Synergy Services TLP is a housing and skills development program that assists youth between the ages of 16 and 21 transition from being homeless or in state custody to successful adult independent living.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page Number
Welcome 2
Program Overview 3
Synergy Services Agency Overview 4
Emergency Situations: How to Handle Them 4-6
Your Rights as a Synergy TLP Client 6-8
Getting Settled In: Orientation to the TLP 8-10
Point Incentive System 11-12
TLP Privileges, Rules and Expectations 13-19
Corrective Action and Termination from the TLP 19-20
Leaving the Program and Readmission 21
Stay With It! 21
Youth Handbook Acknowledgement Agreement 22
WELCOME TO SYNERGY SERVICES TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM!!
Congratulations on making a big step toward independence by becoming part
of the Synergy Services Transitional Living Program (TLP)! You have an exciting journey
ahead of you. This handbook will give you guidance on how to make that journey a
success while you are in the program. Please hold on to it and refer to it often,
especially when you have questions about program rules and expectations. And always
feel free to ask any of the TLP staff if you need more clarification on any issue. We are
here to make your experience in the TLP successful, meaningful, and hopefully, as fun
as possible.

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Synergy Services TLP is a housing and skills development program that
assists youth between the ages of 16 and 21 transition from being homeless or in state
custody to successful adult independent living. If you are coming in as a homeless
youth, you have up to 18 months to work through the program (24 months if you come
in at age 16); if you are coming in as a state custody youth, you may enter the program
on or after your 18th
birthday and can stay up until the day before your 21st
birthday.
Each resident is given his or her own living space, some in shared living conditions and
others in independent apartments. Our program helps you work on accomplishing your
goals in the following areas: managing your finances, getting and keeping a job,
completing your education, becoming more healthy, learning how to cook and clean,
and many other important independent living skills.
Synergy provides you with the following staff support while you live in the TLP:
CASE MANAGERS The TLP Case Managers help you stay on task with
accomplishing your independent living goals while in the program. You will meet
with your Case Manager once a week to discuss your progress and work out
solutions to any challenges you are having.
CLIENT ADVOCATES The TLP Client Advocates work
mostly in the evening and assist TLP youth with
day to day activities, such as doing homework,
conducting house meetings, providing some
transportation, and providing other forms of
support. You will meet with your Client Advocate
once a week to discuss your points while in the
program.
PEER MENTOR The TLP Peer Mentor functions as a
professional “friend” for you while in the program.
You will meet with your Mentor once a week to
discuss how things are going in the program and
life in general, while you do fun activities together.
THERAPISTS One of the best parts of being in the
TLP is you have the opportunity to meet with a
therapist once a week while in the TLP. Designed for you to talk about YOUR
issues.
PROGRAM COORDINATOR The TLP Coordinator supervises the TLP staff and
ensures all aspects of the program are running smoothly. You will interact with
the Coordinator regularly while living in the TLP.
PROGRAM MANAGER The Synergy Youth Services Manager oversees the TLP,
Street Outreach Services (SOS), and Synergy House Emergency Shelter. The
Program Manager is available to answer any questions you have and address any
concerns you have with the program.

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SYNERGY SERVICES AGENCY OVERVIEW
Synergy’s TLP is just one of the many programs our agency offers in the
Kansas City area. Currently the TLP office and housing is located in North Kansas City,
Missouri, along with the offices for our Street Outreach Program. Synergy Services is a
non-profit agency known as “the lifeline for families and individuals in crisis.” The main
offices are located in Parkville, Missouri. In addition to the TLP, Synergy provides many
other services in the Kansas City area, including:
CRISIS INTERVENTION AND SHELTER Our Crisis Intervention and Shelter
programs include 24-hour crisis hotlines, Safe Haven (a domestic violence
shelter), Synergy House Emergency Shelter (for youth ages 12 to 18), the
Children’s Center, Street Outreach Services (for youth up to age 22), Safe Place
and the TLP.
COUNSELING At Synergy we offer individual, family and group therapy as well as
domestic violence services.
ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION Synergy provides the Children’s Advocacy Center,
Court Services, Power Through Choices, the EXCEL Program, Mentoring
Programs, Stop Violence and Hospital Advocacy.
THRIFT STORE Synergy has its own thrift store. Let us know if you would like to
volunteer for the store or have items to donate. We are able to offer client
vouchers to the thrift store when needed.
While you are in the program, feel free to ask any of the TLP staff for more
information on any of Synergy Services’ great programs.
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS: HOW TO HANDLE THEM
Before we go into much more information about the TLP, it’s important to
discuss what to do in an emergency situation and discuss some other information
related to this issue in this section.
EMERGENCIES For life or death and serious injuries, call 911 immediately and
then be sure to contact TLP staff as soon as possible. If you need to contact staff after
hours, please call Synergy House (816-741-8700) and let them know of your
emergency. The staff will page someone if necessary, or will provide guidance for you
as far as next steps. Synergy House staff is available 24 hours a day and there is always
a TLP or SOS staff member on-call that Synergy House can page if needed.

