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When our daughter called from jail over Labor Day weekend, I was pretty
sure I knew what to do, because my specialty as an Educational Consultant with
IECA is working with young people in trouble. I also knew immediately that my role as father
and consultant should not be intertwined. And I knew who to call. Rob is both a consultant and
a therapist, and a warm and insightful friend. Rob has carried us through our journey with
a knowledgeable and firm gentleness. Thirty months later, our 30-year-old child is now a
thriving young woman who has taken over her own life, has a fine job and friends, pays her
own bills, and sparkles with goodness and warmth. As Dickens wrote, she is "recalled to life."
Rob is our family angel.
If you are seeking guidance in the selection of a school or program, this is the process that we will follow. Each family situation is different and each case unfolds in its own unique way.
Initial Consultation:
Taking up to 30 minutes, this free consultation is generally done over the phone. This is an opportunity
for family members to ask questions and learn what to expect. It allows us to get a feel for your
issues and determine whether or not we will be able to help.
Evaluation:
During our intake interview, we obtain a thorough history, gather records, and collect necessary
paperwork. A separate appointment is scheduled to meet with the student individually. We ask you to
bring copies of all school records and testing data. To get a full picture of your child's strengths,
challenges, and needs, we review the records and conduct interviews with selected individuals (e.g.
teachers, counselors, coaches). We'll recommend a psychologist if additional testing is required.
Recommendation:
After determining the optimal type of environment for your child, we provide a list of possible
programs or schools via email or phone. After you've visited the various websites, we schedule a
phone call to discuss the pros and cons of each program. Once a program is selected and space
availability is determined, you are responsible for submitting the application and deposit to
secure the available space. We will expedite the application process in any way we are able.
Monitoring and Advocacy:
After placement, we maintain phone contact with you and the staff at your child's program throughout
your child's time there. In the case of therapeutic placements, this will include scheduled updates
from the student's primary therapist, scheduled calls with you, the occasional conference call
with you and your child's therapist, and other calls when needed. In the case of non-therapeutic
placements, we will determine a schedule for regular contact.
Follow-up Planning and Support:
Our consulting contract includes basic coaching for transition and reunification after a residential
school or program — a crucial part of the process. We may provide additional placement assistance,
recommend comprehensive aftercare providers, and meet with the student to share in their success.
This coaching is given in occasional 30-60 minute phone or conference calls with the parents and
program personnel. This is not meant to be a comprehensive transition planning service. Families may
purchase our Life Learning Plan™, which involves
up to 30 hours of coaching and support.
Therapy, Workshops, Consulting:
Many families supplement their contract, taking advantage of our additional services for parent
support, transition planning, therapy, and/or experiential workshops. Please look at the Family
Programs section of this website for details.
Our son is now at a wonderful school and is progressing. Rob has continued
to check in with us to make sure the program is living up to our expectations and our son's needs.
