Frequently Asked Questions

What is going on with kids that cause them to need treatment?
Adolescents are emotionally and physically in transition, and the primary tension is between dependence upon adults, and independence. It is a time when healthy adolescents are moving toward emancipation and experimenting with life away from their parents’ protection. It is a time when identity issues are of extreme importance. The adolescent often feels insecure and alone, joined neither to the role of “child” nor to the role of “adult.” They have a natural tendency to resist authority and parental control.

It is the responsibility of the adults in the family, culture, and society to provide guidance, protection, and limits to adolescents, so that their testing of themselves and their environments will not be too dangerous or risky. Parents and other key adults must be able to adjust their relationships with the teenager, continuing to be firm and consistent in maintaining limits and safety, and being flexible and advisory as the teen experiments with new behaviors and responsibilities. The process of redefining and renegotiating these relationships is an essential part of the adolescent’s learning, and must be undertaken in an atmosphere of safety, consistency, and trust.

Adolescence is a difficult time to address chemical use, abuse, and dependency. Any chemical use by a teenager (especially frequent, self destructive, or prolonged use) creates situations that radically distort both the legitimate dependencies and the movements toward independence that are so necessary for the young persons and their families. These situations threaten to disrupt, damage, or destroy the safety and security of the family and social system.
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What kinds of kids are accepted into the Daybreak programs? Where do I start?

Our programs are open to children from 12 to 17 years of age who have been experimenting, abusing or have developed an addiction to substances (alcohol, Rx drugs, street drugs).
Start with a phone call to one of Daybreak’s Outpatient programs (http://www NULL.daybreakinfo NULL.org/services/outpatient-programs/). Or if an assessment has been completed and you have been referred to Inpatient treatment (http://www NULL.daybreakinfo NULL.org/services/inpatient-programs/): fill out our online inpatient admissions application (http://www NULL.daybreakinfo NULL.org/services/admissions/inpatient-admissions/) (you will receive a reply by email or phone within 24 hours) …. OR call our Admissions Supervisor toll-free at (888) 454-5506 ext.26

Do you accept clients with criminal backgrounds or with mental health problems?

The short answer is yes. We do not refuse service to children and families based solely on the fact that they have been arrested or are on probation. Being arrested is sometimes the incident that both causes families to notice that their child is having serious problems and motivates the child to agree to treatment. We are NOT a penal institution or detention center.

Many of our clinicians are dually licensed as Chemical Dependency Professionals and Licensed Mental Health Counselors. All of our staff receive regular training on behavioral and mental health disorders.

We endeavor to assess and admit kids that can benefit from treatment in one of our outpatient or inpatient treatment programs. If we believe a child will be better served in another institution or program we will make recommendations to parents or referents at the time of assessment in our outpatient programs or by telephone consultation when a child is referred to inpatient treatment.
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INTAKE
The intake process is extremely important to the course of treatment. During that several hour process, the Intake Counselor will gather a history from the parent and the child, seeking to find out the specific needs and expectations. We will also formalize any financial arrangements and sign necessary placement paperwork. We believe it is important that parent and child understand and feel as comfortable as possible with the treatment approach and process.
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CHECK IN
After the client has been admitted, personal belongings will be checked for any items that are restricted. These items will be sent home with the parent or confiscated and returned at the end of the client’s treatment stay. Illegal items such as drugs, cigarettes or weapons will be disposed of. The person and belongings of all clients will be thoroughly searched to insure that no contraband enters the facility.
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TOBACCO USE
Daybreak facilities are totally tobacco-free. The use of tobacco in and outside the facility is prohibited. Clients are expected to remain tobacco free during their entire inpatient stay including during therapeutic outings with there families. The possession of tobacco by clients is a major infraction. We are aware that many of our clients have developed an addiction to nicotine as well as to other substances and that the desire and demand to smoke cigarettes or use other forms of tobacco may become an issue before and during treatment. Our policy is to treat our clients for addiction to all harmful substances and behaviors. Our experience has been that clients who do not sneak tobacco have very little problem with this transition. We ask that parents who use tobacco refrain from use while visiting their children on the Daybreak campus.
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PHONE CALLS
Clients may make and receive phone calls unless calls are restricted because of behavior or other problems. We do keep the clients (and ourselves) very busy and parents who call may find that their child is involved in an activity. The best times to call during the week are: VANCOUVER – Daily, 4:30-5:15 PM SPOKANE – Daily , 3:30-4 PM and 6-7:15 PM; Weekends, 1-3 PM.

Clients can sometimes make outgoing calls during the days, activities permitting. Phone calls are limited to 10 minutes and are loosely monitored by staff members. All long distance calls made by clients must be collect or on a client’s calling card unless other arrangements are made with the Primary Counselor. If there are family emergencies or unpleasant news, please let a staff member know before we put your child on the phone.
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VISITORS
All visitors must be approved by parents/guardians and Daybreak staff.