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DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Upon entry into the TLP, you and TLP staff will work
on creating your emergency evacuation kit. This kit includes: any prescription
medications you are on; first aid supplies; one change of clothing; a sleeping bag; a
battery powered radio and extra batteries; emergency food supply; bottled water; a
flashlight and extra batteries; small set of household tools; and whatever else you feel
like you want to put in the kit. You and your case manager will decide where you would
like to keep this kit for safe keeping, whether that’s in your apartment, offsite on
Synergy Property, or at another location.
In the situation that your apartment is damaged during a disaster, TLP staff will
make reasonable accommodations available to you until it is safe to return to your
apartment. If it is determined that your apartment is no longer habitable,
accommodations will be made to move you into another apartment.
MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES If you think you are going to hurt yourself or
someone else, please contact staff immediately. If it is after hours, please call Synergy
House at 816-741-8700 and if necessary, they will page the on-call TLP/SOS staff
member or help you work through the situation. If you are in an immediate emergency,
call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (North Kansas City Hospital). You may
also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or TTY 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) if you feel you just
need someone to talk to about what is on your mind.
FIRE Each location has a fire extinguisher. Please familiarize yourself with the
location of the one in your apartment and how to use it. If a small fire breaks out
attempt to put it out with the extinguisher if you can do so safely. If a dangerous
situation arises involving fire, immediately go outside to safety and make sure
someone calls 911. In any situation involving a fire, notify TLP staff as soon as possible
to alert them of the situation. Evacuation plans are posted in each apartment and you
will get a copy of the specific evacuation plan for your apartment from your case
manager when you move in. Please familiarize yourself with the emergency exits for
you apartment and the Shared House:
Shared House: front door, side door, back door, basement door and windows.
Upstairs you may climb out the windows and climb down from the roof if capable.
Do not disconnect any smoke or fire alarms. Please report any problems with
your smoke detectors to TLP staff immediately. If TLP staff is not present, please call
Synergy House (816-741-8700) and inform them of the situation.
TORNADOES In case of a tornado, follow the evacuation plan indicated on the
Emergency Evacuation plan posted in your apartment. If basements are not accessible,
you may shelter in interior rooms, bathtubs or, if time permits, go to a community
shelter with a basement. In North Kansas City, you may go to the public library or the
fire station. In the event of a disaster involving a tornado, please inform TLP staff
and/or Synergy House (816-741-8700) as soon as possible of the situation.

