The Youth Horizons Trust programme currently has six residential facilities, including a specialist family home in Hamilton. Prior to 2005, Youth Horizons operated a Learning Centre, funded by the Ministry of Education. This responsibility has now been handed to a registered state school.
Stage One
The Youth Horizons Trust runs a two-tiered residential system. Initially, Youth Horizons proposed three levels that included a Stage One intensive specialist unit of ten beds. The Stage One facility did not eventuate and existing facilities are utilised. At present, young people referred to Youth Horizons Trust who require stabilisation are sent to the Department of Child, Youth and Family's Northern Residential Unit for a secure placement.
Stage Two
The Youth Horizons Trust currently operates two Stage Two houses. These are structured community homes with intensive staffing and a high level of supervision - a house manager and specialist youth workers (SYW). Each house operates with a minimum of two staff, 24 hours a day. SYWs have a variety of backgrounds including social work, psychology, education, and/or community work experience. At night, one staff member stays awake, while another sleeps over at the house and is woken if needed. Five young people are housed in the Stage Two home. The young person has the opportunity to earn increasing levels of responsibility and freedom. Reintegration into the community and family/whanau are encouraged whenever and wherever possible. Families are encouraged to have regular contact and young people can have home or community visits depending on their behaviour.
Stage Three
Each of two Stage Three family homes are staffed by house parents and have a maximum of four young people. The programme's behavioural principles continue and are incorporated into everyday life in the house. At this level, most of the young people participate in training courses, attend mainstream schools, or participate in work experience. From here, young people will either reintegrate into their families or move on to independent living.
Psychiatric Management
Research suggests that 90% of young people who have a diagnosis of conduct disorder have other mental health conditions (Searight, Rottnek & Abby, 2001). Prior to admission, a psychiatrist must assess all young people who are referred to the Youth Horizons programme. Regular psychiatric reviews occur for all young people on medication. Psychiatric assessment and support is provided for young people who are not on medication but are experiencing mental health difficulties.