As I wrote earlier, I think it is important to note that the MG does not accept children who have a history of violence, serious emotional or behavioral issues, or severe mental health issues. The children housed at the MG are those with problems such as low self-esteem, low motivation, identity issues, bereavement, family conflict, depression, etc.
Now the question anyone should ask themselves, is it necessary to put children with these sorts of issues in a residential facility for years on end?
Which brings me to an issue that is particularly problematic to me.
Virtually all research supports the fact that children in need of services, except in the most extreme situations do best in their family with support. Typically every possible solution is exhausted prior to a child being placed in a residential facility... it is the last resort (I understand parents choose to place their children there but go with me here for a minute). Now, forget about the fact that in my opinion, there is never a reason to place children with "soft to moderate" behavior issues in a residential facility such as the MG, we have to wonder why children are there for years and years and years.
When a child in need of services is placed in a residential facility they enter with the goal of being returned to their home (family member or permanent foster care if their home is not appropriate) usually within six months or so. They enter with the explicit purpose of learing new skills, getting the needed help and
moving out. It is never a place considered appropriate for a child to live long term.
If a child is not dramatically improving within six months then it becomes clear the facility is not the proper placement for the particular child.
Yet in the case of the MG, we have children living there for years and years.. how can this be? Any expert in the world would immediately know this was completely inappropriate.
It is like a doctor prescribing a particular medication with some horrible side effects, realizing the meds are not working but insisting the patient continue to take the meds for years. It is unconscionable.
I suppose the MG gets away with it because they are licensed for foster care.
Another thing, the MG website does correctly state that the family must be involved to help children with behavioral problems, yet it is also clear that children are not allowed to contact their parents for some time and contact is very limited most likely monitored. In addition, it seems that many children placed in the MG are not from the area so I wonder how the family can in any way be involved in treatment or family therapy. (Eric, did your step father participate in family therapy with the MG)?
The whole thing reeks of problems.