Family Resources

Parent / Student Handbook

Education Philosophies
Education Rationale
Education Objectives
Education Goals/Outcomes
Healthcare Philosophies
Rights of Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Human Rights
Becoming a Team Member
Policies and Procedures
Family Involvement

Education Philosophies

The Anne Carlsen Center for Children’s educational philosophy is grounded in progressivism as well as reconstructivism providing students with a safe, secure, and loving atmosphere to learn and grow. The education program is filled with an array of sensory and literary enriched experiences and materials that allow for each student to become an independent, free-thinking being. Our program recognizes and supports the integration of educational and therapeutic interventions, providing for a holistic approach to growth and development.

Each student has an individual program created by a team consisting of parents and/or guardians, student, and professionals, which is designed to meet his or her unique needs.

Enhancements with technology such as motorized wheelchairs, communication devices, switches, computers and computer software provides students further opportunities to become as independent and knowledgeable as the advancements allow and provides the student, family, and others support in independence with the daily living skills of the student.

Academics

Although familiarity with basic academics is necessary for optimal functioning in society, teaching academic skills in a functional context must be emphasized.

Reading, language arts, math, and communication must relate to and emphasize the students’ needs and development in daily living skills, survival skills, social-emotional skills, and overall independence. Content areas of science and social studies are intended to broaden the students’ knowledge of the world around them and to develop special interests contributing to a well-rounded education.

The Arts

The arts are essential to the lifelong development of the whole person. These creative experiences provide aesthetic, perceptual, and sensory input. Through the process of creating, performing, participating, and being exposed to various arts, students gain knowledge, skills, and attitudes, which greatly enhance the quality of their lives.

Each child has a unique mode of self-expression, which fulfills an innate human desire to experience art in all forms. We strive to assist each student in this endeavor.

Adapted Physical Education

The overall aim of adapted physical education is to provide for optimal physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth of children in terms of their needs and interests. Adapted physical education, through its various types of selected activities, contributes to each phase of such growth. Activities, rules, equipment, facilities, and instructional methods can be modified or changed as needed to meet individual needs and facilitate more active and functional participation in activities

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Education Rationale

According to the developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, all learning is derived from personal experiences and how one interprets and adjusts to those experiences. The school years are the formative years in which an array of experiences must be provided which promote knowledge and understanding of the world. This learning foundation built in the formative years becomes a predictor of future success as adults. If the potential growth and development of a child is disrupted by a disability or a circumstance such as a chronic illness, it will be imperative to provide these children with experiences that are crucial in achieving knowledge and independence.

Teacher credentials

All ACCC special education and regular education teachers are licensed and certified by the state of North Dakota. Parents and guardians have the right to know if their child’s special education teacher is appropriately credentialed. To request that information, contact ACCC’s chief operating officer, Marcia Gums.

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Education Objectives

Academic

• Language: Gain an understanding of ideas about our world and communicate ideas and thoughts through a communication system.
• Language Arts: Develop listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills that lead to
  critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Math: Acquire basic mathematical concepts in order to problem-solve real life situations.
• Social Studies: Gain knowledge of the community, the social world, and develop respect for others.
• Science: Develop an awareness of the world through exploration of energy, matter, and our environment.

The Arts

• Visual Arts: Explore the various design components used in creating visual arts in various media.
• Mediums: Explore various art mediums while enrolled at Anne Carlsen Center for Children.
• Art Appreciation: Become exposed to works of art of all kinds and develop an appreciation for the visual arts.
• Music: Explore music as it reflects various cultures and periods, as a means of expression, and for personal enjoyment.
• Dance/Creative Movement: Use motion (dance) to stimulate creative potential, to promote self awareness, and to appreciate various cultures.

Adapted Physical Education

• Develop, through the medium of games and sports, better interpersonal relationships.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship and self-discipline in winning and losing.
• Decrease the number of behavior problems exhibited during an activity.
• Accept limitations that cannot be changed and learn to adapt to one’s environment so as to make the most of one’s strengths.
• Learn to play spontaneously.
• Progress from parallel play to interactive play.
• Participate successfully in games.
• Demonstrate appropriate use of leisure objects and materials.
• Develop the basic cognitive/motor skills that facilitate more active involvement in leisure activities.
• Develop the various organic systems of the body so they will respond in a healthful way to the increased demands placed on them.
• Successfully complete a designated number of steps in a task analysis or learning progression.
• Help children stay healthy and active in a skillful and effective manner in all the selected activities in which they engage, in the physical education program, and also in those situations which they will experience during their lifetime.

