Frequently Asked Questions

SCHOOL QUESTIONS:

How much does it cost?
Non-residential students must pay a monthly tuition of $100. Scholarships are available.

Is there a waiting list?
Yes. There is usually a short waiting list.

Are you accredited?
We are an extension of Harbor Academy located in Oklahoma. Harbor Academy is accredited by the National Association of Private Schools.

PARENT/RESIDENT QUESTIONS:

How much does it cost?
The monthly tuition for the residential program is $1,000 plus an initial $500 registration fee. Scholarships are available and it is our goal to provide services regardless of a family’s ability to pay. We do require that every family make a significant financial sacrifice to have their child receive our services so that the family is more inclined to participate in the process.

How long does the program last/how long will I have to be there?
The program is designed to last between 6 and 12 months. The amount of time necessary to complete the requirements is entirely dependent upon the resident’s desire to truly change. We do have a transitional living program for residents who graduate our program but feel that returning to their previous environment would not be in their best interest.

This is not a place to just “do your time.” Progress in DCTD is demonstrated by completed requirements and by observable behavior. Teens who are not willing to change their behavior and thought patterns would be better served by another program.

How do you handle complaints?
Complaints about our services by parents, neighbors, or community members can be made to the Home Directors, the Program Director, or Community Care Licensing. We encourage complaints to be directed to our facility first so that we have every opportunity to work with you to solve the problem.

What about visits?
Residents may make phone calls the duration of which depends upon their behavior and level. Home passes are arranged on the first weekend of every month the duration of which depends upon the child’s behavior and level.

What type of kids do you take?
We take males and females between the ages of 12 and 17 years of age who are looking for a second chance. We deal primarily with behavior issues and mild to moderate substance use. We are not a detox facility nor do we provide medical or clinical services. We are not equipped to take minors with severe psychological needs.

Do you provide counseling?
Clinical counseling will be provided at an additional cost to the parent/legal guardian. DCTD does not provide clinical counseling but does provide Pastoral Counseling or Spiritual Coaching as needed.

COURT/PROBATION/LEGAL OFFICIALS:

Are you a licensed facility?
Yes. We are a licensed group home in the State of California. We are licensed and overseen by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Our Facility Number is 198204158.

Why don’t you have a contract with the County of Los Angeles or an RCL?
Due to our faith-based nature, we only accept private placements. We do not accept county placements nor do we accept funds from the county or state thus avoiding any church-state conflicts. We believe that it is a critical error to neglect the spiritual development of adolescents.

Do you work with Courts and Probation then?
Yes… if a judge wishes to honor a parent’s request to place their child with DC Teen Discipleship, we need the judge to order the child home on probation with the condition that the child be enrolled in a residential program of the parent’s choice. This allows the parent to choose DCTD without the judge ordering the child into a “Christian” residential program.

Separation of church and state issues?
As a licensed group home, we are mandated to adhere to certain rules and guarantee certain rights to residents. As a private placement facility, however, parents and children who voluntarily agree to enter our residential program must sign a waiver forfeiting some of those “rights.” An example of a right that is waived by the voluntary placement in DCTD follows: the right to “attend religious services of his/her choice and to have visits from the spiritual advisor of his/her choice. Attendance at religious services, in or outside of the facility, shall be on a completely voluntary basis.”

By enrolling in DCTD, a Christian, faith-based program, the child and the child’s parents or authorized representatives waive this right and the resident will attend church services and Bible studies as part of his / her “treatment.”