Family Involvement
ANASAZI recognizes the irreplaceable role that parents play in the
lives of their children. For this reason, ANASAZI requires parental
participation in their child's treatment. Their involvement directly
affects their child's success during and after the program. During
treatment we facilitate involvement through communication via letters.
At every step of the process - from the parent's initial contact with
ANASAZI until the final stage of aftercare - communication with the
family is a major priority.
Overview of Family Involvement:
- Admissions: Feel free to talk with the admissions
counselor to get your questions answered and to enroll your
child.
- Parent Workshop: A 12-hour workshop for
parents will take place at the beginning of the child's placement
at ANASAZI. Workshop/Seminar dates can be found here.
- Parenting Education: Consists of materials
supplied by Arbinger Institute. The schedule
for Parent Intervention Training can be found here.
- Communication: This occurs with the ANASAZI
therapist, as well as letters exchanged between you and your
child throughout the program.
- Family Days/Graduation: A three day retreat
will conclude your child's wilderness experience.
Step #1: Admissions
After contacting ANASAZI, admissions staff will help you determine
if ANASAZI can serve the needs of your child and the family. If
you agree that ANASAZI is an appropriate place for the child,
the admissions director will help you through every step of the
admissions process.
Step #2: Introductory Parent Workshop at the Beginning
of the Program
Parents attend a 12-hour workshop at the beginning of the program.
The workshop consists of a parenting seminar and an introduction
to the ANASAZI Experience. Questions
and conversations with staff members during this week can begin
the dialogue that will continue throughout the program.
Step #3: Parenting Education
ANASAZI uses the Arbinger Institute intervention training for
parents. During the introductory workshop, parents familiarize
themselves with materials and skills from the Arbinger model.
These skills provide a foundation for parents to find practical
solutions to help their child. Throughout the program, parents
work with their therapist and use this model to deal with issues
that may arise in therapy sessions or in letters from their children.
Step #4:
a. Communication with ANASAZI Staff while the Child is in
the Program
While the child is in the program, the therapist talks with the
parents at least once a week. These conversations focus on the
progress of the child, as well as any issues that may have arisen
most recently. Consistent communication ensures that the treatment
plan is relevant and useful for the parent and child. The therapist
will also use these weekly talks to work with the parents creating
an aftercare plan.
b. Communication between Parents and Child
Throughout the program, parents and children communicate through
letters. Letters are a powerful form of communication while the
student is in the wilderness. Students often cherish these letters
as reminders of home. The letters offer hope as well as provide
the vehicle for the students and parents to broach difficult issues.
ANASAZI staff and therapists provide guidance to parents and students
when writing letters about specific issues.
Step #5: Dawn Star Walking
Parents attend a three-day celebration of their child's achievement
at the conclusion of his or her wilderness experience. Students
are empowered by having the opportunity to demonstrate their new
wilderness skills by taking responsibility for their parents during
the activities. Parents and children use this time to prepare for
the teenager's transition to living either at home or at another
placement facility. The therapist facilitates the transition for
families in therapy sessions. ANASAZI staff is readily available
to help the family with the process.
Intervention Training for Parents
Intervention Training for Parents is held every Saturday at ANASAZI.
Parents may attend a course for
no charge for the first year after their child graduates ($100
fee for replacement or new materials if necessary). To obtain
a specific class schedule or to
register for a class, please contact the Admissions office.
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