Life Skills

• Home Living: Address the skills required to manage a home, including choosing a place to live, financial planning, meal planning, housekeeping, and home safety.
• Health and Safety: Develop health and safety habits that contribute to the quality of life.
• Self Advocacy: Develop skills in speaking and listening to improve self-confidence and enable the person to request what he or she feels is necessary and appropriate.
• Vocational Adjustment: Gain the experience and skills needed to obtain a paid position within the community.
• Community Adjustment: Develop skills required to live and work in a community and access the resources offered.
• Leisure: Participate in a wide range of life activities to enhance freedom of choice.
• Social-Emotional: Develop social and emotional skills that will enhance self-awareness, self-confidence, and the ability to establish social relationships.
• Technology: Access technology to develop knowledge and skills whenever necessary and appropriate.
• Self-Care: Gain independence in ability to dress, feed, toilet, and bathe self as well as complete basic chores and have specific responsibilities.

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Education Goals/Outcomes

Each child will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Interact and work in a cooperative or collaborative manner.
2. Gather information.
3. Communicate.
4. Apply and generalize knowledge, problem solving in new situations.
5. Find pleasure and satisfaction in leisure and recreational skills.
6. Find pleasure and satisfaction in life.

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Healthcare Philosophies

Providing quality health care services in an atmosphere of love, concern and compassion is paramount within ACCC’s mission. Each individual, regardless of his/her disability, is entitled to excellence in health care.

Growth and development is a process; therefore we foster independence, help children acquire healthy life skills, assist them in learning and to make responsible choices, and intervene only at the level needed by each individual.

We provide continuous monitoring, assessments and cares to the child. The approach of quality care is holistic, encompassing the whole person, and is achieved through assessments, identification, planning, implementation and evaluation, based on sound nursing principals and processes as well as guided by the care/treatment plans, Individual Habilitation/Education Plan, facility policies and procedures, and professional standards of practice.

We focus on the health and wellness of the child and young adult, while assisting him/her with areas where assistance is needed.

To make the child’s environment as homelike and non-medical as possible, we offer a pleasant, warm atmosphere, which enhances socialization, encourages independence and wellness, and fosters growth and dignity. Flexibility is necessary so the care delivered can be truly individualized. Allowing the child/young adult to make choices enables him/her to perceive a sense of control, respect and dignity.

Relationships among the children/young adults, families, staff and others from the community are developed. Direct caregivers are empowered through knowledge, recognition, input into decision making and positive relationships to assist children/young adults in becoming as autonomous as possible.

Primary care teams have been designed to provide consistency and to enhance the continuity of care, trust and meaningful relationships.

Each child and family has ultimate control and responsibility for their health care and well-being. Autonomy regarding one’s care is essential to human dignity and respect. The child is part of a family and needs to be included in the planning process and provision of care.

We believe in the importance of collaborating with physicians and other team members.

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Rights of Persons with Developmental Disabilities

A person with developmental disabilties has constitutional, civil and legal rights which include, but are not limited to the right to:

1. Treatment, services and habilitation in the least restrictive appropriate setting.
2. Be presumed competent until a court of law determines otherwise.
3. Vote
4. Free exercise of religion.
5. Free association, including association with the opposite sex.
6. Confidential handling of personal and medical records.
7. Receive, possess, use and have secure, lawful personal property.
8. Reasonable access to mail, telephone and visitors.
9. Be paid the value of work performed, to freely deposit earnings and other funds, and to retain all accumulated funds, including wages earned from the service provider.
10. Approve or disapprove service providers as payee of the person’s social security, pension, annuity trust fund or any other direct payment or assistance.
11. Receive appropriate and adequate medical and dental care.
12. Be free from chemical restraints and to receive only properly prescribed and promptly recorded drugs and medications.
13. Be free from corporal punishment.
14. Be free from isolation and physical restraints.
15. Be free from psychosurgery, sterilization and medical research.
16. Be free from shock therapy.
17. Be checked at least once every 30 minutes when properly placed in restraints or isolated for program purposes.
18. An adequate and sufficient diet planned by a qualified dietician.
19. A free and appropriate education in the least restrictive, appropriate public school or vocational setting.
20. An individual habilitation or education plan within 30 days after admission to a program, to be renewed annually.
21. Refuse treatment unless required to prevent serious harm to one’s self or others.
22. Enforce these rights in a court of law or appropriate administrative proceedings.

These rights are assured by NDCC 25-01.2 enacted by the 47th North Dakota Legislative Assembly.

