Aftercare Support for Youth and Families

Six months of guided support after residential treatment

Our youth aftercare support program stays connected with teens and families for six months after discharge, helping them navigate real-world challenges and maintain the progress they made in treatment.

Support That Continues Beyond Discharge

A planned transition, not an ending

At Norman C. Sleezer Youth Home, discharge is not the moment support ends—it’s the beginning of a new phase of care. Before a teen leaves the program, our team works with her, her family, and the referring agency to create an individualized aftercare plan. This plan outlines goals for home, school, and community, along with specific coping strategies and supports. By approaching discharge as a transition instead of a finish line, we help reduce the risk of setbacks and strengthen long-term stability.

What Our Aftercare Program Includes

Practical, consistent follow-up for youth and caregivers

Our six-month aftercare program focuses on staying connected, problem-solving early, and reinforcing the skills youth learned in treatment. Key elements often include:


  • Regular check-ins – Scheduled phone calls, virtual meetings, or in-person visits with our Intake and Care Coordinator to see how things are going at home, in school, and in the community.


  • Referrals and coordination – Support connecting to local outpatient therapy, school counselors, support groups, or mentors, and coordinating with those providers so care feels seamless.


  • Crisis and challenge support – Coaching youth and families through difficult moments, helping them apply coping skills, and adjusting plans as new needs emerge.


  • Ongoing guidance for families – A trusted point of contact families can reach out to for resources, reassurance, and help navigating services during the aftercare period.

Building Stability Through Ongoing Connection

Helping teens apply skills in real-life settings

The months after treatment are often when new skills are tested—back at school, at home, and in the community. Our aftercare services help teens and caregivers make sense of what’s working, what’s hard, and what needs adjustment so progress can continue. When challenges appear, we focus on problem-solving rather than blame, reinforcing the same principles of responsibility and caring for self and others that guided treatment. Time and again, we see that youth who participate in aftercare are better able to stay on track, maintain positive relationships, and move toward long-term goals.

Here, healing isn’t just talked about in therapy—it’s practiced in every conversation, every routine, every small win.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding our youth aftercare support program

  • When does aftercare start and how long does it last?

    Aftercare begins as soon as a resident is discharged from Norman C. Sleezer Youth Home and continues for up to six months. Planning for this phase starts before discharge so everyone understands what to expect and who will be involved. This structured timeframe provides enough support to navigate the early months of transition while encouraging youth and families to build their own sustainable support networks.

  • Who participates in aftercare services?

    Aftercare is designed for both the youth and the caregivers who are supporting her after she leaves the home. Our team coordinates with parents or guardians, caseworkers, probation officers, and new providers such as therapists or school staff. By keeping everyone informed and connected, we create a network of support around the youth instead of leaving her to figure things out alone.

  • What kinds of issues can aftercare help with?

    Aftercare can address a wide range of real-life challenges, such as adjusting to new routines at home, re-enrolling in school, navigating peer relationships, or managing stress and triggers in the community. We help youth and families use the coping skills learned in treatment to handle conflicts, setbacks, or emotional struggles. When more formal services are needed, we assist with referrals and coordination so families do not have to navigate the system on their own.

  • How often will the Youth Home check in during aftercare?

    Frequency of contact is tailored to each youth’s needs, but it typically includes more frequent check-ins early in the aftercare period, then tapering as stability increases. This may involve weekly or biweekly calls at first, along with additional contact if a crisis or major change arises. Our goal is to be present enough to be helpful while encouraging youth and families to build confidence and independence over time.

  • Can families reach out if they need help between scheduled contacts?

    Yes, families are encouraged to contact our aftercare staff if concerns arise between scheduled check-ins. Whether they are worried about a change in behavior, struggling with a school issue, or unsure where to turn for additional services, we want them to know they are not alone. By responding early and collaboratively, we can often prevent small problems from becoming larger crises.