Virtual Residential Programs (VRP) ©™

The Virtual Residential Program provides families, schools and communities with a community-based alternative to unnecessary out-of-home placements. The program also seeks to facilitate the successful reunification of youth with their families following residential, psychiatric or foster home placements.

The Virtual Residential Program (VRP) is a distinctive and effective service that unites highly intensive, multi-systemic in-home services within the structure of a residential approach. The average intensity of VRP services initially is thirty-five hours per week, with a focus on defusing imminent risk factors and implementing crisis stabilization plans. Services are initially planned within an eight-week time frame and extended in four-week increments based on treatment team recommendations and referral source authorizations. Step-down services are available to transition families toward less restrictive services at the earliest possible opportunity.

The VRP Treatment Team, including the client, referring agency representative and parent/guardian, establish the Virtual Residential Schedule, which individualizes daily routines and integrates treatment and behavior management components. The Team also introduces the Five-Phase System, which outlines the youth's responsibilities and privileges while in each of the program phases: Orientation, Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Graduation.

All services are delivered in the client’s home and community, allowing families the opportunity to address challenges in the environment where they are most likely to occur. Interventions include behavior management, individual and family counseling, case management, crisis intervention, medication monitoring, parenting skills training and education. When appropriate, VRP staff will work with alternative education programs, to include on-site assistance, after school transition services and educational/vocational planning. VRP is available in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, and Ohio.