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Human Rights

Anne Carlsen Center for Children admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at our facility and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national or ethnic origin in administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Human Rights Committee

The Human Rights Committee supports and defends the human rights of the children of this facility. The committee is involved with abuse/neglect investigations, behavior management and other areas requiring assistance in protecting human/legal rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Committee members are responsible for maintaining their awareness of the laws and regulations pertaining to children’s rights so violations can be identified and corrected. Please contact the Social Worker for more information.

Child Protection

Anne Carlsen Center for Children expressly prohibits abuse and neglect of the children at the Center. ACCC has developed policies and procedures for initiating intervention and investigation in all instances where abuse or neglect is alleged to have occurred, within or outside of the Center. ACCC also addresses the prevention of abuse and neglect by staff screening, training and education for staff and children.

ACCC complies with state and federal laws governing the reporting of abuse and neglect to the proper authorities (i.e. Child Protection Services, Protection and Advocacy and Division of Developmental Disabilities).

In those situations difficult to determine statutory medical neglect, ACCC Human Rights Committee or the local child protection unit may be consulted for an opinion.

Behavior Management refers to methods we may employ to modify maladaptive behaviors and replace them with behaviors which are appropriate and adaptive.Behavioral programs emphasize positive approaches to help children learn by building on their existing skills and selecting behavioral goals that help the children progress along the normal developmental sequence.

There are times when a child’s maladaptive behavior is so serious that it presents a risk to himself/herself, to others, or otherwise interferes with the learning process. Where positive approaches alone are not successful in reducing such behaviors, restrictive techniques combined with positive approaches may be the only reasonable approach.

Only where absolutely necessary, does ACCC support the use of restrictive, aversive procedures provided procedural safeguards are followed and approved by the Human Rights Committee

When a restrictive procedure is necessary, we employ safeguards to protect both child and staff rights. Children have the right to be assured the benefits of any interventive procedure outweigh its risks, and staff have the right to be afforded both physical safety and protection from liability when using necessary and approved restrictive procedures. Questions or concerns on the use of restraints may be taken to the Human Rights Committee.

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Becoming a Team Member

Individual Habilitation/ Educational Program

A child’s team works together to assist the child in achieving his/her goals. The team may include (in addition to the child and you as parent(s) or guardian) an individual program coordinator (IPC), rehabilitation nurse, life skills trainer, teacher, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech/language pathologist, behavior management specialist/psychologist, DD case manager, social worker, school district representative and an advocate.

Based on preadmission information, team members are assigned to a child’s team when he or she is admitted to ACCC. Parents have the right to request a change of team members at any time. Additionally, parents have the right and responsibility to choose medical service providers, including specialists (optometrist, neurologist, dentist, etc.) for their child.

Upon request, parents can be supplied with information regarding what medical providers/ specialists are available in the community and surrounding trade area.

Individual Habilitation/ Education Programs (IHP/IEP) are written/revised annually for every child after appropriate assessments are conducted by various team members.

Copies are provided to parent(s)/guardian and all outside agencies on a child’s team
Parent/guardian involvement in annual IHP/IEP meetings is strongly encouraged. ACCC will make all attempts to schedule all meetings at a time convenient to allow family participation.

Your child’s IPC facilitates the meeting in which the team develops a holistic plan focusing on the child’s goals. These goals may include areas such as personal/ health cares, activities of daily living, vocational development, social interaction, education, therapy, psychological needs, and leisure management.

As a part of the school curriculum, ACCC offers classes in human development providing students with basic knowledge in personal growth, development, and sexuality. The curriculum topics are taught at the various age or development levels as appropriate to each student’s needs. Parent permission is required before a student participates in the human development classes. Specific topics to be discussed may be obtained from the student’s classroom teacher.

Throughout the IHP/IEP process, teaching strategies are done. They may be videotaped by the individual program coordinator and team members for internal staff training purposes.

This may involve, but is not limited to, the use of augmentative devices for communication, lifting procedures, individualized feeding techniques, and the use of various special equipment, mechanical supports and educational adaptations.

Placement and programming decisions are determined by you and your child’s team. At ACCC, our residences include two 12-bed dormitories, three 8-bed cottages, and one 6-bed Advanced Care Unit.

One to four students share a room and bathroom facilities. When considering the best residence for children, we take child and family preferences, age, compatibility, and health issues into consideration.
Children and their families are consulted in the process of assigning or changing bedroom assignments. Team members also have the opportunity to make recommendations regarding bedroom assignments. Children/family members may request a dormitory change at any time by contacting the IPC or any team member to discuss the proposed change.

ACCC reserves the right to remove from rooms materials, including but not limited to wall hangings, magazines and videos, that are deemed inappropriate.