Spokane Family Visiting time is from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays and 9am to 11:00 a.m. on Sundays.
Vancouver Family Visiting time is from 1:00pm to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Alternate visiting times may be set up by the Primary Counselor in both programs.

Spokane – Family (Parents/Guardians/Siblings) Education is held after visiting time on Saturdays, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Vancouver – Family (Parents/Guardians/Siblings) Group is held twice monthly,
which all parents are encouraged to attend. Until the client is on Phase II, only family members may visit. Non-family visitors must be approved by the Primary Counselor and the parent.

To maintain security and in deference to the privacy of all the clients, we ask that visitors observe certain guidelines:

Please do not give your child pop, snacks or candy. Daybreak will provide these items at appropriate times and phases.
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Therapeutic Outings
Building in a little time with parents and guardians outside of the treatment environment is sometimes a helpful part of inpatient treatment. The Primary Counselor will work with parents and clients to arrange any such outings when it fits with the treatment plan. Clients and parents will always have some ‘homework’ to do together during any such outings. We ask that parents maintain close observation during these brief times away from the facility. We see these outings as a time to work on reuniting with the family. not with their friends.

Clients with problem behavior are not allowed to leave the building. The timing and advisability of a trip home or out with the parent is discussed and arranged early in the week. We try to schedule the return from outings very carefully so that adequate staff is available to chat briefly with the parents and the client. The time out with parents (and the return to treatment) can sometimes be more emotionally charged than it seems. It is important that the child be returned to Daybreak at the time specified. It is also important that parents enter the building with the child, sign in, and turn him or her over to a staff member. Sometimes our children try to sneak contraband into the building, so we must maintain a level of security.
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MONEY
Clients are not supposed to have money in their possession while they are in treatment. Their money should go into their account, which is taken care of by the Business Office. An initial amount of $50 or so is normally sufficient for most clients’ needs. This money is placed into the client’s account and can be used for hygiene items, stamps, long distance phone calls, over-the-counter medications, etc. Any other use of the client money must be approved with the Primary Counselor who consults with the parent or guardian. Daybreak keeps specific personal hygiene products in stock so that clients with funds on record may purchase items such as shampoo, toothpaste, over-the-counter medications, etc. A list of items carried can be requested from the business office. The cost of these items is deducted from their account. If they bring money back after an outing, parents should make sure that it is given to a staff member to be put in an envelope having the client sign it and put away in the lock box in the business office.
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STEREO/TAPE USE
Personal music devices are allowed subject to program guidelines. The Spokane program will allow CD and MP3 players as long as they are powered by disposable batteries…. the Vancouver program only allows battery operated radios. This is a privilege that staff may withdraw if it interferes with treatment or there are problem behaviors.
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MEALS
All meals at Daybreak are prepared by staff. We attempt to insure that well-balanced, nutritious meals are available and they will receive education regarding proper nutrition. We encourage the clients to take what they want, but eat what they take. Staff supervision is important at mealtime and staff members sit in the dining room with the clients and monitor their behavior. We pray before meals but this is not a requirement. Clients not wishing to participate in meal time prayers are asked to sit quietly.

Please inform the Intake Counselor at the time of intake of any special dietary needs or allergies. We do everything we can to accommodate these needs. Parents are requested to not give their child food, candy, gum, soda pop, energy drinks, etc. We try to keep sugar and caffeinge intake at a minimum during treatment and the Department of Health does not allow any food in the client rooms.
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MEDICAL CARE
All residents should have physical exams before their entry into Daybreak. All staff are trained in basic first-aid and CPR.
Parents of local clients are encouraged to transport their children to their family doctors, although we will take them in emergencies or if the parent is not available. Please consult with your child’s Primary Counselor at the time of intake regarding special medical needs. We are not allowed by Department of Health rules to give over-the-counter medications not on our standing orders without written authorization of a medical doctor. As clients are not allowed to share bottles of medications, clients who are taking over-the-counter medications with parent approval (such as Tylenol or Pepto-Bismal) should bring these items in an unopened container to the facility. OTC medications which are on our standing orders may also be purchased at Daybreak and deducted from the client’s account.
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RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE
The right of our clients to observe their religious faith is respected and encouraged within the boundaries of State and Federal law. Prayers before meals are part of Daybreak’s daily routine. These prayers are voluntary and no one is pushed to participate. Parents are encouraged to take their children with them to the church of their choice. Because of staffing limitations and the relative brevity of treament, it is normally the responsibility of the parents to transport their children to and from church. There are two Bible Study groups offered during the week for clients who are interested.
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12 STEP MEETINGS
The philosophy of Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous is strongly emphasized in our program and we believe participation in these and similar support groups both during and after treatment is important to a total recovery program. Your child will have the opportunity to attend one or two 12-step meetings every week in and outside the facility. At times a child may be restricted from outside activities, such as 12-step meetings if their behaviors are problematic.
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CLIENT CHORES AND COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
The general maintenance of the facility is the responsibility of the staff. Clients are assigned daily household chores as part of the treatment plan and to encourage development of responsibility and caring for their environment. Clients with community service hours to complete can sometimes be assigned special work assignments during the clients free time.
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RUNAWAYS
Some clients may want to run from treatment at some point. The use of drugs has kept them from learning to cope with their emotions, and it quickly becomes apparent to them that they will have difficulty avoiding confronting their many conflicting feelings during treatment. Running is normally either an impulsive or a manipulative attempt to convince their parents to allow them to return home.

