arrangements can be made. Repeated inability to participate in chores may be grounds for dismissal.

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5. Clean up: Please pick up toys and clean up any messes left by children.  All common areas must be left as found, and all common areas shall be found to be clean and clear.

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6. Bedrooms: Residents are expected to always keep their bedrooms neat and clean.  House Manager will inspect rooms weekly, or as needed, for cleanliness. Any identified issues related to health and safety will be addressed immediately with a corrective action plan. 

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7. Trash: All trash must be deposited in the trash can inside bathroom or in kitchen.  Absolutely no trash shall be stored inside private bedrooms. 

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8. Storage: Your personal items must fit comfortably in the closet, dresser, and under bed storage container or it will not be allowed. 

There is no additional storage available to Residents.  Absolutely no personal items shall be stored in common areas.  Storage of excessive belonging is not possible.  All personal items must fit inside private bedrooms, without overburdening the bedroom space.  If the House Manager believes the private bedroom is overburdened, then she may request that the items be removed.  Non-Compliance may be ground for dismissal. 

 

9. Common areas: Shared spaces/common areas are treated with courtesy, respect, cleanliness, and sharing. Please do not leave personal items in these areas after you have finished using them. Please always keep them neat and clean.

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10. Kitchen: Each Resident may use the kitchen anytime, except during quite hours.  Pots and pans, dishes and surfaces must all be cleaned and stored after each use of the kitchen.  No dirty dishes in the sink shall ever be allowed.

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11. Food:  Eating in bedrooms is discouraged due to pests. You are encouraged to eat at kitchen counters, table, or outside at table.Eating on couches is not allowed.

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12. FIRE Prevention: Care shall be taken to keep the stove clear of combustible materials.  Care shall be taken to turn off stove when not in use.  The smoke and fire alarms shall be activated if smoke triggers the alarm.  EMS will show up.  Care must be taken to not create smoke in the kitchen.  All Residents must know the location of the Extinguishers and how to operate them. All Kitchen incidents must be reported to the House Manager

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13. Food in Refrigerator and Pantry: Do not consume food that does not belong to you. Use provided boxes for each Resident to store personal food.  Residents must discard rotting or old food to prevent contamination or odors.  Only discard your own food and notify other Residents if you notice rotting or old food that must be discarded.

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14. Bathroom: No storage is available in the shared bathroom.  Each Resident is provided with a caddie upon intake that shall be used to transport person hygiene products to and from the bathroom.  No caddies shall be left inside the bathroom. Towels should be left in the bathroom but instead hung to dry inside private bedrooms.  No clothing shall be left inside bathroom. 

 

Bathroom Excess Use Time: Please be mindful that there are others who need to access the bathroom.  Please limit your time inside to no more than 20 minutes during any use of this room.

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Toilet Clogging: Please flush only toilet paper. Do not flush sanitary pads, tampons, paper towels, or any other items, as they can damage the plumbing and make the toilet unusable for everyone.

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15. Washing machines: Residents shall coordinate laundry schedules among themselves.  Last use of the washing machine is 8:00 pm so laundry is completed by 10:00 pm.   All dirty laundry shall be kept inside private bedrooms and not left in laundry room or any other common area.  Dirty laundry shall be kept inside laundry baskets or bags, and clean laundry shall be removed from laundry room shortly after it is done with the cycles.  No laundry shall be left inside machines for more than 15 minutes after cycles are completed. 

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16. House Maintenance: Furniture re-arranging, making nail holes, or taping things on the walls is not allowed.  You may place personal items such as pictures on the dresser and nightstand. You may use the cork boards provided in each bedroom for pictures and other. No obscene or offensive posters or pictures allowed.

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17. Use of appliances/Equipment: Use of appliances must be by adults and Residents must use appliances in a safe manner and not cause any damage.

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Phone and Internet Wifi: Residents shall not disconnect or affect the operation of telephone or internet equipment in any way.  Children shall not operate any equipment or appliance.

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Notice to PTGH about repairs: Residents shall not attempt to repair items that need attention.  If repairs are necessary for any appliance or building item, you must contact PTGH Manager.

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18. Phone Calls: Residents may make outbound phone calls on the house phone until 9PM daily. No one can monopolize the phone.  For inbound calls, note that phone equipment cannot take messages.  If Residents are waiting for a call, they are advised to be inside the home during this time.  Phone shall be used until Residents are able to secure their personal mobile phone.

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19. Heating and AC: Temperature in hot months: Between 74 and 76 degrees.  Temperature in cold months: Between 70 and 72 degrees.  If Residents are observed setting HVAC outside of these ranges should be reported to House Manager and non-compliance may result in discharge.