Team Staffings

Quarterly team staffing meetings are held for each child at ACCC throughout the year. Families are also encouraged to attend these meetings either in person or via telephone. Team members present a written report that details the program plan (IHP/IEP) progress and allows the team to determine any changes necessary in that plan. Copies of these compiled reports from the meetings are mailed to parents on a regular basis to provide an overview of the child’s status and progress. Outside agencies will receive copies of the team staffing reports upon request.

Program Management

We enthusiastically invite you, as parents/guardian, to be involved in the care, education and rehabilitation program of your child. Your support and encouragement are important to your child, and your experience and knowledge are important to us. Decisions are made at the annual IHP/IEP meeting as part of the meeting agenda, at quarterly team staffings, or as the need arises.

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Policies and Procedures

Grievance Procedure

We encourage children, parents and ACCC staff to work together to solve minor differences quickly and in a positive manner. However, in the event that problems concerning a child’s treatment continue without appropriate remedial action, that child, and/or parent/legal guardian may follow the grievance procedures. The grievant may at any time during the grievance procedure contact Protection and Advocacy Services for assistance in dealing with a rights violation. Contact the Social Worker if you have questions or ACCC’s front desk for copies of the policy.

Records Retention

Records are retained according to North Dakota State law governing retention of medical records. (This also includes educational records).

Records of children who were minors (under 18) at the time of treatment must be retained until the child’s 21st birthday and/or 10 years after the last date of treatment or 7 years after death, whichever date is later.

Records of anyone over age 21 are retained 10 years after the last date of treatment or 7 years after death, whichever is later.

ACCC also keeps copies of legal documents pertaining to your child/ward. All legal documentation including birth certificate, social security card, custody papers, and insurance cards are retained according to policy. When sending/delivering documents, place in an envelope clearly marked ATTN: Records Dept. and mail to the Center or leave at the nurses’ station.

If you would like to view ACCC’s Records Policies, please contact the the Records Technician. Official medical and educational records for viewing are kept in the Records Department at the main campus.

Access to Student Records

Legal guardians, children of legal age who are their own guardian or others authorized, may review a student’s record by making an advance request to the Records Department (Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM-4:00 PM). We ask that you review the record with your child’s physician, nurse, program coordinator or other knowledgeable team member so they can answer your questions or clarify information.

Records may also be reviewed, per request, on weekends by a parent/guardian at the nurses’ station with a nurse present. This includes the records of residents of the cottages. Anyone reviewing a record must date and sign the “Record of Access” form found in the front of the record.

Patients and/or their guardians are entitled to request to amend or supplement Personal Health Information (PHI) contained in the patient’s Designated Record set.
The request must be in writing and on a designated ACCC form stating the specific date and type of entry which is subject to and reason (s) for the amendment or supplementation.

If ACCC staff and the parents/student cannot agree, the latter may contact the administrator for a hearing.

ACCC Records personnel are required to disclose IHP/IEP and PHI to law enforcement, government officials, Protection & Advocacy, social service agencies, etc... Only the necessary amount of PHI to fulfill the request will be released.

ACCC will not agree to any patient or guardian request to restrict the use and disclosure of IHP/IEP and PHI when used for treatment, payment, or health care operations (TPO).

Also, the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) permits a school district to identify certain information as “directory information” which may be publicly released without permission of the parents. ACCC identifies this information as the following: name, address, participation in activities and sports, dates of attendance, diploma and awards received and most recent previous school attended.

Data from this directory is often compiled without releasing identity for marketing purposes. Other information, like name and birthdate, are often requested by people wishing to donate gifts or send birthday cards to the children. When names are released for these reasons, only the first name and last initial are given
Parents/guardians may choose on annual consent forms to “opt-out” if they do not wish to allow this information to be released.

ACCC uses photos, videos, and stories about the Center and its students for recruitment, promotion, and fund raising purposes. Again, parents/guardians may choose to opt out of participation for these purposes when completing consent forms.

Notice of Privacy Practices

Effective April 14, 2003, the Federal Privacy Rule, a component of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires ACCC to provide each patient with a Notice of Privacy Practices.

This notice describes how ACCC may use and disclose patients’ personal health information (PHI) and ACCC’s legal obligation regarding patient rights to access and control of it.

Protected health information is a student’s identifiable information transmitted or stored in any form that concerns the student’s past, present or future physical or mental health or that relates to the provision of health care to or payment of health care for the student.

Each patient must receive a copy of the notice, which may be part of the admission packet or available at sites in the building.

In addition to providing the notice, ACCC must make a good faith effort to obtain a written acknowledgement of receipt of the notice and, if not obtained, will document the attempts and reason it wasn’t obtained.

