General Program Questions

1. How long has the program been in operation?
2. How long has the program been licensed? By whom? (What govt agency)
3. Is the program affiliated with any professional organizations? which ones?
4. How many children is the program licensed for?
5. How many children are currently enrolled?
6. Describe your admission criteria.
7. How will I know my child is appropriate for this program?
8. What type of supplies and clothing does a child need upon admission?
9. How often is the family contacted by the program with progress reports?
10. Are there currently any lawsuits against the program? Any in the last five years? If so, what for?
11. Has the program or any staff member ever been charged with physical or sexual misconduct against a child in the program? any program?
12. (If applicable) How often will the family be allowed to visit, phone, write while my child is in the program?
13. Does a child ever receive consequences? A group? If so, what do they consist of?
14. (If applicable) Are physical searches conducted? if so, how and by whom?

Staffing Questions

1. Who is the Administrator/Director?
2. What credentials are required of staff? Both direct care and administrators.
3. What training does the program direct care staff receive?
4. How many direct care staff (Counselors) work with each group? (Staff to child ratio)
5. Can I meet the staff who work directly with the children?
6. Does the program have a high staff turnover?
7. How are the children transported and by whom while in the program?

Medical Care Questions

1. (If applicable) Is there a doctor or nurse on staff?
2. If my child is sick who will care for them?
3. (If applicable) Who administers medications?
4. Can my child request to see a medical professional?
5. Does my child need a physical prior to entering the program or will the program conduct one at admission?
6. (If applicable) How does the program handle routine doctor/dental appointments?

Education-related Questions

1. (If applicable) How is the educational program structured?
2. (I. A.) Is the school licensed? If so, by what agency?
3. (I.A.) How many teachers are there and what are their credentials?
4. (I. A.) Will my child receive transferable credits?

Food and Hygiene Questions

1. Is the food services supervised or reviewed by a qualified Dietitian?
2. (I.A.) What was the last rating by the Health Department for the kitchen?
3. Is the withholding of food ever used as a consequence?
4. Wo supervises the day to day cooking, etc., in the kitchen?
5. How often do the children take showers?
6. Who provides the children with soap, shampoo, etc., as needed?
7. Are hygiene needs ever denied as a consequence?
8. (I.A.) How often do the children have access to the laundry facilities?

Safety-related Questions

1. Describe your safety plan and program.
2. What are the program’s precautions for severe weather such as extreme cold, wet conditions, including floods, and tornado’s?
3. Where are the nearest medical facilities and what is the response time for an emergency?
4. Does the program carry Liability Insurance? Sufficient?
5. (I.A.) Are safety plans posted in the campsites?
6. Are the sleeping areas protected from the elements of weather?
7. Are the counselors (direct care staff) First Aid and CPR trained?
8. Are the staff trained/certified in Adventure Activities? (canoeing, rock climbing, etc.)
9. In the last five years have there been any serious injuries or deaths?

Counseling Questions

1. What type(s) of counseling are the children involved in and how often?
2. (I.A.) What type of testing and/or assessments are done when a child is enrolled in the program?
3. How is the family involved with the program?
4. Who determines the treatment goals for each child?

Adventure Activity Questions

1. Does the program have a ropes course? High or low level?
2. (I.A.) Is the ropes course instructor trained? If so, by whom?
3. How often are adventure activities planned for each group?
4. What type of safety precautions are taken during adventure activities?
5. (I.A.) Do the groups ever go on trips away from the program?
6. What type of adventure trips do they engage in? (canoeing, hiking, back packing, etc.)
7. What other types of activities are available to the children enrolled in the program?

References

1. Ask for the names and phone numbers of three parents who have had their child in the program.
2. Ask for the name and phone numbers of the licensing agency for the program.
3. Ask for the name and phone numbers of two professionals who currently refer to the program.

When Touring the Camp

1. Obtain a copy or physically review the program’s License(s).
2. Ask to see the Program’s liability insurance certificate (policy).
3. Ask the children you meet if they like the program and if they think it is helping them.
4. Were you able to talk and interact with the children and staff you met?
5. How were the staff and children interacting?
6. Are the children dressed appropriately for the season?
7. (I.A.) Were the grounds clean?
8. (I. A.) Were facilities clean?

When Touring the Group Site

1. (I. A.) Is there sufficient space for the group in the campsite?
2. (I.A.) Is there fire fighting equipment in the campsite?
3. (I. A.) How is the group site illuminated at night?
4. Where do the children store their personal belongings?
5. Does the bedding look clean? (sheets, sleeping bags, blankets)

When Touring the Showers and Laundry Facilities: (If Applicable)

1. Are there sufficient showers and laundry to accommodate a group?
2. Are the shower facilities clean?

When Touring the School

1. Is there adequate space?
2. How many children per classroom? |
3. What school curriculum is used?
4. How are the teachers interacting with the children?
5. Did there appear to be adequate books and other educational resources?

When Touring the Kitchen

1. Check the most recent Health Department inspection/rating and current menus.
2. Meet and talk with the head of the kitchen.
3. Was the kitchen clean and well equipped?
4. Was the dining hall clean and comfortable?Finally, what is the general appearance of buildings, vehicles, and other equipment?

What answer did you get to the question:

“If my child hits another child, or is hit by another child, how do you handle this?”
Give close attention to the answer you get to this question, it will usually tell you a great deal about the people involved. Always ask the direct care staff (counselor), not the administrator. Remember, its your responsibility to choose carefully for your child.