When a client decides to run, every effort is made to dissuade him or her. All external doors are equipped with alarmed, time-delayed locks to delay impulsive running and allow staff time to intervene. If the client leaves the premises, we may attempt to follow them and encourage them to return.
Police may be dispatched to apprehend some clients, depending upon their availability. If a client does run away, Daybreak will file a run report with the local police. The client’s family, caseworker, and/or probation officer will also be contacted. If the parents are not home, repeated efforts are made to contact them. The client’s belongings are bagged up, labeled and stored in an attempt to keep them from becoming lost or stolen. However, Daybreak will not be responsible for items lost.
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CLOSURE CEREMONY
Closure ceremonies are our formal goodbyes. We form a circle and take turns giving the graduating client feedback and well wishes as we say our goodbye. Parents are encouraged to attend. It is a very real (and sometimes difficult) accomplishment for our kids to complete the program. It honors the clients who have made it to graduation and it reminds all of us of the sometimes enormous changes that have occurred with the clients who are completing.
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SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR CLIENTS TO BRING

Jeans, slacks or sweatpants- 3 or 4 pair
A week’s supply of shirts- T-shirts, blouses, or sweat shirts (7 total)
Sweater or sweat shirt jacket
Pajamas or nightgown, Bathrobe if necessary
Two pair of comfortable shoes- one pair to be tennis or running shoes plus shower shoes and slippers.
Underwear (7 total)
Socks (7 total)
Swimming suit
Toiletries (Toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, feminine hygiene products, comb, brush, etc.
Two towels
Two wash cloths
Special clothing to fit the season- warm jackets, hats, gloves, and boots for winter (it snows here and gets pretty cold sometimes), shorts for the summer, rain clothing, etc

Clients are encouraged to dress comfortably and casually. Sexually provocative clothing is not allowed. Laundry is done on a regular basis, twice a week.

Clients should limit the amount of items brought into the building. Also clothing which is expensive, extremely delicate, hard to replace, or requiring special cleaning should remain at home. We cannot take responsibility for lost, traded, or damaged possessions. All clothing should be marked with an indelible laundry pen to cut down on loss and misplacement.

Many clients are are helped by and enjoy journaling on a regular basis. You may either bring a half-inch binder with your child or purchase one from Daybreak at a cost of $2.00 each. If you wish to purchase a binder from Daybreak, this should be done upon your child’s admission.

Clients should bring $8.00 for a lock deposit for their personal closet; they will not be allowed to turn the lock in for cash without parent permission. Clients may purchase personal hygiene items and over-the-counter medications from the Daybreak Store if they have money on account. Please be sure to bring at least $20.00 for your child’s personal account.
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MEDICATION
Prescription: If the client is taking prescription medications, we ask that they bring at least a 30-day supply and that the medications be bubble-packed (by a pharmacy) prior to bringing them into our facility. If not bubble-packed, they will need to be in the original container with the prescription/doctor’s orders attached to them. The medication will be kept locked up in a medication room where it will be self-administered by the client, under staff supervision.

Non-Prescription: If the client regularly takes any non-prescription medications such as pain medication, decongestants, antacids, etc., he or she will need to bring them to treatment, in the original unopened containers. These medications will be labeled with the client’s name and kept locked up until needed. When the medication is needed it will be self-administered according to manufacturer’s directions, under staff supervision.
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ITEMS NOT ALLOWED

Mouthwash
Cigarettes, Lighters, Matches, etc.
Incense
Clothing/Jewelry/Posters, etc., which promote drugs, violence, gang lifestyle, satanic culture, nudity, etc.
Non-prescribed medications
Anything that can be used as a weapon
Aerosol products, Mousse, Nail polishes and Nail polish removers
Sweets, candy, or any other snacks
Personal pens and permanent markers (Clients who do artwork with special pencils, markers or pens must first clear it with their primary counselor. Daybreak will not be responsible for lost items.)

RESTRICTED
Cameras are permitted, however, cameras will be kept locked up in the staff office. Picture taking will only be allowed with staff supervision. Taking pictures of clients will only be allowed if the client has a signed release on file. Unauthorized picture taking will result in the film being confiscated and destroyed to protect the confidentiality of clients.
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