In emergency situations where obtaining acknowledgement would interfere with patient care, ACCC will attempt to obtain acknowledgement as soon as possible.
ACCC Records personnel will accommodate reasonable patient/guardian requests for PHI to be communicated to them at alternative addresses or by alternative means. Requests for medical and billing information must be in writing.

All efforts are made to call parents/guardians whenever necessary. Per the HIPAA regulations, in order for us to verify we have the correct parent/guardian, identifying information must be left on the parent/guardian answering machine or a detailed message cannot be left.

Also, parents/guardians may request on consent forms that ACCC personnel do not leave messages on answering machines.

If a patient/parent/guardian requests records for the continuation of care, the first set is sent at no cost. If a second request is made and/or records are requested for other purposes than continuation of care, ACCC is required to charge a maximum of $20 for the first 25 pages and $.75 per page thereafter. (ND CC 23-12-14-(1)(b)). All requests must be made in writing.

A medical provider is required to provide an accounting (log) of requests made for medical records (i.e. school district, DD/case managers, etc..).

ACCC will provide one accounting within a 12 month period free of charge to the patient or the patient’s legal authorized representative.

Upon request for a second accounting or further requests within a 12 month period, ACCC will charge $5 per request.

Health/Medical Services

Once a child has been accepted to ACCC, a Jamestown primary care physician must be chosen. The method of medical care, whether traditional or non-traditional, is determined by the primary care physician and is considered within the realm of the medical decision making process. Any out-of-community physicians may certainly remain involved, but it is necessary to have a local physician who is familiar with the child and able to provide primary care.

ACCC is contracted with Dakota Clinic for physician and medical director services. The Dakota Clinic physicians are happy to provide primary care services for your child and will do so on-site whenever possible.

They, along with your assigned rehab nurse, are available to answer questions about your child’s on-going medical care.

You may select any primary care provider in the Jamestown area. You are not required to use ACCC’s contracted physicians Primary care physician functions include day-to-day services, visits for annual physicals, minor or major illnesses, and any other services that may be required. It also includes any ongoing paperwork that may need to be completed. Each child must have a primary care provider identified, and that physician must agree to be that child’s care provider. The primary care physician may see the child at the Center, or may ask that the child be brought to the clinic for evaluation. At any time, if the primary care physician for your child changes, please notify your rehab nurse.

Anytime your child is seen by someone other than the assigned primary care physician (i.e. a specialist) it is imperative that copies of the reports are received from that physician/facility in a timely manner to assure continuity of care and follow-up. ACCC staff will be happy to assist in helping you get these reports forwarded to us in a timely manner.

Teams of nurses, certified rehabilitation nurses, certified medication assistants, and life skills trainers coordinate and deliver each child’s/young adult’s medical care plan. A registered dietitian provides nutritional assessments.

Every child/young adult attending ACCC is entitled to timely medical attention as individual needs indicate. The final consent regarding medical treatment and assessment rests with the child’s parent(s)/guardian unless lack of consent by the parent(s)/guardian threatens the life of the child or presents a health danger to the child. The parent(s)/guardian will be contacted for consent prior to any medical visits/testing/procedures whenever possible. Every attempt will be made to contact parent(s)/guardian prior to starting or changing any medications. However, sometimes it can be difficult to immediately contact parent(s)/guardian to obtain permission.
In the event parent(s)/ guardian cannot be reached within 2 hours of the time a new medication has been ordered by the physician, ACCC staff will start the medication. The staff will continue to try contacting the parent(s)/guardian to relay the information. This does not apply to medications requiring approval by the Human Rights Committee or routine immunizations.

If parent(s)/guardian cannot be reached and care is deemed urgent, ACCC will obtain appropriate care. (in loco parentis)

Release from ACCC

Children will be released from the care and responsibility of ACCC only to those people authorized by the parent(s)/guardian as listed on the Release Authorization form. If a name is not listed on the form, your child/ward cannot be released unless a witnessed telephone consent is obtained.

Before a child is released, the licensed nurse must verify the authorized person or parent. The authorized person then lists where they plan to go in the sign-out book located at the nurse’s office. Sign-out books are also located in each cottage which can be used to sign out those residents.

Prior approval should be obtained from the Home Life Services Director or Charge Nurse for a child to return earlier than planned from a home visit so adequate staffing can be implemented. If a child returns earlier than designated times, the authorized person may be asked to remain with the child until staff can be called in.

It is the parent/legal guardian and/or authorized person’s responsibility to stop at the nurse’s office or cottage office to inform the staff a child is leaving and returning to ACCC.

