Three Keys to a Successful Home Visit

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When a teen enters a residential therapy program, the entire family has the opportunity to change and grow. An effective residential program includes the family in every step of treatment and home visits for the teen. The first home visit can be a stressful time for both the teen and the family-often, everyone feels pressure to be perfect. But a visit can be successful, even if it isn't perfect, if families follow three simple guidelines.

1. Shared goals: Residential therapy offers the opportunity for the teen and the rest of the family to develop goals to support the teen and to improve the communication and functioning within the family. The purpose of the home visit is to practice the behaviors that will help the family reach these goals, and to allow the teen to transfer new skills to real-life situations.
   
   If all members of the family understand that the home visit is a "practice round", it is easier to work through challenges and obstacles together. Seeing the first home visit as a make-or-break indicator of a teen's success or failure in treatment both undermines the teen's success and ignores the role of the whole family in the teen's treatment.
   
   
2. Consistent rules and guidelines: One of the most significant attributes of a residential therapeutic program is that it provides structure and consistency for teens. Residential programs provide reasonable guidelines for appropriate social interaction and communication. In this environment, teens learn that they must take responsibility for their actions and accept consequences for their behavior.
   
   While the same exact guidelines might not be relevant in the home, it is important that parents and teens set appropriate guidelines and consequences for behavior at home. A frank discussion of expectations is central to a teen's success during a home visit. Furthermore, parents must be consistent in enforcing these rules and guidelines. Inconsistency makes it more difficult for teens to choose appropriate behavior.
   
   
3. Open, supportive communication: Just as it is important for teens and families to discuss expectations, they should also talk about their concerns and challenges. By talking openly about their struggles, families can put their emotions in perspective and acknowledge the strides they have made in improving communication and behavior.
   
   To ensure that this communication is productive, parents must remember to show support and love for their teens during the home visit. Positive tone and message reinforce the parents' belief in a teen's continued ability to grow and succeed. This does not mean avoiding unpleasant topics or ignoring unacceptable behavior; however, it means that parents should frame criticism constructively.

A successful home visit sets the tone for continued success once a teen returns to a residential treatment program. When the entire family focuses on shared goals, consistent rules, and positive communication, the family visit is a productive and positive step in a teen's recovery.