STUDENT SUSPENSION AND DISCHARGE OF STUDENTS FROM HILLCREST PROGRAMS
Hillcrest Educational Centers does not suspend residential students for any reason. Hillcrest Educational Centers will utilize interventions in the Skills for Life Treatment Model and as indicated in Applied Behavioral Analysis up to and including Individualized Programming when appropriate to assist in behavior management and skill development.
Hillcrest Academy may suspend students for reasons consistent with, and following the protocols that are consistent with D.E.S.E. regulations as well as including the CSE for students placed at Hillcrest Educational Centers from New York State.
Hillcrest would follow the protocols outlined below related to Unplanned or Emergency Discharges. Additionally for New York state students Hillcrest will follow protocols outlined in 603 CMR 28.09 (12) which states that no student may be terminated until their LEA has assumed responsibility for the student and 8 CRR-NY 200.7(c)(2) which states that no student with a disability placed by a Committee on Special Education shall be removed or transferred from an approved out-of-state school without such recommendation by the Committee on Special Education.
When a discharge plan has been established, guardians and funding agencies, along with the youth (whenever possible) will be provided with a Clinical Discharge Summary that includes the disposition plan for the youth. All efforts will be made to obtain signature or alternative documentation to show that these stakeholders have received a copy. The Discharge Summary will include the following information as part of the disposition:
- Identified plan for discharge placement/housing/home to which they are returning
- Current psychotropic medications and any pertinent medication administration instructions or upcoming appointments
- Plan for clinical and psychiatric care and any pertinent instructions or upcoming appointments
- Contact information for emergency circumstances including any new or ongoing providers, local EMS providers (i.e. closest hospital to discharge placement), and any pertinent hotlines
- If there are any gaps in services that are beyond the control of HEC, all efforts that were made to obtain services prior to discharge will be documented
Additionally, the Nursing Department and Educational Department also provide Discharge Summaries that provide information regarding medical and educational services.
There are three types of discharges from any Hillcrest program.
1) Planned Discharge
A discharge plan is established during the development of the initial Comprehensive Treatment Plan. The CTP will include goals, including the discharge goal, objectives and strategies.
The discharge plan may be modified at any CTP review, depending on the progression of treatment and the status of potential post-placement resources. The student’s parent/guardian and funding agency will be involved in all discharge planning activities. Discharge summary document is completed by the date of discharge. A copy of this summary is provided within the student’s discharge paperwork.
2) Unplanned Discharge
An unplanned discharge may occur when a student has been determined to be unmanageable within HECprograms. The need for an unplanned discharge can be determined only by the Executive Team in conjunction with the treatment team, the Program Director and the Clinical Director. An unplanned discharge is only considered when all other treatment options have been exhausted. The student’s parent/guardian and funding agency, including student’s local school district, will be involved in determining all significant changes in treatment, including the decision to conduct an unplanned discharge. Hillcrest will provide the student’s parent/guardian and funding agency with an identified timeline to find an alternate placement.
If a guardian or adult student (own guardian) signs out of Hillcrest’s care against medical advice, they will be provided with numbers for a crisis hotline as well as contact information for social service providers in their local area, should they need support. The numbers and information are located on the AMA form that the guardian or adult student will be signing, a copy of that form should be provided to them during this process. If Hillcrest feels an unplanned discharge presents a risk to the student or others, or would create a potentially abusive/neglectful situation, Hillcrest will contact the appropriate social service agency, crisis team, and/or law enforcement.
3) Emergency Discharge
An emergency discharge occurs only when a student has been determined to be exhibiting behavior requiring the care of a hospital or secure (i.e., locked) facility.
The need for an emergency discharge can only be determined by the consulting psychiatrist in conjunction with the Executive Team, the Treatment Team, and the Program Director.
The student’s parent/guardian and funding agency will be kept fully informed at every stage of an emergency discharge.
PLAN FOR FOLLOW-UP SERVICES
Hillcrest will work collaboratively with the student’s custodial agency to determine what aftercare services are necessary and/or preferable for the student being discharged from Hillcrest. Hillcrest will provide formal recommendations for time limited follow up services based on these conversations. However, it is the responsibility of the guardian to secure these services. Hillcrest will not be financially responsible for the provision of services after discharge.
Following discharge, Hillcrest makes every effort to track students’ status and progress for one year. The results are compiled into an annual outcome study.