Federal ICF-MR

Federal ICF-MR licensing regulations require that a child be out of group homes overnight no more than 30 days a year. (When planning trips home for your child, this may need to be considered).

Release of Health Care Supplies for Home Visits

Children/young adults whose residential placement is funded by Medical Assistance/ Department of Human Services are provided with necessary supplies during home visits. These supplies may include, but are not limited to, over-the-counter medications, incontinentence products, wipes, and formula.

Children/young adults who reside at ACCC and are placed by the school district are considered boarding students. They are not eligible to have supplies sent home when visiting as the school district is not charged for these costs when the children are not here.

When a child leaves the campus, medications with instructions will be released by a licensed nurse or certified medication assistant to those persons authorized by the parent/guardian and/or ACCC staff.

Advanced notification of departure will ensure that medications and/or supplies are ready.

ACCC will supply sufficient medication from the pharmacy to cover the leave period unless family indicates they will provide the medication.

When the medication supply is released to those persons authorized by parent/guardian or ACCC staff, the responsible party and the licensed nurse or certified medication assistant must sign the medication administration record indicating the medication and amount taken.

Upon a child’s return, the returned medication is to be accepted, counted, verified, and documented by a nurse on the medication administration record.

Physical, Dental and Vision Examinations

An annual history and physical examination is required for your child. These examinations can be completed by the physician at ACCC or by your primary care provider. If your child is seen by a physician other than the one at ACCC, the ACCC History and Physical form must be used. Please contact the nursing office for this form.

Also, annual dental examinations and vision & hearing screenings are required for your child unless otherwise indicated.

These examinations need to be completed within 30 days prior to the child’s Individual Habilitation/Educational Program (IHP/IEP). Please return the completed form(s) to the ACCC Nursing Department no later than 15 days prior to the IHP/IEP. If these forms are not received by this deadline, ACCC will make arrangements to have the exams completed.

For children at ACCC short-term (less than three months) dental and vision exams may be waived with current updates.

Advance Directives

ACCC recognizes both the Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care as legal tools for implementing advance directives as defined by the North Dakota Century Code. The North Dakota Health Care Consent Act states that an authorized person may give informed consent for health care decisions for minors and incapacitated clients. ACCC acknowledges the client’s ability to make decisions concerning his/her medical care, which includes the right to accept or refuse medical or surgical treatment and the right to formulate advance directives which we will follow as long as they do not conflict with the ability to provide services.

More information about these decisions is available in the North Dakota Department of Human Services booklet, “Making Health Care Decisions in North Dakota.”

Transmission of Communicable Diseases

ACCC has established criteria and intervention techniques to decrease transmission of communicable disease. All signs and symptoms of illness are to be reported to nursing. When evaluation findings are consistent with the criteria set forth by Guidelines for Control of Communicable Illness, the child will be required to remain inside his/her bedroom until infectious disease is ruled out or treated for an adequate duration.

Immunizations

ACCC requires all children to be current with their immunizations per North Dakota Department of Health regulations. Some physician options may differ from ACCC requirements; however, these immunizations are for the protection of all children at the ACCC.

Immunizations included in the requirements are polio (OPV); Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP); Haemophilus B. Conjugate (HiB); Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR).

The Hepatitis B and Influenza vaccine are strongly recommended for protection of children with special health needs. For children who have not had chickenpox or have an unknown history, the Varicella vaccine is also strongly recommended. Please direct any questions to your child’s Rehabilitation Nurse Coordinator.

Asbestos Management

Federal law requires each school to maintain an Asbestos Management Plan and to make this plan available to the public, including children and staff.

The Asbestos Management Plan for Anne Carlsen Center for Children is available in the Administration Office and can be reviewed during normal business hours. It is also possible to receive a copy of this plan for the cost of photocopying.

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Family Involvement

We believe that children who live at Anne Carlsen Center for Children remain an integral part of their family and family life. ACCC is committed to the belief that each child who lives here continues to need ongoing and personal contact from his or her family through visits, letters and phone calls to benefit their emotional and physical well-being. This section outlines opportunities and expectations for continued family involvement.

Where efforts to involve the parent(s)/guardian and follow-through on responsibilities are not successful, the Center may consider making a referral to Child Protective Services for investigation of possible neglect.

Visitation

ACCC supports ongoing and consistent family involvement and visits. This may include visiting at ACCC or taking children home for visits.

We do expect families to spend personal time with their children through visits at home or at the Center with a frequency that is reasonable and manageable for the family. Though this may involve travel time and costs, the best interest of the child and his or her need for remaining involved with family is the priority. Families should take this expectation into consideration when considering placement at ACCC.