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PLEASE REMEMBER the TLP apartments are managed by the Program
Coordinator. At any time the Program Coordinator, Program Manager, TLP Case
Managers and/or other TLP and SOS staff may enter your apartment to see how you are
doing, check for safety hazards, and ensure we are providing appropriate services for
your needs. Maintenance needs will be scheduled ahead of time, giving as much notice
as possible for issues needing to be resolved. You will be notified if tours are
scheduled to come through the apartments.
For your safety and the safety of other TLP residents, please DO NOT give out the
addresses of any TLP property to anyone you do not know. It is ok to put down your
address to receive mail and to let visitors know where to go when they come over.
YOUR RIGHTS AS A SYNERGY TLP CLIENT
As set out in section 630.11, RSMo (1986), each youth shall be entitled to the
following rights except if it is determined by the program guidelines or head of
the facility or program that it is inconsistent with the client’s therapeutic care and
treatment:
• To wear his/her own clothes and keep and use his/her own personal
possessions;
• To communicate by sealed mail or otherwise with persons including agencies
inside or outside the organization;
• To have reasonable access to a telephone to make and receive confidential
phone calls;
• To have access to his/her own records;
• To have opportunities for physical exercise and outdoor recreation;
• To have reasonable prompt access to current newspaper, magazines, radio, and
television programming;
• To refuse treatment or medication unless law or court order has limited those
rights; and
• To have benefits, risks and alternatives of medications explained to them.
You should never be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of,
or be otherwise subjected to discrimination on the grounds of age, race, color,
religion, creed, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital or veteran status,
sexual orientation, and all other legally protected status. As set out in section
630.115, RSMo, each individual shall be entitled to the following rights without
limitations: (An * indicates those rights that pertain directly to clients receiving
residential services):
• To humane care and treatment;
• To medical care from qualified professionals when needed;
• To safe and sanitary housing;
• To choose not to participate in non-therapeutic labor;
• To attend or not to attend religious services;
• To receive prompt evaluation and care, treatment and habilitation about which
she/he is informed in so far as she/he is capable of understanding;
• To be treated with dignity as a human being;
• To choose not to be the subject of experimental research without his/her prior
written and informed consent or, if a minor, the consent of his/her guardian;

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• To have access to a variety of treatment options (when organization cannot
provide a needed and/or desired treatment option a referral will be made);
• To be evaluated, treated or habilitated in the least restrictive environment;
• To a nourishing, well-balanced and varied diet;*
• To be free from verbal and physical abuse; and
• To an impartial review of alleged violations of rights;
• To the right of continuity of care including maintaining professional worker
assignment from intake to termination unless requesting a change or change is
beyond the control of the Agency.
Mediation and Grievances
If there is a situation that arises where you feel you have been treated unfairly
by a TLP staff member and you are unable to resolve the situation with that staff
member, you have the right to a mediation meeting. The purpose of mediation is to
attempt to resolve the situation in such a way that all parties are comfortable. If
you choose not to go through mediation or, if after mediation, a solution cannot be
reached, you may file a grievance. The grievance procedure is as follows:
1. Youth should direct a verbal or written grievance to the Program Manager. It
should include the youth’s issue/complaint, any attempts the youth has made
to resolve the complaint, and how the youth would like to see the issue
resolved.
2. The Program Manager will have two (2) business days to respond to the youth
regarding the grievance. The Program Manager will complete an Incident
Report and other documentation as needed. The Program Manager will
respond back to the youth in writing. A copy of all written documentation will
be forwarded to the Associate Executive Director, Program Services Division.
3. If, after receiving a response from the Program Manager, the youth is still not
satisfied, the youth may submit a second written grievance to the Associate
Executive Director, Program Services Division. Youth should include the same
information as before and also the result of the grievance filed with the
Program Manager.
4. The Associate Executive Director, Program Services Division will have five (5)
business days to respond to the youth in writing regarding the grievance. The
Associate Executive Director, Program Services Division, will complete
appropriate documentation.
5. If, after receiving the response from the Associate Executive Director,
Program Services Division, the youth is still not satisfied, the youth may
repeat the process with the Executive Director. In the event that a grievance
is filed and the Program Manager or Associate Executive Director, Program
Services Division, is absent, the grievance should go to the Executive Director.

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Agency Rights
• To deny services upon assessment and providing appropriate referral;
• To utilize interagency protocol to review client treatment progress;
• To obtain professional consultation and supervision to support treatment goals;
and
• To terminate the therapeutic relationship, at any time, when Synergy’s
responsibility to uphold the professional ethical standards conflicts with
treatment or service plans.
GETTING SETTLED IN: ORIENTATION TO THE TLP
MOVING IN After you are accepted into the TLP, your Case Manager will arrange
a time for you to move into the TLP. You will be given keys to your apartment as well
as keys to the TLP Shared House. The Shared House is a common space where all TLP
youth can come to hang out, do laundry, watch TV, read books, and meet with staff.
Please be courteous of the youth who do live in the Shared House by cleaning up after
yourself while you are at the Shared House.
You and your case manager will do a walk through of your apartment on your
first day so that you can determine together if there are any repairs that need to be
made. You are required to pay a $75 deposit fee after moving in. This can be paid in
one lump sum or split up into payments and you may pay it with your own money or
from your TLP stipends. You will get this security deposit back when you move out of
the TLP if you leave your apartment in good condition.
INTAKE PAPERWORK Your Case Manager and/or other TLP staff will go through
an intake packet with you once you have settled in; this will include important
information such as releases of information, client fact sheet, initial goal planning, and
other documentation needed for your file. You will also go through this handbook with
your Case Manager to make sure you are clear on program expectations, rules and
guidelines. You will be asked to do an independent living skills assessment either in
paper format or on the computer at this time and then again every 3 months while in
the program. You will also be asked periodically to complete program evaluations
throughout your stay in the TLP and upon discharge from the program.
In order to help you succeed in this program we will need you and/or your legal
guardian (if you are under 18) to sign releases of information for other agencies,
businesses, organizations and people involved in your life, including school, work,
doctors, therapists, and anyone else important in your life. At times it may be helpful
for us to speak with these agencies and people as we work with you. We are only
allowed to speak with whoever you or your legal guardian has authorized. Your
cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

