Key Point Academy - FAQ
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
How do I start?
Do I tell my child of my plans?
How do I get my teenager to Key Point Academy?
How long is the Key Point Academy program?
Can I call parents who have had or currently do have children enrolled in Key Point Academy?
What kind of clothing should I pack for my child?
What are the phases of the Key Point Academy program?
How will my teen be enrolled in academics and when?
Does Key Point Academy have a therapist?
What is your total staff to student ratio?
Does Key Point Academy provide my child with an outdoor experience?
How large Key Point Academy programs?
My child is unique. Can he/she be given an individual service plan?
How is parent communication done? How often? When? By whom?
What is required of me as a parent?
How and when do I communicate with my child?
When and how often do I get to visit my child?
Does my child ever get to come home for a visit? Is there a general schedule for parent and child visits? How long is each visit?
How does my child catch up in academics?
Where does my child live?
What does my child eat?
What is the hygiene schedule for my child (baths, brushing of teeth, clothes washing)?
What kind of seasonal activities does my kid participate in?
What is my child's daily schedule?
I heard that each teenager starts his/her day with a motivational session, what is that?
How often does my teen see a therapist?
Does Key Point Academy use group therapy to help my kid?
What is Key Point Academy follow-up procedure when my kid returns home?
Are life skills taught?
What can my child bring with him/her?
What types of teen girls & boys reside at Key Point Academy facility?
What can I expect during my child's first 12 weeks at Key Point Academy?
What is the success rate of Key Point Academy students?
What is the Key Point Academy Program?
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How do I start?
Make that first call.
Every child must go through a review process. This process includes several conversations between Key Point Academy staff and the parent. In order for your child to be enrolled in Key Point Academy program the following items must be completed: student criteria met, an enrollment document, a financial review and a staff review. Upon receipt and review of these things any follow-up questions will be addressed and a notice of acceptance or rejection will be sent out.
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Do I tell my child of my plans?
Many troubled teens are making poor decisions regarding their lives. Most of these decisions are negative and are resulting in life altering or life threatening behaviors. You, as the parents know your child best. Our opinions come from past history. We have heard many statements such as:
- If you send me to a program, I will run away.
- If you send me to a program, you will never see me again.
- If you send me to a program, I will hurt myself.
- If you send me to a program, I will just get worse.
- If you send me to a program, I will never speak to you again.
- If you send me to a program, you are even worse parents then I originally thought.
- I won't go.
These are all things which adolescents have told their parents in hopes that the course of their decisions will be changed. If you think for a fleeting moment that your child would do any of the above, why would you take the risk of confronting your son/daughter? Remember that we are trying to save his/her life. Let us tell him/her upon our arrival.
If, on the other hand, your child is interested in receiving help, please let him/her know where he/she will be going and attempt to help him/her understand the benefits of such a program.
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How do I get my child to Key Point Academy?
We highly recommend professional teen transport agencies or companies to get your child to the school. Because these costs are unpredictable, and the quality of such services are often difficult for parents to evaluate, Key Point has chosen to cap the costs of transport and contract for your child's escort to the program on your behalf. Although this puts the school at slight risk of financial loss, it relieves you of the burden, and protects you from the potential of predatory fees by unreputable companies.
The transport company keeps Airport security notified for emergency purposes. They will often check into a local hotel the day prior to the scheduled transport and can meet with you over dinner that evening to go over the process for transportation. They will explain to you the common procedures which are employed in a transport. The length of the procedure itself should take only a few minutes. Your child will then be on his/her way to Utah. We have determined that when professional transporters escort teens, the teens feel less stress and are more compliant.
As a side-note, if your teen is non-manipulative, compliant, and is not a run-risk, you may choose to transport him/her to the facility yourself. Although this is uncommon, Key Point Academy would love to have you meet us and tour our facility. Should a parent-transport be possible, we will reduce your initial enrollment fees by $2,000, as parent-managed transports save us both money and the financial risk of capped transport fees.
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How long is the Key Point Academy program?
Many students’ show progress at a different rate. The typical scale that has proven true for the duration of a child in Key Point Academy is based on the severity of a child’s issues. Issues that are severe would include: Depression, substance abuse, negative peer association, defiance, behavioral problems, and emotional problems. If these issues have gone on for more than 8 months then the time we provide is recommended. The length of the Key Point Academy program is typically for 6 months. However, it is recommended that each child goes home when he/she is ready. We employ a mandatory 6 month minimum stay in our program. However, the average length that students reside in our facilities is approximately 9 months. The length of stay for your child will depend upon his/her goals and success in the program.