A two-bedroom guest house is available for families of children receiving services at ACCC to use when visiting. Household items and bedding are provided. Reservations can be made through the receptionist. Occasionally, a family may need to share the guest house with another family or student intern.

During periods of medical isolation, visitors are usually limited to family. Before visiting a child in isolation, permission for visitors outside the family must be obtained from nursing staff. Proper isolation technique must be observed per nursing instructions.

Religious Preference

As part of our holistic approach, we have a Chaplaincy Program to help provide for spiritual care and growth at ACCC. Our Chaplain provides pastoral care to the children and families at teh Center as well as staff, in times of crisis, adjustment, illness or emergency. Weekly chapel services are held as well as other in-house celebrations/services throughout the year. All children and families are welcome to participate in any of the services. Cultural enrichment is encouraged through the includsion of and respect for diverse religious/faith traditions.

Every effort will be made to honor religion preferences as indicated within the IHP/IEP document under the personal life plan goals. Examples include staff assistance with mealtime and/or bedtime prayers.
Preferences should be indicated in the religion section within the annuals/admissions consent documents.

Observation/Participation

Parents are invited to ACCC to observe, shadow and partipate in their child’s care and program at any time. Parents are invited to discuss their observations with the Individual Program Coordinator and any other members of their child’s team. It is important to note that because children live in a shared living space and shared classroom, privacy needs of others must also be considered. Therefore, ACCC does enforce visiting hours as necessary as well as restricting, when necessary, where families may be able to visit their children when at the Center.

Security

All doors in the facility are locked by 4:30 pm weeknights and throughout the weekend with the exception of the Northwest door located near the current handicapped parking and Schoenbohm (200 dorm) entry. These doors remains open until 8 p.m. A door bell has been installed for those needing to enter after hours.

In the cottages, the doors at the end of the hallways are locked at all times. The front and south entrances are locked at 10 p.m.

All visitors at the Center are required to check in at the front desk, nurses’ station or cottage and wear a “visitor” badge while on the campus. Residential staff may check your child’s records to verify that visitors are authorized by parents/guardians and all visits to children will be documented in their records.

Communication

Children are assisted by classroom and residential staff in sending weekly letters to their families via mail and/or email. ACCC’s website is frequently updated with news and information about Center activities.

Mail can be sent directly to residents as follows

• Dorms: 701 3rd St NW
• Fall Cottage: 605 3rd St. NW
• Winter Cottage: 603 3rd St. NW

ACCC also sends a periodic newsletter to parents and family members, providing updates about Center events.

Frequent telephone calls, letters, video/cassette tapes, pictures and/or scrapbooks from family members are strongly encouraged to maintain family involvement.

Externally, Anne Carlsen Center for Children uses photos, videos and stories about the Center and its children for education, recruitment, promotion, and fund raising purposes - all of which are vital to maintaining the children’s quality of education and care.

Parents/guardians are asked to authorize annually the involvement of their children for these purposes.

Billing/Funding

Children at ACCC may require and receive health services from various Jamestown area providers. Jamestown providers may include Jamestown Hospital, Dakota Clinic-Jamestown, MeritCare Clinic-Jamestown, MedCenter One, White Drug, Country Health, and HealthCare Accessories.

Their services may include doctor visits, lab tests, x-rays, medication, wheelchair repairs or equipment. These services are billed directly by the service provider and not by ACCC. It is important that parents/guardians provide ACCC with current medical coverage information (insurance, medical assistance) so these services can be billed correctly. It is also important that ACCC is kept informed of any changes in insurance coverage.

There may be some charges from ACCC which are parent/guardian responsibility.
There may be a recipient liability that some families will be responsible to pay to ACCC based on child support payments or SSI. Failure to pay ACCC any recipient liability charges for services provided by ACCC jeopardizes continued placement of the child.
Also, the daily room and board rate will be charged to the parent/guardian for each day a child is out of the facility exceeding the 30 days allowed by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DD) unless prior approval from DD has been granted for the absence.

If you have any questions concerning billing, please contact our Social Worker or the business office.

Contact Information

ACCC nurses and others make regular contact with families regarding medical and health issues (i.e. medical updates, obtain consent/authorization, emergencies, etc...) Therefore, it is imperative that ACCC have a way to reach parent(s)/guardian in a timely manner. ACCC requires the parent(s)/guardian to keep staff informed of a current address and phone number where they can be reached. A way to leave a message must be provided in the event that parent(s)/guardian cannot be reached, i.e. answering machine, cell phone, work number, temporary number, relative/friend, etc.. It is expected that calls from ACCC will be returned within 4-8 hours. It is imperative that ACCC be notified immediately with any change of contact information.