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START UP FUNDS Once you have completed the intake process you will be given
a tour of the TLP. Then your Case Manager and/or other TLP staff will take you
shopping so you can purchase start up items. You will be given $150 in gift cards
(usually to Wal-Mart) so you can purchase food, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, a few
clothing items, and anything else you may need to help you start your independent
living experience.
You are also eligible for a $50 voucher to the Synergy In Style Thrift Store to help
you get some household items and clothing when you move in to the TLP. Let your
Case Manager know if you are interested in going to the thrift store.
APARTMENT ACCOMODATIONS Your living space will come furnished with
many items including: bed, dresser, sofa, TV, dining room table, chairs, sheets,
comforter, alarm clock, microwave, phone, washer and dryer, and dishes. Please
remember that these items belong to Synergy, so they stay with the property when you
move out. Items you buy on your own while in the program are your property and
yours to keep when you leave. If you have any large furniture you would like to bring
with you or purchase initially, please discuss this with your Case Manager prior to
moving in. Please use thumbtacks or sticky tack to hang any decorations and do not
put holes in the walls or ceiling.
MEETING STAFF AND OTHER TLP YOUTH During your first week you will meet
each of the TLP staff members and the other youth in the program. Don’t worry if you
can’t remember everyone’s name right off the bat; you will be spending a lot of time
with the staff and other youth during your stay in the TLP and it always takes new
youth a little while to feel like a part of the group. Before you know it you will become a
part of the “family” and will hopefully feel a sense of “home” in the TLP.
LEARNING THE PROGRAM AND BEGINNING TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY Once
you are settled into the program, you are allowed a lot of freedom so you can begin to
learn independent living. With this freedom comes learning responsibility, such as
managing your money to buy food and other necessities each week; balancing your
schedule so you have time to fit in work, school, program appointments and groups;
and keeping yourself on track to meet your goals and dreams.

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STRUCTURED AND UNSTRUCTURED PHASES OF THE TLP When you first move
into the TLP you will be in the Structured Phase of the program. The requirements of
this phase include:
• Meeting face to face with TLP staff at least three times a week. These
meetings include:
o Meeting with your Case Manager, during which time you will develop
a weekly schedule and go over your Day to Day Service Plan
(independent living skills goal plan). During the structured phase
this meeting will occur in your apartment.
o Meeting with your Client Advocate, during which time you will go
over your productive time and point status.
o Meeting with your Peer Mentor for weekly mentoring session.
• Checking in daily with TLP staff, either by phone or in person
• Meeting with your therapist once a week
In the Unstructured Phase of the TLP, the requirements are:
• Continue to meet weekly with your Case Manager, Client Advocate, Peer
Mentor and Therapist; however, your case management session does not
have to occur in your apartment in this phase.
• If you are a State Custody youth, you and your therapist will determine if
you need to meet once a week or just as needed.
You may petition staff to move from the Unstructured Phase to the Structured
Phase after being in the TLP for 4 months. In order to move phases, you must have
consistently received Excellent or Above Average points status during the last 4
months. When you feel you are ready to change status, you must write a petition and
submit it to staff for review. TLP staff will review the petition at the next TLP Staff Team
Meeting and inform you of their decision following that meeting.
Once you have changed status from Structured to Unstructured, you may begin
to have difficulties and be required to move back to the Structured Phase. If you
consistently experience difficulty and receive more than two weeks of Needs
Improvement points status, you will be required to move back to the Structured Phase
for a period of time determined by you and TLP staff.
The rest of this handbook explains in great detail what you need to know to
succeed in the TLP. We start with an overview of our Point Incentive System and then
explain TLP Privileges, Rules and Expectations.