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Can I call parents who have had or currently do have children enrolled in Key Point Academy?
Along with each "parent packet," we provide parent references of parents that have had their child in the Academy. Upon review of those documents, you may want to contact these parents. Please take the time to ask, and we will provide names and phone numbers necessary for this to take place.
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What kind of clothing should I pack for my child?
Along with each "parent packet" there is a list of clothing which the students will need during their first few months at Key Point Academy. Please send those items to Key Point Academy within the first week after arrival of your child at our facilities. Anything which the student needs prior to that will be purchased by Key Point Academy. Those items will be billed to the parents.
Key Point Academy does provide the students with the following items;
- Bed (twin size)
- Washer & Dryer
- Academy apparel
- Pillow
- Eating Utensils
- Toiletries
Any additional items will be billed to the parents.
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What are the phases of the Key Point Academy program?
The three phases of the Key Point Academy Program are: the Orientation Phase, the Transition Phase and the Aftercare Phase. The Orientation Phase involves stabilization, counseling, group therapy, academics and family reunification. The Transition Phase of the program is designed to maintain change. During this portion of the program, each adolescent continues in counseling, group therapy and academics. Also, he/she will be given privileges and responsibilities that are similar to those that he/she will experience upon returning home. The Aftercare Phase allows the adolescent to keep in contact with Key Point Academy Staff and to work through issues or problems that may occur after your child returns home.
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How will my child be enrolled in academics and when?
Academics at Key Point Academy is ongoing open enrollment. Students are scheduled from 2:00 pm to 7:00pm, Monday-Friday. Academics are administrated by certified teachers and are designed to maximize each student's individual learning style.
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Does Key Point Academy have a therapist?
Yes. Currently, we have a Ph.D., LCSW, and LSAC as part of our therapeutic team.
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What is your total staff to child ratio?
4:1 (Total students to total staff).
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Does Key Point Academy provide my child with an outdoor experience?
Yes. Southern Utah is a recreational wonderland. We are surrounded by National parks with lakes, rivers, streams and mountains. We certainly take advantage of our environment.
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How large is the Key Point Academy program?
Key Point Academy is a small, individualized program. We maintain our current staff to student ratio in order to provide each of our students with the best possible treatment. If you are looking for a large facility where your child may get lost physically and/or mentally, then Key Point Academy is not for your child.
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My child is unique. Can he/she be given an individual service plan?
Due to our unique size, and the caliber of staff, we can assist your child in ways that will promote your child's success. Each child is given an individual service plan that is designed to specifically address the issues that are most pertinent to his/her success.
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How is parent communication done? How often? When? By whom?
Parents are contacted by a staff member weekly. The contact person works directly with your child and has first hand knowledge regarding his/her situation. In addition to the weekly phone calls, parents receive a weekly updates. This could include current pictures of your child at various stages of work and activities, a summary statement regarding your child's progress and a brief note from your child.
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What is required of me as a parent?
Weekly phone calls are made from staff to parents. Parents must be available for these pre-scheduled phone calls. Parents must also support the program and its staff during the child's stay at Key Point Academy. Weekly letters are required from the parent to the adolescent. Parents are to participate in their child's graduation from the Orientation Phase of the program which typically happens 8-12 weeks after the adolescent's arrival at Key Point Academy. During and after the child is enrolled in the Key Point Academy program, the parents must attend formal family and individual counseling.
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How and when do I communicate with my child?
Most parents tell us that their child is at the point of not listening to or not communicating with them. A common statement is, "Everything seems to go in one ear and out the other." To build up communication between the child and the parents, weekly letters are sent out each Monday and Tuesday. Each family should receive these letters by Friday of the same week. Once a child has graduated from the orientation phase of the program, monthly phone calls are made between child and parent. These phone calls will be pre-set with date and time. A staff member will facilitate these calls. We are there to answer any questions and talk about any concerns. Each child is allowed to talk for 20 minutes.
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When and how often do I get to visit my child?
Your first visit will typically take place two or three months after your child's arrival. These constraints are determined by the child's progress. Parental visits must be scheduled after the initial visit. Visits will range from 3 to 4 days.
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Does my child ever get to come home for a visit? Is there a general schedule for parent and child visits? How long is each visit?
