Residential Alternative to Detention
The Delaware RAD Program provides a safe, community-based residential alternative to incarceration for youth ages 10–17 who have been arrested—but not convicted—and are unable to return home. This model ensures that low- to moderate-risk youth remain connected to the stabilizing forces in their lives rather than entering secure detention unnecessarily.
Community-based alternatives are essential to maintaining continuity in education, family relationships, and supportive services. By keeping young people anchored in their own communities, we protect critical developmental pathways that are often disrupted by secure detention.
RAD’s approach prioritizes normalcy and stability. Youth continue attending their home schools, participating in school activities, and engaging in positive community activities such as the Police Athletic League and Boys & Girls Clubs. This continuity reinforces healthy routines, mentorship, and pro-social engagement. VQ RAD utilizes Trust Based Relational Intervention and operates within a holistic approach that has been developed through evidenced based practices to meet the needs of the whole child. The method to caregiving is developmentally respectful, responsive to trauma, and attachment-based.
The program operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering structured supervision and a full continuum of supports. Residents receive counseling, primary medical and behavioral health services, educational programming, recreation, and family-centered interventions—including family therapy and family-oriented recreation. Life-skills development and transportation to court, school, and required appointments further support accountability and success.
For youth who cannot attend their home school due to prior challenges, individualized home-based instruction is provided onsite to ensure uninterrupted academic progress.
The Delaware RAD Program has earned full PREA compliance—a distinguished three-year federal certification—affirming our unwavering commitment to youth safety, trauma-informed care, and operational integrity. The program is also fully licensed by the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL), underscoring the strength of our systems, staff vigilance, and dedication to excellence.
Operational Rules
- Residents will obey all requests from any staff member.
- Residents will not interfere with a staff member in performance of his/her duties.
- Residents will not incite any act that will disrupt the order or safety of the facility.
- Residents will not assault or attempt to assault a staff member, another resident or any person.
- Resident’s clothes will be secured in their locker. All other belongings (jewelry, cell phones, etc.) will be secured in the locked file drawer by staff. (Piercings may be kept if resident chooses)
- Residents will not possess contraband or attempt to obtain contraband, in room or on his/her person. (Any items not received through authorized channels will be considered contraband.)
- Residents will not take, disfigure, damage, abuse or waste VQ property or the property of other residents.
- Residents will not leave a designated area at any time without the expressed permission of a staff member.
- Residents will be appropriately dressed at all times.
- Residents' rooms and all common areas will be maintained in an orderly and sanitary fashion.
- Foul language and inappropriate conversation are not acceptable at any time.
- Sexual activity is not permitted while in the program.
- Horseplay is not permitted.
- All mail leaving the facility will have the appropriate return address listed. The program reserves the right to review any incoming or outgoing mail.
- Residents may use the telephone at the designated time. Incoming personal calls are not permitted.
- Visitation is allowed at the designated times only.
- All laundry will be washed at the resident’s designated day and time.
Leisure, Recreation, and Physical Activities at VisionQuest
At VisionQuest, we prioritize providing children with safe, age-appropriate, and enriching leisure, recreational, and physical activities. Our programs include opportunities for individual and group activities like basketball, arts and crafts, reading, and educational outings. Children are never coerced into participation, and activities are carefully supervised to ensure safety and development. We follow a "reasonable and prudent parent standard" to guide decisions, considering each child’s age, maturity, and best interests. Activities also comply with federal, state, and local regulations to create a balanced, enjoyable environment for all children.
VisionQuest Youth Grievance Policy
At VisionQuest, children have the right to report concerns or grievances in a safe, supportive, and transparent environment. The grievance process ensures:
Accessibility: Grievances can be submitted verbally, in writing, anonymously, or through the VQ Report It link on our website or via email at vqreportit@vq.com. Grievance forms and a secure grievance box are available at all facilities, and children may request assistance from staff, family members, or legal representatives to file their grievance.
No Retaliation: VisionQuest strictly prohibits retaliation against children, parents, or guardians who file a grievance, ensuring a safe and open reporting process.
Prompt Review: Each grievance is reviewed and addressed within 24 hours by designated staff, and major concerns, such as allegations of abuse, are immediately reported to the proper authorities.