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POINT INCENTIVE SYSTEM
The TLP uses an incentive program based on productive time. You must earn
42 hours of productive time each week when school is in session and 30 hours of
productive time each week when school is out. Productive time consists of time spent
at school, work, appointments with your Case Manager and other TLP staff, TLP group,
Shared House weekly house meetings, approved activities through other agencies,
time spent on school work and school activities, looking for a job, and other approved
activities.
Under this system, you DO NOT want to get points. Points are given for hours
missed out of the 42 or 30 hours of productive time you are supposed to have each
week. So for instance, if you do not go to school one day and are not excused, you will
accumulate 7 points for the seven hours you should have been at school. Points are
also given for missing curfew, missing appointments, not completing chores, and for
inappropriate behavior.
PROOF You will need to show proof of your productive time by tracking your
time on the Weekly Productive Time Sheet provided to you by your Client Advocate. In
your weekly meeting with yourClient Advocate you will review your productive time,
receive any points for the week, and have the opportunity to work out ways to take off
points.
POINT RATING SYSTEM
0-9 points = Excellent
10-20 pts = Above Average
21-30 pts = Adequate
31-40 pts = Needs Improvement
41-50 pts = Below Expectations
51+ points = Risk of Termination (RT)
HOUR REQUIREMENTS BASED ON LENGTH OF TIME IN TLP You are not
expected to immediately have 42 or 30 hours of productive time a week when you first
move into the TLP, as it takes time to get a job and enroll in school. Due to this, we
have set the following expectations for productive time during your first four weeks in
the program:
1st
Week: 10-15 hours Non school weeks: 10-15 hours
2nd
Week: 16-25 hours Non school weeks: 16-20 hours
3rd
Week: 26-35 hours Non school weeks: 21-25 hours
4th
Week: 36-42 hours Non school weeks: 26-30 hours

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TAKING OFF POINTS You can work out having points removed by asking TLP
staff about doing any of the following:
• Accumulating more productive time than the required amount;
• Rescheduling a missed appointment with the Case Manager, Mentor, Therapist, and
other TLP staff;
• Completing an assignment such as a book report, essay, or journal assignment (2.5
points off per typed page);
• Completing extra chores;
• Following through on an early curfew;
• Volunteering for Synergy or another agency;
• Doing community service;
• Meeting school/work requirements, shifts, homework, study, meetings;
• Leading TLP group or groups at Synergy House;
• Cooking a meal after TLP group for other TLP youth and staff;
• Helping another TLP youth acclimate to the program, help with studying, etc.;
• And many other possibilities depending on what you and the Client Advocate decide
upon.
PLEASE NOTE: You can only lower your point status back down to the Adequate level in
taking off points.
REWARDS AND CONSEQUENCES At the end of each month your points for the
month will be added up and you will be given the following based on your standing:
Excellent = two gift cards
Above Average = one gift card
Adequate = gift card or gift certificate for food
Needs Improvement = contract to improve point status
Below Expectations = contract to improve point status
Risk of Termination = contract to improve point status, meeting with Program
Coordinator and other TLP staff to discuss whether TLP is still appropriate

