Preparing to leave Cedar Ridge Academy, which is a crucial phase of treatment, begins when a student reaches level 800.  At that time, the student begins a series of home visits in order to assess the student's and family's readiness to reintegrate.  Visits become progressively longer, with processing time back at the program in between. 

At this time, the family has specific tasks to complete such as therapy assignments, a home contract, shared activities, and discussions about specific issues.  The student is also given tasks such as cleaning old stuff out of their rooms, assessing the value of continuing relationships with former "friends", and going back to places that "trigger" old behaviors. 

Each time a student returns from a home visit, they process the visit with their therapist and group to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and identify any new issues.  They do this back at the program so that they can process information from a point of strength, including all the support they have established at Cedar Ridge.

Students reflected in a pool of water.