SERVICE

One or more organization-operated programs or activities that have a common general objective and deploy the organization's material and human resources in a planned and systematic manner. An organization that publicly promotes or identifies itself in writing as offering a service, is licensed to deliver a service, assigns personnel and/or space to a service, or allocates financial resources to a service is considered to offer that service.		  
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  SCREEN

A preliminary test administered to a client to determine whether he/she meets eligibility criteria for the services offered by an organization. 		 
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  CRITERIA

Systematically developed, objective, and quantifiable statements used to assess the appropriateness of specific decisions, services, and outcomes.		  
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  APPROPRIATENESS

The degree to which a particular service, placement, treatment, intervention, or activity is: best suited to an individual's needs; not excessive, unduly intrusive, or restrictive; anticipated to be effective in achieving the desired and specified outcomes; and adequate or sufficient in quantity to address the problem.		  
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  PRACTICE

Established actions or ways of proceeding in the regular performance of organizational duties. Policies and procedures often guide practice.		  
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  PROGRAM

A system of services offered by an organization. For example, an organization providing a mental health service may offer several mental health programs to different populations, e.g., a mental health program for adolescent teens. The word "program" can be used interchangeably with the word "service" or to describe specific programs.		  
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  INTAKE

The client's entry point for services at which eligibility is assessed against established criteria and a preliminary evaluation of the presenting problem occurs.		  
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  ASSESSMENT

An evaluation, which utilizes professional expertise and skills in the collection and analysis of data to understand and describe the nature of service needs of an individual, family, or group. Assessment, as in needs assessment, is also used to determine priorities of program planning and service development for the organization as a whole. See also DIAGNOSIS.		  
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  PROCEDURES

Written instructions that outline the steps for performing a task(s) or operationalizing an administrative or service delivery process. A procedure can be written as a step-by-step set of instructions or as a narrative description of a process. A procedure tells someone how to do something not just what to do.

Unlike policies, procedures do not need to be approved or reviewed by the governing body, and need not be associated with a specific policy. For example, whereas a broad anti-discrimination policy requires grievance or other procedures in order to be operationalized within an organization, assessment procedures do not require a governing body approved assessment policy.

Note: Procedures are sometimes referred to as administrative policies.

  
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  CONNECTED

The means by which individuals access services that may or may not be provided by the organization itself. These terms are used interchangeably when individuals are connected to services either directly or by referral. See also LINKED.		  
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  CLIENT

See service recipient.		  
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  CONTRACT

A formal written agreement between two or more parties that specifies the services, space, or products to be provided in exchange for some form of compensation. Also known as "purchase of service arrangement."		  
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  REFERRALS

Resource suggestions provided to consumers to address problems or needs that are beyond the scope of the organization's mission.		  
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  SUPERVISION

Assumption of responsibility for directly overseeing and evaluating the work or work products of personnel within an organization. Also includes inspecting the act or process of accomplishing a function or activity.		  
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  PERSONNEL

The body of employees and/or volunteers that carries out the organization's tasks under the organization's administration and/or supervision. This definition does not include foster parents who are specifically referenced in relevant standards		  
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  PARENTS

Parents can include: birth, foster, kinship, and adoptive parents. Please see service standards for more specific information about use of this term. 		 
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  LEGAL GUARDIAN

A person who has legal responsibility for the care and management of a person incapable of administering his/her own affairs. In the case of a minor child, the guardian is charged with the legal responsibility for the care and management of the child and of the minor child's estate.		  
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Wilderness and Adventure-Based Therapeutic Outdoor Services
  
Private Org Public Agency  

PA-WT 1: Screening and Intake

 
The agency screens applicants promptly and responsively to identify level of need efficiently and direct individuals to appropriate services.

PA-WT 1.01

 

Youth and families are screened and informed about:

  1. how well the individuals request matches the agency’s services; and
  2. what services will be available, and when.
NA Another agency is responsible for screening.

PA-WT 1.02

 

Criteria used to determine if the service and specific activities are appropriate for the individual include:

  1. physical, social, developmental, and mental health status;
  2. interpersonal relationships and social skills;
  3. prior treatment history and experience with outdoor programming;
  4. the appropriateness of adventure-based therapeutic outdoor services to address the individual’s needs; and
  5. other significant factors.

PA-WT 1.03

 

Prompt, responsive screening practices:

  1. ensure equitable treatment;
  2. give priority to urgent needs and emergency situations;
  3. support timely initiation of services; and
  4. provide for placement on a waiting list, if desired.
NA Another agency is responsible for screening.

PA-WT 1.04

 

Each applicant is engaged in the admission process and:

  1. is helped to understand the reasons for admission;
  2. receives a pre-admission visit to the program, when feasible; and
  3. is adequately prepared to begin the program.

PA-WT 1.05

 
The agency adheres to intake criteria and assessment requirements for expedited admissions and follows established procedures for integrating participants into existing groups.

PA-WT 1.06

 
Applicants who cannot be served, or cannot be served promptly, are referred or connected to appropriate resources.
NA The agency: (1) accepts all clients, or (2) only receives clients by referral, and is required by contract to accept all referrals.

PA-WT 1.07

 
Critical care decision making is carried out by, or under the direct supervision of, experienced or licensed personnel.

PA-WT 1.08

 

Prior to providing consent, parents or legal guardians, referral or placing representatives, and youth, whenever possible, receive information about:

  1. the type of adventure activities the participant will undertake;
  2. educational options; and
  3. any actual or perceived risks.

PA-WT 1.09

 
Informed, written consent is obtained from the parent or legal guardian and, whenever possible, the youth before admission to the program.
Interpretation: The legal guardian can include the court.

PA-WT 1.10

 

The agency describes:

  1. personal items a participant may bring with them, consistent with a safe, therapeutic setting;
  2. items that are discouraged or prohibited; and
  3. any safety procedures the program follows, or consequences that can result, when prohibited items are brought to the program site.
Interpretation: Permitted personal items will vary as appropriate to the program’s design but can include photos, books, or clothing.
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PURPOSE: Youth who participate in Wilderness and Adventure-based Therapeutic Outdoor Services expand individual capabilities, develop self-confidence and insight, ameliorate symptoms, and improve interpersonal skills and relationships.
 
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