 Youth ages 12 through 17 in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties seek Higher Ground services for a number of reasons. Most times it’s a direct result of conflict within their family household. However, the issues surrounding the cause of family conflict vary widely. Here are some common conflicts we help youth and families with:
 Higher Ground Staff understand that if left unresolved, conflicts can escalate - sometimes resulting in the unintended physical separation of family members. Some youth seeking Higher Ground for help have already left home, unsure of where they are going to live or how they are going to get by. Some youth have been asked to leave by their parent/guardian/or other adult head of household. Sometimes it’s a combination of both. Either way, our staff will not judge what led up to your family conflict, but will provide support and guidance to help you figure out what to do next.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Our goal is to help you and your family work together to resolve family conflict, and maintain the unity of the family under one roof whenever possible. However, if you, your family, or your counseling team feels at any time that family reunification is not in your best interest, we will work together to identify safe, alternative living options. Higher Ground provides you with a menu of direct service options. You pick only the ones relevant to you and your circumstances. Services may include:
Higher Ground Counselors and Case Managers want to ensure that you and each member of your family participating in services are able to fully engage, thus, will refer you to local community resources for services we are unable to provide directly. These may include:
ADMISSION:  You may enter the Higher Ground Program in several ways. You can call our 24 hour crisis hotline at any time and our staff will link you to transportation to come into the Youth Home. You may contact our Intake Coordinator to schedule non-residential services at 517-351-4000. You may see our Street Outreach Team on the street or in the community and they can bring you in to the Youth Home. Upon admission, staff will assess your strengths and needs and work with you and your support system to create goals based on your individual circumstances.
VOLUNTARY NATURE OF PROGRAM: Higher Ground services are voluntary, which means you participate in the services you choose and can terminate services at any time. No one can force you to participate, not your parents, not your probation officer, not your case worker, no one. We hope that you will find our services helpful to you and/or your family and continue to participate on your own. PARENT PERMISSIONS: Unfortunately, because you are minors, we are required to get your parents or legal guardian’s permission to provide services to you with only a few exceptions. If you are 14 years old or older, you can speak with our licensed master’s therapist for up to 12 counseling sessions or 4 months without parental permission. If you are seeking emergency shelter, we are required to obtain permission from your parent or legal guardian within 24 hours of admission. We recognize this may scare some of you away. Some of you are running from some serious conflicts or issues and are afraid of being forced to return home before you are ready. We can help. We have a good success rate in talking to parents about our programs and services and obtaining permission to shelter you for up to 21 days in our Youth Home when desired. This gives everyone in the family time to cool down and gives us a chance to work with you to discuss your fears and concerns. We often find that even though there is family conflict, your parents are often times relieved just to know you are okay and in a safe place. Our staff will be up front with you regarding circumstances that we might be required to report and give you the option to continue services or not. We want you to feel comfortable, safe, and in-charge of your current circumstances.  CARE:The Kevin Moody Youth Home is staffed 24-hours per day by trained professionals who are knowledgeable and supportive about the issues of young people. We provide 3 meals each day, linens, hygiene supplies, and all other basic care needs. As Higher Ground is a short-term crisis oriented program consisting of a maximum of 21 days of shelter & 90 days of counseling and case management services, all we ask in return is that you work closely with staff to create and collaboratively achieve a successful transition plan. CONFIDENTIALITY: You have the right to confidentiality regarding issues/concerns you share with your counselor. You have the responsibility to protect the confidentiality of other clients in the program including their identities. DISCHARGE: You may decide to terminate residential and non-residential services at any time. However, you may be asked to leave the Kevin Moody Youth Home immediately for any of the following reasons: • You physically harm or threaten to harm yourself or another resident. • You maliciousness destroy Youth Home property or the property of another resident. • You emotionally/verbally abuse another resident. • You repeatedly violate Youth Home standards after repeated warnings. • You engage in a sexual or dating relationship with another resident. • You possess and/or use illegal drugs or alcohol on property or return to the Youth Home while under the influence. • You are caught stealing the personal property of the Youth Home, it’s residents, or staff. |
