Parents/Guardians

Helping Parents Support Their Child During the Treatment Process

At Bridgeway, we provide comprehensive services, but meaningful progress is only possible when parents and guardians are actively involved in the treatment process.

Our goal is to help the youth we serve grow into healthy, productive members of society. Achieving that goal requires the partnership, time, and commitment of parents and guardians.

Below, you’ll find ways you can support your child and guidance on when to contact Bridgeway. For additional information, please visit our Resource Center.

Parents or guardians

What Should I Be Doing?

Active involvement from parents and guardians throughout the treatment process plays a vital role in a child’s success. At times, your child’s behavior may feel difficult to manage, but these challenges also provide an opportunity to strengthen your relationship by working together toward positive change.

You can support this process by:

  • Attending all scheduled meetings, appointments, and court hearings on time
  • Your presence at court hearings is not only a meaningful demonstration of support for your child, but it is also required by the court. Equally important is your consistent attendance at all scheduled meetings and appointments, which helps ensure continuity of care and communication.
  • Participating in all decisions regarding your child
  • You know your child best, and your insight is essential to their treatment. By actively participating in decisions, you can share important information about your child’s behavior at home and school. This input helps the treatment team develop a more accurate and effective plan tailored to your child’s needs.

When Should I Contact Bridgeway?

Emergencies

If you are experiencing an emergency or a dangerous, life-threatening situation, call 911 immediately.

Do not wait to contact Bridgeway for urgent emergencies.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

  • Medical emergencies
  • A youth expressing suicidal thoughts or engaging in suicidal behaviors
  • A youth behaving in a threatening or violent manner
  • Home emergencies such as fire, flood, or similar urgent safety concerns

Routine Questions or Concerns

A probation worker will meet with parents/guardians and the youth at least once per week if the youth is living at home, and at least once per month if the youth is placed in a residential facility outside the home.

If you have non-emergency questions or concerns, you may contact your probation worker during regular business hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Examples of appropriate reasons to call include (but are not limited to):

  • The youth is ill and unable to attend school or treatment
  • Transportation issues are preventing attendance at required appointments or services
  • The youth is not following household rules
  • Issues or concerns related to the youth’s tether or monitoring equipment