Parents/Guardians

Helping Parents Support Their Child During the Treatment Process

While Bridgeway offers comprehensive services, no treatment plan is complete without the support of parents/guardians.

We want the youth who are referred to Bridgeway Services to become productive members of society, but we need the input, time, and commitment from parents/guardians to make that happen. Find out how you can help and when you should contact Bridgeway below. For additional information, please visit our Resource Center.

Parents or guardians

What Should I Be Doing?

Active participation from parents/guardians during the treatment process has many benefits. At times, it may feel like your child’s behavior is beyond your control, but this can be an opportunity to strengthen your relationship by working together to overcome a challenging situation. You can accomplish this by:

  • Attending and arriving on time to meetings, scheduled appointments, and court hearings.
  • Your attendance at court hearings is not only an important sign of support for your child, but it’s also required by the court. In addition to court hearings, your presence at scheduled meetings is also very important.
  • Participating in all decisions about your child.
  • No one knows your child as well as you do, and that’s one reason why it’s critical for you to be an active participant in all decisions regarding your child. You can provide important information like home and school behaviors, which will help shape the treatment plan and make it more effective.

When Should I Contact Bridgeway?

If you encounter an emergency, like a dangerous or life-threatening situation, 911 should be your very first call. These issues might include (but are not limited to):

  • Medical emergencies
  • Youth showing suicidal behaviors
  • Youth acting in a threatening manner
  • Home emergencies, such as fire, flood, etc.

A probation worker will meet with parents/guardians and their child at least once per week if at home and once per month if the child is in residential placement outside the home. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact your probation worker during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.). These issues might include (but are not limited to):

  • The youth being sick and unable to attend school or treatment
  • Transportation issues preventing attendance at a required meeting
  • The youth breaking rules at home
  • Problems with the youth’s tether