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20. Quiet Hours: Hours between 10pm to 7am are designated times for quiet and respect for other residents' sleep.

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21. Safety Drills: A fire drill shall be conducted once pre month and documented.  All Residents and visitors shall exit the house and congregate at the designated waiting area. It is advisable to also conduct shelter in place drills which include inclement weather and intruder drills.

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22. Fire Emergency pull stations: There are two pull stations that are to be used only in an emergency including fire.  If the pull stations are activated by a Resident or Resident’s child, and there is no emergency, a $100 fine shall be incurred by the Resident. The Fire Department will show up automatically and there is no way to cancel it once the station has been pulled and activated.

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23. Book and Toy Library / Crafting: Books and Toys are to be shared by Residents.  Items must be returned after use.  Books and toys may be used inside private bedrooms, but no items may be stored in private bedrooms long term.   If an item is of high interest to many Residents, please inform Administration.

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24. Damaged Items: Any damaged, ripped, destroyed items shall incur a fee proportional to the value of the item.  It is expected that Residents and Resident children care for all books and toys and not cause damage to items.  Items must be returned for use by others. Continued disregard for this policy shall be ground for discharge.

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Crafting and writing supplies: Supplies are to be shared by all Residents and shall not be abused or wasted.  Common areas used during crafting shall be left as it was found, clean and clear.

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VI. COMMUNITY, CURFEWS, AND VISITORS

1. Weekly Schedule: Residents are expected to communicate their weekly plans and updates during the house meeting.  House meeting time and date shall be decided by the House Manager after considering all the Residents’ weekly schedules.  This is also a good time to conduct Fire Drills.

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2. Community Meetings: Attendance at house meetings is mandatory. The home usually has a weekly meeting with a house manager to give residents an opportunity to express any concerns with the home or each other. This is also a great opportunity to get everyone on the same page.  Any absence from house meetings must be discussed in advance with House Manager. Continued absences may result in discharge. 

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3. Curfew and leaving overnight: Curfew is at 10PM Sunday through Thursday.  Curfew is at 12AM Fridays and Saturdays.  Leaving overnight is only allowed if approved by residents’ case workers.  At least 72 hours’ notice to the other residents is required for an overnight request.     

4. Being Picked Up: If a resident must be picked up by a non-resident, the non-resident must wait outside in their vehicle.  Other Residents must be notified about the pickup.

 

Absolutely no one, other than Residents, and approved visitors including Case Workers or Residents’ Recovery Team, female adult family members (provide notice), may be inside the home, patio or backyard. 

 

Everyone at PTGH, including visitors, must be clean, sober, and courteous. No non-residents area allowed on the property, including patio or backyard, after 9pm.

 

5. Non-Residents Visitations: PTGH is a safe place for women and their children.  No male visitors will be allowed at the home at any time. 

 

No long-term visitors or guests shall be allowed at PTGH. 

 

Absolutely no non-residents may stay overnight. 

 

If non-resident children come for a visit, related Residents must be with them and always supervising them. Visiting of non-resident children in the house shall be communicated to all other Residents. 

 

Not a meeting place: PTGH shall not be a meeting place for non-residents, no exceptions. 

 

6. Parking: If a Resident has a private vehicle, she may park on the driveway.  Two car limits on driveway.  Vehicles must not be parked too close to the backyard gate or the trash cans.  Vehicles must be operational and may not be stored on the driveway.  If vehicles are non-operational, they must be removed from the premises quickly.  If more than two residents have vehicles, remaining vehicles may be parked on street.

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VII. BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

1. Respectful Conduct: Residents are expected to treat each other and staff with respect and courtesy.

 

2. Conflict Resolution: If any conflicts arise between Residents, it is expected that they respectfully communicate and try to resolve the issue as responsible adults with children.  If resolution is not achieved, and the conflict may begin to affect other Residents, then the House Manager may be contacted by either party.  The Residents shall also reach out to their Case Workers for assistance and guidance.  

House Managers reserve the right to discharge Residents that are deemed to disrupt the peace, security and harmony of the house.  Discharge decisions by House Manager are non-negotiable.  Residents are advised to conduct themselves in a calm and respectful manner and treat others as they wish to be treated. 

 

3. Privacy: Going into a private bedroom that is not assigned to a Resident is absolutely prohibited.  If a Resident goes into a bedroom that has not been assigned to her, this is cause for Discharge.  Residents are expected to meet and socialize in common areas only and not in private bedrooms.

 

4. Loud Volumes inside House: TV may be used at any time by any Resident but may not be used during quiet hours.  Residents must be respectful of all other Residents and lower the volume if at any time the volume is assessed to be too loud by other Residents.  Residents must be mindful and change programming if it is assessed by other Residents that the show is not appropriate for children if they are in the living room at the same time. 