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TLP PRIVILEGES, RULES, AND EXPECTATIONS
TLP Privileges
OVERNIGHTS You are allowed two overnights a week (unless otherwise
determined by TLP staff due to being on restriction or contract). You will be allowed to
take overnights after your first month in the program. You are allowed to stay
overnight with whomever you like and wherever you like; however, you must tell one of
the TLP staff members at least one day in advance prior to taking an overnight. If you
are under 18, you may need permission from your parent or legal guardian to take
overnights.
STIPENDS (ALLOWANCE) You will receive a bimonthly (every two weeks) stipend
of $75. You may use this money as you like, but keep in mind that you need to eat and
take care of other needs at least partially with this money. You will need to keep your
receipts from this money to show to your Case Manager in order to receive your next
stipend. You are not allowed to buy items such as cigarettes or other inappropriate
items with this money.
VISITORS You may have up to two visitors in your apartment at a time unless
staff gives special permission for more guests. You may only have visitors with
prior approval. You should try to request having visitors over at least 24 hours in
advance, unless you have worked something out with staff ahead of time. Family
members count toward the “two” visitors.
TLP Rules
1. No pets are allowed on the premises of any TLP property. You may have fish or other
animals that can only survive in an aquarium but please get permission from staff
first.
2. No smoking is allowed in the Shared House or any TLP apartment. If smoking
outside the Shared House, please use the provided ashtray. You must be at least 18
years of age to smoke; if you are underage and are discovered smoking you will be
given points and your cigarettes and lighter, etc. will be confiscated by TLP staff.
3. Alcohol and drug use is forbidden while in the program. We reserve the right to
conduct random drug screening and if drugs or alcohol are found in your system or
you are caught using these substances, you will be required to have a drug and
alcohol assessment and/or attend treatment.
4. Please do not burn candles or incense in your apartment, as these present a fire
hazard. Make sure you turn off your stove/oven after each use.
5. Do not share keys, personal belongings or any medical items such as band-aids,
mouthwash, medicine, or prescriptions with other youth in the program.
6. Keep all doors to the Shared House and your apartment locked for your safety.

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7. Follow curfew. You need to be in your apartment by your assigned curfew time. In
general if you are following TLP rules and guidelines and are not on contract, your
curfew will be 1:30 AM. You MUST answer your home phone when curfew checks are
done. If you are late for curfew you will only be given 3.5 points if you arrive back
home within 30 minutes of your curfew; if you arrive after the 30 minute time frame
you will receive 7 points and one of your overnights for the week will be used up. In
order to be sure staff is able to get a hold of you, stay off of the phone 15 minutes
before and after curfew times. If you are going to bed early, please call the TLP
office 283-8764 (if TLP staff is present) or Synergy House 741-8700 (if TLP staff is
not present) to let staff know not to call you at curfew time.
Rules and Expectations Specific to the Shared House
1. Visitors:
a. You need to ask staff for permission before having a visitor over.
b. Non-program visitors need to sign in and out using the red notebook in
the entryway to the Shared House.
c. Visiting hours are: School week nights (Monday through Thursday) 5-9 PM,
Friday 5 PM to midnight, Saturday all day until midnight and Sunday all day
up until 9 P.M.
d. TLP youth may visit back and forth between houses but must follow curfew
and visitor guidelines.
e. Visitors are only allowed upstairs to use the bathroom and must be
escorted upstairs by a TLP resident. Other TLP youth and visitors are NOT
allowed in your bedroom if you live in the Shared House.
2. Phone Use:
a. Phone calls should be limited to 20-30 minutes per call so other youth
have regular access to the phone and incoming calls can go through.
b. Please be courteous and write down messages for other TLP youth if you
answer a call for them.
3. Computer Use:
a. The two computers in the Shared House are available for ALL TLP
residents. Please be courteous and allow other youth access to these
computers if they have something important to work on (i.e. homework) or
if you have been on the computer for more than 30 minutes.
b. DO NOT use the computers inappropriately. Do not view inappropriate
material such as pornography or hate material.
4. Food:
a. When you buy food, you should mark it with your name so other residents
know whose food it is.
b. No food is allowed upstairs.

