Specifications include, but are not limited to: a. Transitional Residential On-Site Services, which means a licensed residential community care facility, designed to provide a comprehensive program of care consisting of a therapeutic residential community plus specialty mental health services in a campus model for individuals recovering from an acute stage of illness who are expected to move towards a more independent living situation, or higher level of functioning, within a three (3) to twelve (12) month period. b. Intensive diagnostic work, including learning disability assessment; full day treatment program with an active pre-vocational and vocational component; outreach to develop linkages with the general social service system. c. Counseling and ongoing assessment, development of support systems in the community, a day program which encourages interaction between individuals and the community-at-large, and an activity program that encourages socialization and utilization of general community resources. d. Alternatives to acute psychiatric hospitalization and institutional care based on the principles of residential community-based treatment. This includes a high level of care provided in a home-like setting, stringent staff requirements, twenty-four (24)-hour-a-day, seven (7)-day-a-week supervision and treatment assistance and community participation at all levels. e. At least one (1) staff member shall be present at any time there are individuals at the facility. There shall be a staffing ratio of at least one (1) full-time equivalent direct service staff for each two and one-half (2.5) individuals served. f. Staffing patterns should reflect, to the maximum extent feasible, at all levels, the cultural, linguistic, ethnic, sexual, and other social characteristics of the community the facility serves. g. The planned length of stay in the ARTP shall be in accordance with the individual’s assessed need, but not to exceed one (1) year; however, a length of stay not exceeding a maximum total of eighteen (18) months is permitted to ensure successful completion of the treatment plan and appropriate referral. The reasons for a length of stay beyond one (1) year shall be documented in the individual’s case record. h. Participation in any element of the system should not preclude the involvement of individuals in individual therapy. Therapists of individuals should, where possible, be directly involved in the development and implementation of a treatment plan, including medication and day program decisions. i. The program should demonstrate specific linkages with other programs, and with the general treatment and social service system, as a whole. These connections should not be limited to the mental health system, but should include, whenever possible, community resources utilized by the general population.