Yes. Since the Key Point Academy program is transitional in nature, it is our goal to have the child on home visits as often as possible after level #3 is earned. These visits normally happen two months after the parents' initial visit, and continue on this schedule even if the child is enrolled for more than six months. These visits range from 3 to 10 days. All visits can be shortened or extended based upon other circumstances. We are interested in seeing how the child and parents did when confronted with their own home environment. These visits can be scheduled at two month intervals.
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How does my child catch up in academics?
Through a lot of hard work and consistent effort. Our certified teachers offer one on one tutoring as well as individual education plans.
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Where does my child live?
The Key Point Academy facilities are homes situated on approximately 8 acres of a beautifully landscaped campus in Southern Utah. Each child has a bed and receives a daily hot shower. Hot meals are prepared by our chef who puts an extraordinary touch in every meal served. Chores are the responsibility of each student. Washing dishes, cleaning the counters, cleaning the table, washing the pots and pans, wiping down counters, stove, refrigerator, cleaning the bathrooms, and their own rooms and daily bed making. The students become self motivated and self reliant.
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What does my child eat?
Food is bought and prepared based upon the weekly food menu. All meals include all of the basic food groups.
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What is the hygiene schedule for my child (baths, brushing of teeth, clothes washing)?
Each child takes a daily hot shower. General hygiene is conducted in the morning, before and/or after each meal and prior to going to bed. Washing of clothes takes place on a weekly scheduled basis where each student is required to per-spot, wash, dry and fold their own laundry. Each student then has the responsibility to put his/her clothes away.
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What kind of seasonal activities does my child participate in?
During late spring, summer and early fall some activities might be:
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Camping
- Motivational sessions
- Field trips
- Tending a garden
- Group sessions
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Fitness Workout
- Building and creating
- Reforestation
During late fall, winter and early spring a few of these activities might be:
- Sledding
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Camping
- Fitness workout
- Survival activities
- Building and creating
- Landscaping
- Volleyball
- Field trips
What is my child's daily schedule?
See the daily schedules included in the "parent handbook."
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I heard that each child starts his/her day with a motivational session, what is that?
Each student starts his/her day in a motivational session where ideas and thoughts are put on paper and into practice. This a time where the child begins to reflect upon his/her life and the consequences for living an at-risk life.
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How often does my child see a therapist?
Key Point Academy provides each student with many opportunities to sit and talk about the ups and downs of life. These are done on a formal and informal basis. Each child participates in a weekly counseling session and on a monthly basis, each child participates in a therapy session. On an informal basis, each child, when the need arises, may sit down with a staff member on a day-to-day basis to discuss issues which the child may be dealing with. Group sessions are conducted five days per week basis.
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Does Key Point Academy use group therapy to help my child?
Yes. A daily group session occurs in which each child is able to express problems or issues that have arisen during the previous days. Also, two nights per week special group sessions are conducted in order to facilitate change and growth that teen girls & boys who are enrolled in Key Point Academy Program. These group sessions make use of the "Positive Peer Culture Model." The model engages the peers and expects them to hold each other accountable for their actions.
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What is Key Point Academy follow-up procedure when my child returns home?
Once students have returned home, they are advised to make frequent phone calls to the staff and the students they have left behind. E-mail is also encouraged on a weekly basis. Each child may also be given the opportunity to return as a visitor to Key Point Academy. Our unique summer program may be used year after year as a support program.
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Are life skills taught?
Yes. Our Independent Living Skills Curriculum is required for all students enrolled in The Key Point Academy Program. Skills such as cooking, food inventory, resume writing, how to apply for a job, finding a job, interviewing, balancing a check book, organizing and managing daily activities are all things which adolescents learn at Key Point Academy.
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What can my child bring with him/her?
See "Key Point Academy Clothing List" found in the "Parent Handbook and the Enrollment Agreement."
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What types of teen girls & boys reside at Key Point Academy facility?
Adolescents between the ages of 12-17 may be enrolled in Key Point Academy Program. Most of the children at our facilities have the following problems or engage in the following behaviors: ADD, AD/HD, anger, disrespect, poor decision making, poor peer relations, poor in school (yet brilliant), poor behavior, failing at home and school, having a lack of focus, not following boundaries, impulsive, engaging in some drug use, having low self esteem, having no goals, procrastinating, manipulating, deceiving, lying, being disorganized, lacking motivation, and are not being reliable.
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What can I expect during my child's first 12 weeks at Key Point Academy?
