Q. What are the program expectations of me? What can I do so that I'm not bored?
A. Once accepted into the program, your counselling and support team will assist you in accomplishing your goals. These agreed upon service objectives may range from participating
in recreational activities, reviewing your behaviours, leading a healthy lifestyle, continuing your education, finding a part time job, working through family difficulties, enhancing your interpersonal skills, or many other planned or spontaneous activities.

Q. How long will I stay in the Therapeutic Support Homes Program?
A. Ultimately, this decision is between you and your parents but the Venture Academy Clinical Team will be making recomendations as you progress in the program. Venture Academy recommends youth participate in the program until most, or all of the originally identified goals have been completed. Depending on your willingness and motivation, usually this means a minimum stay of about six months. Sometimes, completing these goals may take longer, or you may discover new goal areas to work on. You may also want to finish off the school year, or continue with new-found activities and friendships. In these instances, you may be in the program for eight to ten months or longer.

Q. My parents want to know that I'm going to be safe and feel comfortable while away from home. How can they be assured of this?
A. Without a doubt, your safety is of the utmost importance to Venture Academy. Staff (who are subject to criminal record checks and trained in non-violent crisis intervention) are chosen because
of their compassion and proven experience in successfully working with youth. Whether it's a one
on one discussion, or engaging in challenging outdoor activities, the Venture Academy team make
it their priority to ensure all participants feel emotionally safe and are physically protected.

Q. When can I go home to visit my family?
A. Venture Academy staff recognizes that this may be the first time the participants have been separated from their families for an extended period. Keeping in mind the programs objectives and your goals, youth and parents are encouraged to pre-plan home visits in a manner least disruptive
to the participants established routines. Our team will be in discussions with your family about this.

Q. Can family come and visit me?
Yes. Visits can be accommodated at agreed upon times. Venture Academy staff will take time to
talk with your parents about the program, your goals, objectives and your participation.

Q. I've noticed words like therapeutic, emotional growth, self-esteem, etc. Do you need to have some kind of "problem" to get into Venture Academy's Therapeutic Support Homes?
No. Venture Academy believes that all youth benefit from our nurturing philosophy, ambitious expectations, skill building and the application of universal principles such as emotional growth support, life skills etc. Each individual is different. We help youth achieve agreed upon growth
and service objectives as identified in your Individual Service Plan.

Q. The physical activities sound challenging. What if I can't keep up?
A. Don't worry. Venture Academy's trained and experienced staff are sensitive to the needs and capabilities of all youth in our care. Yes you will be challenged, but the staff will always be aware
of your individual comfort level and will support you in pushing your own limits at your own pace.

Q. What if I want to pursue an activity I recently experienced while in the Therapeutic Support Homes Program?
A. No problem. With your parent's approval, Venture Academy will match you with an identified resource and help you develop a more intensive schedule that will favor greater involvement in the activity of your choice. After all, our common goal is for you to develop healthy alternatives to drug and alcohol use.

Q. How will I know I'm taking the right school courses to get into the university or college
of my choice?
A. Venture Academy staff and local teachers assist youth and parents in identifying post secondary entry-level subject material. Youth in our programs have every opportunity to, and are supported in achieving their academic goals.

Q. Is there a dress code at the Therapeutic Support Homes? Can I bring my own clothes?
A. Yes there is a dress code at the Therapeutic Support Homes. Clothes must be reasonably appropriate and suitable for the activity in which you are participating. Venture Academy will not allow any clothes that display a negative message or are decorated with alcohol or drug logos or offensive portrayals. You are required to bring your own clothes but Venture Academy will gladly assist you in purchasing clothes from local outlets which will be suitable for your stay.

Q. I have a special diet and there are things that I can't or won't eat. How can this be accommodated?
A. Your Parent Counsellors plan the menu based on the Canada Food Guide and in consultation
with a dietician and the youth residents. Individual needs and tastes are considered. With
notification, your special diet will be accommodated.

Q. My spiritual life is important to me. Will I be able to attend church and practice my religion while participating in the Venture Academy Therapeutic Support Homes Program?
A. Yes, Venture Academy is sensitive to the spiritual beliefs of youth and their families. If desired,
you will be supported in accessing an identified place of worship and will be given the respect and freedom to practice your religion.

Q. What happens if I get sick? Will I be able to have access to a doctor and a pharmacy?
A. Your health is very important. Any illness will be attended to immediately. You will have access
to emergency medical care or a doctor for any treatments necessary.