The CHOICES Programs Organization

Who do We Serve The age range of children served in our residential group care program is 8-17 male and female. These children must have a court order of dependency by the state of Floridaand be determined “traditional” foster children. Each referral will be reviewed on an individual basis. As part of our goal is to create and maintain a homelike environment in a community residential setting and with this goal in mind there are disabilities and behaviors that are not conducive to our setting. Behaviors such as history of untreated major mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression, psychotic disorder NOS, borderline personality disorders, bipolar D/O w/ psychotic features, children who display hyper-sexually acting out behaviors, and children who have a history of arson and cruelty to animals. We are unable to provide services for children who have sever physical disabilities or critical health issues.

We Want to Help To start the process, simply contact our office    at 386-218-6890. We will be glad to discuss your child’s individual strength and needs with you and help you determine what services best suit your child. We look forward to hearing from you and helping your child overcome yesterday adversity with today’s choices.

How to Refer a Child The application process begins with a phone call by a placement specialist to our office at 386-218-6890. Our administrative staff will conduct a preliminary phone screening of the potential child in order to determine the very best combination of services we and other community members can provide.  This phone screening generally takes approximately twenty to thirty minutes and allows both legal guardian and staff opportunity to ask appropriate questions about the child’s readiness to be part of our program. We will inquire about child’s presenting problem, current diagnoses, medication and history of prior placements.  At the conclusion of this conversation referring agency will be instructed to submit a written CHOICES Screening Form, Comprehensive Behavioral Assessment ( CBHA ), DJJ Face Sheet and current Service Plan or Treatment Plan ( if applicable).  Once the child is accepted and placement approves, the caseworker of referring agency must accompany the child with the following necessary documentation:

•    Court or Shelter Order for Dependency 
•     Psychotropic Medication Order (if applicable) w/ 30 day supply of medication or prescription
•     Medicaid number,
•     SSN Card, Birth Certificate 
•    Current Health Physical, School Records (withdrawal), Safety    Plan ( if applicable)
•     Adequate clothing to include: 5 changes of clothing, appropriate undergarments, 1 pair of closed toe shoes