A change! In many cases the child's success depends, in part, upon the length of time the child spends away from the home. The more he/she learns and generalizes at Key Point Academy, the greater the chance of long-term success. The reason for this is that the home environment and your child's friends are reminders of the poor decisions that he/she was making before enrolling in Key Point Academy. These things can be triggers for those previous behaviors to occur again. The more effective your child is at generalizing the new behaviors and attitudes learned in the new environment, the greater his/her chances for maintaining those patterns of behavior beyond Key Point Academy.
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What is the success rate of Key Point Academy students?
Almost every child who enters the Key Point Academy program will change. However, long-term success depends a great deal upon your child's focus, his at-home support group, and the follow-up that occurs with that child after his/her return home. Each child is given a "discharge plan" which contains goals for the individual child and the family. Some of these goals may include: family counseling, individual counseling, scheduled phone calls to the Key Point Academy staff, e-mails to the Key Point Academy staff, periodic return visits and return to our summer programs. Parents' work is never done. Even after a stay at Key Point Academy, a child's re-entry into the home is essential and must be a learning experience for both the child and the parents. Each student and his/her parent's should use Key Point Academy as a support mechanism for the long-term success of the family.
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What is the Key Point Academy Program?
Three phases: orientation, transition, aftercare
Orientation Phase: Each adolescent who is admitted to Key Point Academy begins his/her stay in the orientation phase. During this time, each child is given rules and stipulations that he/she must meet in order to progress to the next phase of the program. Immediately after arrival at Key Point Academy, our therapist develops a service plan that details a resolution for each child at Key Point Academy and the goals that must be accomplished before the adolescent can enter the Transitional Phase of the program. The goals set for each child will include things such as learning how to be respectful to parents, staff and peers, learning how to communicate effectively and properly channel feelings of anger, to show sustained academic improvement and to learn how to problem solve. The primary goal of the Orientation Phase is to stabilize each adolescent and to work towards building positive relationships with family members.
Upon satisfactory completion of the goals laid out in the service plan, each adolescent will work on motivational activities that will equip him/her with the ability to successfully continue in the Transitional Phase. These assignments also provide the foundational background that the adolescent will need to return home.
When specific therapeutic components of the program are completed, the child's parent(s) are asked to visit Key Point Academy in order to participate in a graduation for their child and to take him/her on a two-three (2-3) day visit. Graduation signifies each child's successful completion of his/her initial goals. It also signifies that the child is displaying a positive attitude and showing extreme improvements in behavior as well as academics. This is a time for each child and parent(s) to reunite and to continue to build their new relationship.
The Transitional Phase of the Key Point Academy program is designed to sustain change. After completing the Orientation Phase, each adolescent has made significant changes in his/her life. The goal of the Transition Phase is to continue to build upon those changes and to ensure that they become patterns of behavior that will remain with the child upon his/her return home. After graduation, visits between each child and his/her parent(s) are scheduled on a regular basis to assist in the transition home.
The transitional phase is structured to provide a setting that is even closer to the original home environment that children are used to. Academic work continues throughout this phase and goal setting is mandatory. Each kid is asked to look into the future and think about where he/she would like to be within the next few years. College and educational goals are explored as well as career possibilities. Students are given the opportunity to create resumes and participate in mock interviews. They participate in numerous educational field trips and spend time learning life skills such as balancing a check book.
The Transitional Phase also provides the children with the ability to have special privileges that are not offered those in the Orientation Phase. Weekly off campus activities occur, such as going to the movies, shopping and going out to eat. Each adolescent is given a weekly allowance. Further, the schedule for those in the Transitional Phase is modified to allow for more free time and to demonstrate to those who have graduated that they are trusted. Those adolescents in this phase are allowed to sleep in later and go to bed later than the others. They are given the opportunity to develop their own workout routine and send out emails to family members.
After Care Phase: Once it has been determined that the child is ready to return home, the After Care Phase begins. A set of rules and guidelines that each child is expected to abide by after returning home are developed by the parent(s) with the help of Key Point Academy' staff and (preferably) a local therapist. The rules are presented to each adolescent and a plan is made by the child that will help to ensure that these rules and expectations are met.
Upon returning home, each adolescent is required to contact Key Point Academy at least once per week for the first two months. Our staff will assist with any conflict or problems that may have arisen since the child has returned home and seek to ensure a happy and successful incorporation back into the family unit.
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