Your child is not going into "the system." They are going into a home.
If your child, grandchild, or a young person you love is being considered for placement with United Community Services, this page is for you. Here is what to expect, in plain language.
A family, not a facility.
Your child will live in a private family residence with a Sponsor Parent whose home has been carefully approved by UCSI and licensed by the state. They will have their own bed, share meals at the family table, attend school, and be surrounded by adults who are trained and supported to care for them well.
This is not a group home. It is not foster care. It is a licensed therapeutic placement inside a real home.
The first 30 days.
Every child settles at their own pace. Here is what the first month typically looks like.
- Before arrival. You and your child receive photos of the Sponsor Parent home, the bedroom, and the family. Whenever possible, your child meets the Sponsor Parent at least once before moving in.
- Move-in day. Your child arrives with their belongings. The Sponsor Parent has the bedroom ready. A UCSI Coordinator is present to help everyone settle.
- First week. School enrollment is coordinated. Any medications and appointments are put on the calendar. Your child begins learning the household routines.
- First 30 days. Weekly Coordinator visits. An initial ISP review to check what's working and what needs to change. Approved family contact begins per the plan set by the placing worker.
Family involvement matters, and it's supported.
Contact and visits
Approved contact (phone calls, video visits, in-person visits) happens according to the plan set by the placing worker. UCSI helps coordinate schedules and, when needed, transportation.
Information sharing
You receive updates on your child's school, health, and well-being according to the approved information-sharing plan. You can ask the placing worker to relay questions to UCSI at any time.
Service planning
You are invited to participate in ISP reviews and treatment team meetings whenever the placing worker approves. Your voice matters in your child's plan.
Cultural and faith practices
We do our best to honor family traditions, cultural practices, and faith communities. Tell your worker what matters to your family and we'll do everything we can to support it.
Every youth in our care has rights, and they are protected.
While placed with UCSI, your child has the right to:
- Be treated with dignity and respect
- A safe, clean home with adequate food, clothing, and bedding
- Access to appropriate education and healthcare
- Approved contact with family, friends, and legal representatives
- Privacy of personal belongings and correspondence
- Participate in their own service planning
- Practice their own religion or faith of their family's choosing
- Freedom from abuse, neglect, and unnecessary restraint
- Voice concerns to an independent human rights advocate at any time
We're a phone call away.
Placement is hard. If you have a question about your child's care, if something doesn't feel right, or if you just want an update, reach out. We will always respond.
Talk to your child's Coordinator
Once placement begins, the assigned Coordinator's direct line and email are shared with the placing worker and, per plan, with the family.
Human Rights concerns
Every DBHDS-licensed provider gives youth and families the ability to raise a human rights concern directly with an independent advocate. Ask your Coordinator for the current contact information.
Emergency
For safety emergencies, always call 911 first, then notify the Coordinator or the on-call phone line.