Paperwork Requirements

It is the family’s parent/guardian responsiblity to complete and return all necessary paperwork required for a child to receive needed services and programs (i.e. Medical Assistance redetermination, evaluation consents, etc...). When paperwork is not returned in a timely manner, service provision may lapse and continued placement at ACCC could be jeapordized.

Banking

Children are encouraged to leave their spending money in the ACCC business office, taking out only small amounts at a time as needed. Children may do their banking during regular banking hours: Monday-Friday from 8-4 pm. Children and their guardians may also choose to utilize one of the local community banks.

Those children unable to comprehend the full scope of their finances are assisted by the IPC, teacher or parent/guardian to determine the funds needed for personal spending.

Any purchases made for a child are documented by receipts for the items and are attached to initial request for funds. It is the parent(s)/guardian responsibility to deposit money in the child’s spending account as needed to ensure that money is available for personal items and recreational/leisure activities. This money should be mailed and/or given directly to the business office staff during business hours. During non-business hours, please give money to the charge nurse.

Supplemental Security Income

Your child may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income payments while residing at ACCC. (Receipt of this benefit is contingent upon placement source and/or funding source, as well as meeting financial and disability criteria.)

These payments are to be used for the benefit of the child. Should North Dakota Medical Assistance be the funding source for residential costs, the SSI benefit will be $30 per month.

A child under 18 years of age cannot receive the checks directly, but must have a representative payee who receives and administers the money for the child. For two reasons, we encourage you to authorize ACCC to apply for SSI and become payee for your child. First, it ensures the money will be here for the child’s benefit to be used for paying bills, personal expenses, spending money or however you choose. Second, we work closely with the Jamestown Social Security Office in applying for and handling the SSI for children residing at ACCC. We must account for all money received and how it was used for the child.

Financial Responsiblity

A child’s family/guardian continues to be responsible for providing financial support to meet the child’s needs - clothing and shoes, haircuts, toys, recreational spending, etc... While some children receive $30/month of SSI, it is recognized that not all needs will be covered by this alone. In some cases, families may also be responsible for a medical assistance recipient liability which is applied toward the child’s room and board. Non-payment of this liability can jeopardize the child’s continued placement at the Center.

Clothing, Personal Items, Valuables

A child’s family is responsible for providing all clothing. We strive to protect and preserve the clothing and personal property of each child. All clothing and personal property should be marked with first and last name for identification prior to child’s arrival. Clothing should not require special care instructions, as ACCC must wash clothing in hot water.

ACCC staff are available to assist your child/ward in obtaining professional hair care (i.e. cuts, permanents, etc.), purchasing clothing and personal care items.

Occasionally, clothing and/or toys will be donated to ACCC.

ACCC staff discuss with individuals and their families issues relating to insurance to ensure that people have the opportunity to consider such needs. We ask that you review what valuables your child has at the Center (entertainment equipment, camera, orthopedic equipment like wheelchairs and braces, communication devices, clothes, toys, decorations, art work, etc.) We want to inform you through this handbook that ACCC is not responsible for breakage or loss of any of these belongings in most cases.

We encourage you to discuss and determine the need for insurance for your child’s belongings through your family’s insurance company.

If the cost of this insurance coverage is prohibitive, the Center’s Social Worker can assist in efforts to find a way to pay for the premium.

We encourage parents to maintain a list of equipment serial numbers and have personal equipment engraved for identification. All valuables must be listed on an inventory form when a child is admitted to ACCC.

We ask you to tell the home life services staff of any changes in the valuables you are keeping here so this list may be kept up-to-date. We are concerned about lost items and will do our best to locate them; however, ACCC will not be responsible for money, jewelry, knickknacks, radios, stereos, TVs, cameras, or other personal belongings.

Entertainment Equipment

To respect others’ needs, television, stereos, tape recorders, VCRs, CDs, etc., should be played at a reasonable volume. Headphones are encouraged to avoid disturbing others. Children may give other children or staff permission to use their entertainment equipment. TV program viewing is at the discretion of family, taking into account program content and viewer audience.

Cable TV is available for children at the parents’ expense.

Equipment Usage

Children are encouraged to take communication and mobility equipment to events outside the Center like church, shopping and entertainment.

Those who are capable as determined by their therapist/IHP team members, are responsible for informing appropriate staff members of the need for maintenance and repair. Children and parents/legal guardians are responsible for the cost of all repairs needed for manual/electronic communication and mobility devices.

If parents wish, ACCC will arrange maintenance and repairs on privately owned equipment such as TVs, VCRs, typewriters and computers, and have the service company bill parent(s)/guardian directly for work completed.

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