Admissions

Opportunity Farm for Boys & Girls would like to take this opportunity to commend all children and families who strive to achieve their personal best. Considering an out-of-home placement is certainly an act of courage, one which requires bravery, hard work, and commitment from all family members. To ensure that you are well informed about referring a boy or girl to our program, we have provided an overview of our admission process and criteria for placement detailed below.

OFBG ADMISSION PROCESS

Initial telephone screening with Jaime Tardif @ (207) 926-4532.
Completion of Opportunity Farm Application
Collection of Youth Records from school, social service providers, and others.

Youth & Family Interviews

Opportunity Farm is currently accepting referrals for boys ages 11-15, and girls ages 14-16.

OFBG ADMISSION CRITERIA

The admission team thoroughly evaluates each application on a case-by-case basis. If you have any questions about the information provided below or are uncertain if Opportunity Farm is a suitable placement for a young person, please contact us.

EDUCATIONAL NEEDS:
All youth residing at Opportunity Farm for Boys & Girls attend public school within the Gray-New Gloucester school district, MSAD 15.
Youth in a Day Treatment educational setting will not be considered.

HARM TO SELF OR OTHERS:
No active eating disorders, substance abuse, fire setting behaviors, or suicidal ideation.
No current sexual aggression or sexual acting out.
If a child presents with active self-mutilating or self-harm behaviors then the admission team will evaluate the severity of these actions to determine appropriateness of placement.

SOCIAL FUNCTIONING:
Residents must be able to contribute in a household with 5-7 other residents.
The boys and girls must not need awake overnight staff.
Depending upon the severity of legal involvement, OFBG may delay a candidate’s application until all legal charges have been settled. OFBG is not a substitution for detainment.

YOUTH & FAMILY READINESS:
The young people must have readiness to voluntarily leave home and a desire for a better life.
Long-term commitment of at least one full year. Boys and girls are encouraged to remain in the program until they graduate from high school.
The family must have a desire for positive growth regarding their relationship with their child and a readiness to allow the child to have “two homes.”
Youth must have a desire to be successful in school.
Opportunity Farm closes approximately five weeks per year; therefore the youth must have a home environment to reside at during those vacation weeks.

If interested in Opportunity Farm for Boys & Girls please complete and submit this form this form and an Opportunity Farm representative will contact you.