How do I refer a child to BRC?

A child/adolescent can be referred to The Barry Robinson Center by contacting our Admissions Department by phone (757) 455-6100, fax (757) 455-8508, or email admissions@barryrobinson.org. A BRC representative will assist you in the referral process.

How quick is the referral/admission process?

The process is dependent upon information received, which is necessary in determining the appropriateness of the child's placement with BRC; the type of services you are seeking; funding resources for the child's placement; space availability; and completion of the admission documentation.

Does BRC have emergency/acute services?

The Barry Robinson Center does not provide inpatient psychiatric acute care in any of its programs. If you are seeking foster care placement on an emergency basis, BRC may be able to help. However, in the event of a mental health emergency, please contact your primary care physician or proceed to the emergency room immediately.

What insurance is accepted for services?

The Barry Robinson Center accepts Medicaid and community funding for residential services. Of note, Medicaid will not authorize payment for educational services and, therefore, those services must be authorized for payment through community funding. BRC accepts Virginia Medicaid, North Carolina Medicaid, Washington, DC Medicaid, and West Virginia Medicaid for residential services. Children who are admitted to BRC's residential programs may become eligible for Medicaid coverage for the duration of their treatment. Admission Representatives can give you more information during the referral and intake process.

BRC's In-Home Services accepts Virginia Medicaid and Comprehensive Services Act (community) Funding.

Funding for foster care services is provided jointly by Virginia Medicaid and community funding. Prevention Services and Independent Living Services are covered by community funding.

What is FAPT?

FAPT (Family Assessment and Planning Team) is a panel of individuals that looks at the strengths and needs of individual youth and families, decides what services may be needed, and prepares a service plan with input from families.

The team includes parents, staff from community services boards, court service units, the departments of health and social services, the public schools and private providers. In some localities, these teams go by different names and may also include other members.

You can find out more about FAPT and Virginia's Comprehensive Services Act online at www.csa.state.va.us/html/parents/parents_faqs.cfm.

What is the length of stay at The Barry Robinson Center?

The length of stay for a child/adolescent in The Barry Robinson Center's programs is dependent upon the needs of the child/adolescent. Youth in all programs receive services as long as the treatment team, youth and family determine there is a need for the service.

Can a parent refer their child/adolescent to The Barry Robinson Center?

Yes, The Barry Robinson Center does consider parent referrals for its HomeBase and residential treatment services. Residential treatment referrals most typically come through community-based professionals (e.g., psychiatrist, social worker, hospital case manager/discharge planner, probation officer). Residential treatment also typically requires independent verification by a physician that the youth meets the medical necessity criteria for the care. BRC representatives can explain these processes and help parents to work through them.

How do I qualify for Medicaid?

If you do not have Medicaid for your child/adolescent, you can contact your local Department of Social Services/Human Services Department and request an application for Medicaid. You would want to apply as a "Family of One" under the child's/adolescent's name.

What is PEM?

The Psycho-Educational Model (PEM) is a Motivational System used by BRC's residential programs that is based upon the Boys Town Psycho-Educational Model, which incorporates a "biopsycho-social" approach. PEM is a positively focused behavior motivation system that encourages and teaches youth to engage in prosocial, effective coping behaviors.

What are the requirements for visitation and family therapy while my child is in residential treatment at BRC?

In order to provide the most positive and beneficial therapy for children/adolescents, The Barry Robinson Center strongly encourages parents and families to be active participants in the child's/adolescent's therapy, including active, face-to-face participation in family sessions.

There are regularly scheduled visiting hours on weekends, but the programs will modify that schedule if you are from out of the area, have a conflicting work schedule, or have other reasons that you cannot visit during scheduled hours. Ask the treatment coordinator of your child's residential program for help arranging visiting hours for you.

Does Barry Robinson have minimum IQ requirement for their residents?

The Barry Robinson Center does not have a minimum IQ requirement for any of its programs; each program assesses children/adolescents on an individual basis to determine whether the service can help. The Barry Robinson Center does offer a specialized residential program for those with developmental disabilities.

Does The Barry Robinson Center's Residential Educational Program facilitate transition back to pubic school?

The Barry Robinson Center's Residential Educational Program offers specialized services to meet the needs of each child/adolescent, including those outlined in the child's Individual Education Plan (IEP), which facilitates a smooth transition back to public school. BRC's Educational Program is for residents of the treatment programs only.

Are there any exclusionary behaviors that BRC will not accept?

All children who have been referred to The Barry Robinson Center are reviewed on an individual basis to assess the agency's ability to meet the needs of that child/adolescent.

What is the level of interaction between boys and girls in the residential program?

The Barry Robinson Center does not allow boys and girls to go into one another's rooms or share living space. Boys and girls in The Barry Robinson Center's residential program remain under the direct supervision of our staff at all times. The children/adolescents participate in school activities, group therapy, activity therapy, and dorm activities together.