Resolution and Appeals: A structured appeals process allows children to dispute resolutions, with cases escalating to senior leadership or external oversight if necessary. Third-party grievances from parents or guardians are also accepted and reviewed.VisionQuest’s grievance policy ensures all concerns are handled fairly, transparently, and in alignment with the highest standards to protect the rights and well-being of children in our care.
VisionQuest’s grievance policy ensures all concerns are handled fairly, transparently, and in alignment with the highest standards to protect the rights and well-being of children in our care.
VisionQuest Child Visitation Policy
At VisionQuest, we prioritize fostering healthy relationships between children and their families or other approved contacts while ensuring their safety and well-being. Key aspects of the visitation policy include:
Flexible Visitation Options: Children may have visits with approved parents, relatives, and friends at the facility, their homes, or other approved locations. Visits are scheduled in advance and typically occur on weekends between 12–4 PM for one hour. Visits outside these hours require prior approval.
Privacy and Supervision: Visits are conducted in reasonable privacy unless a child’s service plan specifies supervision or if a visitor poses potential harm to the child. All visits are supervised by VisionQuest staff.
Behavioral Considerations: A child’s behavior will not be used as a basis to deny visitation unless their behavior is unsafe or restrictions are specified in their service plan.
Identity Verification: Visitors must present valid identification.
Special Sessions: Family sessions may also be conducted at the facility, coordinated in advance with the Program Director or designee.
This policy is designed to support family connections while maintaining a safe, structured, and caring environment for all children in our programs.
Visitation Guidelines
Hours: Visitation is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Duration: Visits last for one hour.
Reservations: Must be made by Friday at noon.
Supervision: All visits are supervised by staff.
Visitors: An adult must accompany all youth. Any non-family visitors require prior approval from both the parent/guardian and Program Director.
Identification: A picture ID is required for all visitors over the age of 18.
Restrictions: Packages are not allowed during visits.
Telephone Usage:
Calls Allowed: Residents are entitled to one 10-minute phone call per day. Residents achieving Level 3 are allowed one 15-minute phone call per day.
Hours: Phone calls take place daily between 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM.
Supervision: All calls are supervised by staff.
Approval: Calls may only be made to individuals listed on the approved phone call list.
Letter Correspondence:
Daily Limit: Residents may mail one letter per day.
Return Address: All letters must include the facility’s return address.
VisionQuest Behavior Management and Redirection Policy
At VisionQuest, we are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for children through trauma-informed, strength-based behavior management practices. Key aspects of our approach include:
Positive Behavior Management:
- We use Trust-Based Relational Interventions (TBRI) to guide children with empathy, focusing on building trust, addressing needs, and teaching self-regulation.
- Positive reinforcement, encouragement, and clear communication are used to redirect behavior and support personal growth.
- Techniques like time-outs, logical consequences, and removal from group settings are applied in a respectful, age-appropriate, and minimally restrictive manner.
Zero Tolerance for Harmful Practices:
- The program does not use any form of physical or mechanical restraints under any circumstances.
- All forms of physical punishment, humiliation, discrimination, or withholding basic needs are strictly prohibited.
- Staff are trained to never use force, intimidation, or other harmful methods when redirecting behavior.
- ·Peer discipline and any actions that retraumatize children are not allowed under any circumstances.
Commitment to Safety and Respects:
- Behavior management plans are tailored to each child’s developmental level and individual needs.
- Children and families are informed of behavior expectations and their rights upon admission.
- Our practices prioritize fostering trust, respect, and emotional well-being while ensuring accountability and personal growth.
This policy reflects VisionQuest's commitment to protecting every child’s dignity and promoting healthy development in a positive, structured environment.VQ RAD recognizes that religious affiliation and practices vary and every reasonable effort is made to accommodate all religious beliefs/practices. Residents may request visits from their pastor, clergy, or other religious representative.
View/obtain copy of DELACARE: Regulations for Residential Child Care Facilities and Day Treatment Programs
Report any suspected violations of DELACARE Regulations at
- Kent/Sussex Counties: (302) 739-5487 or (800) 822-2236
- New Castle County: (302) 892-5800
Work with VQ
VQ has and continues to create a wide array of careers and opportunities in the communities we operate in. Through training and continued support, our staff are empowered to change the course of children’s lives for the better one day at a time.
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