 

Volume inside house and bedrooms: Residents must be respectful if it is assessed by other Residents that volumes are too loud to include voices, TV, radio, Computers, etc,

 

5. Personal Property: Each Resident is fully responsible for her personal property and belongings. PTGH is not liable for the loss, damage, or theft of any Resident’s personal items.

 

6. Stealing: Any Resident who is caught stealing anything will be immediately discharged from the house.

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7. Violence: Physical violence and/or threatening physical violence toward another resident and/or staff person will result in immediate discharge from the house.  All Residents are allowed to call 911 for police intervention if she feels that she or her child is in danger of harm.

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8. Borrowing money: Residents are not allowed to borrow money from other residents and/or staff. Borrowing or lending money is often an issue that can cause arguments or other problems between residents. It can also create situations of mistrust. Therefore, it is not permitted while living at PTGH.  No exceptions.

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9. Sexual Activities: Sexual activities between Residents or between Residents and their guests are not permitted at PTGH.  Non-compliance shall be reason for immediate discharge.

 

10. Social Media: Absolutely no information about the house, residents, any plans for the day with Residents or pictures should be shared on any social media network.  No Exceptions.   

 

11. Neighbors: Residents are expected to be good neighbors, not just “non-disturbing” neighbors. A good neighbor is respectful of the facility and personal property, is mindful of noise and loud activity, and is kind and considerate when talking to other residents and neighbors. 

 

 

I _______________________________________________(Print Name) acknowledge that I have received a copy of the Plains Trail Group Home Policies.  I agree to abide by the rules herein and understand that if I fail to comply with the policies, I may be discharged from PTGH and reported to Integral Care and to my case worker(s).

 

_____________________________________________ Date___________________________

Signature

 

 

Resident Orientation Review Items at Intake

Fire Alarm

Fire Sprinklers

Fire Extinguishers

Heating and AC

Television

Art Supplies and Crafting

Child Library of books and Toys

First Aid posters

Telephone and Contact numbers

Internet Password

Entry Code at Side Door

Cameras

Smoking

Stove

Washer/Dryer

Chores list

Bathroom policies

Kitchen policies

Food storage and stealing

Curfews

Visitors

Common areas

Respect for other Residents

Privacy

Lock Boxes

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Intake Welcome Basket

Toothbrush/Paste

Loofa

Lotion

Comb

Deodorant

Select snacks

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Provided by PTGH

Toilet Paper

Paper Towels

Trash bags

Laundry detergent

Shampoo

Body Wash

Coffee

Creamer

Sugar

Kitchen utensils, pots, pans, dishes, cups, glasses, storage boxes for fridge

Two sets of bed sheets

1 comforter

2 towels

Furnished common areas and bedrooms, including all appliances and TV

Children books, toys, manipulation, crafting, art supplies

Lawn maintenance (bi-monthly to monthly as needed)

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PTGH Chores List

Personal Cleaning
All common areas as to be kept clear, safe and clean – Leave it as you found it for the next user

Wash or clean all dishes, pots/pans, and wipe surfaces used during food preparation

Bathroom is left clear after use and water on floor is dried.  Disinfect areas if bodily fluids are present.

Personal bedroom is kept clean and tidy, including floors and walls

Bed sheets and comforter washed regularly

Clothing washed regularly

No trash shall be stored inside bedrooms to avoid pests.  Eating inside bedrooms is discouraged.

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Daily – Common Areas

A - Surfaces disinfecting – Counters, tables, sinks, door handles, bathroom sink, TV remotes

B - Sweep common areas

C - Mop common areas

D - Brush toilet bowl and clean toilet surfaces and sink surface and mirror

D - Take Trash out if full (can leave for extra day if not full or if fowl odors are not emanating) – Take out if foul odors are present. Replace bags.

D - Sweep/blower car port, back patio tidy and no trash, front entry clear of trash

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Weekly – Common Areas

E - Dusting with swiffer – common area furniture, windowsills, base boards, ceiling fan

E - Clean walls, doors, cabinet doors, etc. that have handprints, or need general cleaning

F - Brush shower stall

F - Wash shower curtain and shower bathmat and replace. Refill shampoo and body wash soaps

F - Wipe bathroom walls near toilet

G - Disinfect toys, wash plush as needed, and organize child library

G - Windex windows, TV

H - Clean fridge inside and out (Do not discard food that does not belong to you, but you should make a note about old food for owner to discard).

H - Clean microwave oven and wipe coffee maker.  Check the stove oven and clean if needed. Wash towels and potholders weekly.