Our process involves four phases crafted with the intention of moving the parents and young adult forward through and deeper into The Areas of Transition. These phases are:

1. Intensive
2. Orientation and Acclimation
3. Learn, Practice, Grow, Refine
4. Transition

Before starting, however, we conduct an initial screening to ensure our process is a “good fit” for everyone.

Initial Screening

The initial screening allows everyone to assess the viability of the prospective young adult and parents for Novus. If after the initial conversation it seems to be a “good fit”, we would solicit documents that would aide the first part of the assessment process.

Phase 1: Intensive

The two parts of the Intensive Phase focus on the family system and prepare everyone for the transition. We look to prep the young adult and parents by crafting our initial observations into an initial plan of action based on The Areas of Transition. If applicable, this is also a time to attain transition information from the previous program. The elements in the Intensive Phase are:

• A 1-day parent visit prior to the arrival of the young adult
• A 2-day young adult visit following the parent visit.

Phase 2: Acclimation and Orientation (0 - ~month 4)

During the Acclimation and Orientation phase we solidify the action plan and guide both parents and young adult in understanding and following through with the process. The young adult will learn self-empowerment tools that will help orientate and acclimatize his or herself to the process and environment. At the same time, parents are learning how to make adjustments in attitude, communication skills, and expectations to be in alignment with an emerging young adult. The elements of support with in the Acclimation and Orientation Phase include:

• A two-day Outdoor Expedition.
• Young adult contact with the Mentor and Mentor Director consists of a significant amount of time in the first month with a gradual reduction over the next 2-3 months as the young adult experiences more independence.
• Parent phone calls every week for the first month and every two weeks following. One of those calls per month involves the young adult.
• The first one-day Parent Workshop, attended within the first three months with a parent visit at its conclusion.

Phase 3: Learn-Practice-Refine-Grow, (LPRG), (month 3 - ~month 12)

By now, the young adult and parents have found a groove within the process of defining and continuously redefining goals and objectives based on The Areas of Transition. LPRG is a phase where life’s experiential process really begins to reveal how each member of the family is doing and the family system is growing. These insights are used to empower areas in which the family system is operating well and continue to adjust maladaptive patterns. The elements of support with in the LPRG Phase include:

• Consistent weekly contact with the Mentor and Mentor Director.
• Parent phone calls every two weeks with one of those calls per month involving the young adult.
• Parent Workshops conducted between months 5 and 7 as well as between months 9 and 11 with parent visits immediately following both.

Phase 4: Transition (month 12 or 13)

In the Transition Phase, the natural process of the LPRG extends to the next adaptation step toward autonomy. The young adult and parents have internalized many new skills and insights and have worked the mentors out of a job! People are empowered as individuals and as a family while communicating more effectively, solving problems with greater ease, and having a recognized connection in Faith. The elements of this Transition Phase are:

• Clarifying areas of success and areas needing more attention.
• Establishing a subsequent transition plan that incorporates useful resources and preparing for anticipated challenges.

If a young man wants to continue their development process with us or needs more time to mature, we offer an extension that can allow for more time. Our focus is not about time it is about performance.

Extension

Although the process outlined spans a year, for many it takes longer to establish the trust and willingness to make meaningful changes. There is no significant difference in this phase; it is an extension of the LPRG phase. Once everyone is ready, we would then move into the Transition phase.