Reminders for a successful home pass

Remember that they are coming home tired & hungry.

Remember that your lives have gone on without them. They may feel left out or uncomfortable at first.

Let them tell you about what they have learned and experienced at GYA.

Let them show you the skills that they have learned at GYA.

Be curious about the plans that they now have for their futures.

Respond with curiosity not with judgment.

Summarize and reflect back to them when they tell you stories. Make sure that they feel heard.

Don’t try to solve the family conflict. Work to build the relationship. Get to know them again.

Facilitate their motivation to keep to some of their schedule and routines.

Have them show you what they can physically do now. Be playful. See if you can do as many push ups or sit ups as they can.

Don’t make assumptions about their behaviors. (Ex. If they are wanting to go in their rooms and sleep, it does not mean that they are isolating or going to use drugs. They have not had any “alone” time in a while).