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TLP Expectations and Guidelines
APPOINTMENTS WITH YOUR CASE MANAGER, CLIENT ADVOCATE, THERAPIST
AND MENTOR You are expected to actively participate in case management, advocacy,
therapy and mentoring while in the TLP. You will work on many independent living
skills with TLP staff during your weekly meetings, including (but not limited to):
o Adjusting to the TLP
o Budgeting (filling out monthly budget, reviewing bank statements, balancing
accounts, showing receipts)
o Job hunting and keeping a job (showing job search log, reviewing job schedule)
o School needs (reviewing attendance and homework assignments, study time)
o Goal planning
o Reviewing TLP rules, expectations and privileges
o Reviewing points and contracts
o Problem solving and resource referral
If you miss a required appointment with any TLP staff you will be given 15 points. If
you show up late you will be given 10 points. You may make arrangements to make up
an appointment and if you do, staff will take some points off.
ASSESSMENTS AND EVALUATIONS While you are in the TLP you will be asked to
complete independent living skills assessments every three months to see how you are
progressing while in the program. You will also be asked to fill out TLP evaluations
regarding your experiences with the program and staff.
CHORES You are expected to keep your living space clean for your health and
safety, as well as the health and safety of other TLP residents and staff. You are
required to participate in chore time (if living in the Shared House) or have an
apartment check done every day at a specified time. If you are unavailable at the
specified time, please do your chores or clean your apartment prior to the specified
time or arrange with staff to do your chores later in the day when you are available.
You acquire the following points for unfinished chores:
Daily Chore (M-F) = ½ point
Weekly Chore = 1 point each
If you decide not to do your chores or clean your apartment from day to day,
your points will double from how many points you accumulated the day before for
unfinished chores. So, for instance, say you decide not to do your chores for 4 days:
First day point accumulation: 2.5 points
Second day point accumulation: 5 points (7.5 total)
Third day point accumulation: 10 points (17.5 total)
Fourth day point accumulation: 20 points (37.5 total)
DO YOUR CHORES!! Nobody likes living or working in a mess.
COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES What
is Community Service Learning? It is your participation in
activities that involve helping others or the community and
serves as an avenue for your positive development as a person.
During your stay in the TLP staff and other TLP youth will present
many opportunities for you to get involved in and make a
difference in YOUR community.

16. - 16 -
EDUCATION You are expected to attend school or be working on at least one
educational goal while in the TLP. This may mean finishing high school, getting a GED,
attending college, taking community classes or working on a skill or trade. If you are in
high school, college, or another kind of class setting you may be required to take an
attendance sheet to class each day with you to have your instructors sign off on. You
may also be required to participate in structured study time on school nights at the
Shared House. If you are enrolled in classes with a grade system and you have a D or
an F in any one class, you are required to take the attendance sheet to class with you
and participate in study time.
EMPLOYMENT You are expected to find employment once you get settled into
the TLP, if having a job will not interfere with your educational goals. If you are getting
all of your productive time (42 or 30 hours a week) without having a job, you will not
be required to obtain employment. However, if you are not getting all of your
productive time from school and TLP required appointments alone, you are expected to
get a job within two weeks and required to get a job within a month. While
unemployed, you are required to contact one employer each day Monday through
Saturday until you find a job. You will need to fill out a job search log and submit it to
your Case Manager weekly while looking for a job.
HEALTH
o You are expected to have a physical within your
first 45 days of entering the TLP.
o If you do not have health insurance, you will be
given information on how to apply for Medicaid or
other insurance, depending on what you qualify for.
o You are expected to meet with your therapist
regularly and follow through with any therapeutic
recommendations.
o SICK DAY POLICY: If you are sick and unable to go to school and/or
work:
o Call either your Case Manager or the Program Coordinator’s work cell
phone to let them know.
o Call your job and let them know you won’t be in for your shift that day.
o Go to school and stay there until you have been excused by a medical
professional, TLP staff, or the school nurse, unless:
Your temperature is 101°F or higher;
You are vomiting or have diarrhea; or
You have a physical injury requiring medical attention (call 911 or
Synergy House, 816-741-8700, as needed).
o You are expected to rest in your room for the day and are not allowed to
participate in other non-program activities.
If you follow the sick day policy, you will not acquire points and 7 hours will be
deducted from your required productive time for the week. If you do not follow
the sick day policy you will be given 10 points and no productive time will be
deducted for the week.

17. - 17 -
LOST KEYS If you lose your keys or get locked out of your apartment, please
let staff know immediately. You will be given 5 points each time staff has
to let you into your apartment and 10 points each time staff has to
replace your keys.
PARENTING AND PREGNANCY If you are a parent or are pregnant, you
may be required to participate in parenting classes and programs while in the TLP.
Synergy offers some of these programs and there are many other programs available in
the community.
RENT AND UTILITIES You are required to pay rent and
utilities while in the TLP. However, you are not expected to
pay the full amount of your rent and utilities immediately;
instead, our program is set up so that you pay an increasing
amount on your bills each month. Billing will begin at the
third month you are in the program; however, this only
applies to youth whose schedules allow for having a job.
Some youth in the program are unable to work due to school
requirements; if this applies to you your Case Manager will work out other
arrangements for you in regards to billing for rent and utilities.
You will only be required to pay 5% of your rent the first month you are billed,
then 7% in the 2nd
month, then 10% the 3rd
month and gradually increasing until you are
paying 100% by the 18th
month. A print out of your rent scale will be provided to you by
your Case Manager when you enter the program so you know how much you will be
paying over the months. For utilities, you will be charged 25% for the first 3 months
you are billed, 50% the next 3 months, 75% the following 3 months, and 100% every
month after that. Utilities are actual amounts and will vary based on your use of gas,
electricity and the phone.
You will receive 100% of the money you have paid into rent and utilities back
when you complete the program; however, keep in mind that any damage to your
apartment will be deducted from your final check and security deposit. Remember, the
longer you stay and work in the TLP, the more money you will receive from what you
have put into savings and paying bills to help you get a good start when you move out
on your own.
You must be responsible with your utilities. Keep your thermostat at 79 degrees
(or higher) in the summer and 72 degrees (or lower) in the winter. If you live in the
Shared House, you may request that staff adjust the temperature as needed.
SAVINGS AND CHECKING ACCOUNTS Your Case
Manager will ask to see your paycheck stubs from your
job so we can make copies for your file and verify your
employment. You are required to save 30% of your
savings from earned pay (not from stipends). When you
meet with your Case Manager, a plan will be set for you
to turn in 30% for your savings. In general you will not be
able to access this money while in the TLP unless an

18. - 18 -
emergency or other situation arises where you would need the money. However, you
will receive 100% of this savings when you leave the TLP.
You will be required to have a checking or savings account, in addition to your
Synergy savings account, to help you learn account management and budgeting. You
are expected to open this account within 60 days of starting employment. You will go
over managing your account and reading statements with your Case Manager and in
skills training groups.
Each month you will receive a Monthly Client Finance Sheet showing how much
money you have paid into rent and utilities, as well as how much money you have put
into your Synergy savings account. Please sign off on this form and ask your Case
Manager for a copy if you would like one.
TRANSPORTATION TLP and SOS staff are able to provide some transportation
for TLP youth. If you need transportation to an appointment or other activity, please fill
out a transportation request 24 hours prior to when you need transportation and alert
staff that you have submitted the request. Transportation is NOT guaranteed and you
should attempt to find other means of transportation as much as possible. We
occasionally have bus passes available also.
If you have your own vehicle, you are permitted to drive while in the program, as
long as you have the REQUIRED proof of insurance, keep your car registered and have a
driver’s license. We will need a copy of your driver’s license, registration, and insurance
for your file. You are expected to drive safely and not to abuse privileges, sticking to
rules and not compromising anyone else’s progress in the program. Payments that you
make for your car will be part of your budget that you will develop with your case
manager. Tickets that you receive are your responsibility to pay on time.
THE PRIVILEGE TO DRIVE YOUR CAR MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME DUE TO
IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIORS.
If you have your own vehicle, DO NOT feel like you have to be the taxi for other
youth in the program who do not have a car. It is within your rights and responsibilities
to say no if someone asks you for a ride and you do not want to give them one. It is
also ok to ask other residents for gas money if you have given them a ride.
If you would like to buy a car while in the TLP, you will need to work out a plan
with your Case Manager. The plan will include saving money, working out permission
with your parents (if necessary or applicable), and coordinating the following tasks:
• Obtaining a driver’s license
• Obtaining insurance
• Picking out an appropriate vehicle
• Working out payment arrangements
• Registering the vehicle

19. - 19 -
WEEKLY TLP GROUP You are required to attend weekly TLP group on Tuesdays
from 4 - 6 PM. Please do not schedule other appointments for work, school, or
anything else during this time (although unavoidable exceptions will be allowed if
approved prior to group by a TLP staff member). Group will cover many important
topics including: budgeting, smart shopping, cooking, banking, job interviewing,
personal hygiene, work skills, health and safety, birth control, sexually transmitted
infections prevention, drug and alcohol prevention and education, and other areas.
If you miss group without being excused by TLP staff you will acquire 30 points
for each group missed.
CORRECTIVE ACTION AND TERMINATION FROM THE TLP
CORRECTIVE ACTION
You were provided with a copy of this handbook so that you will be clear on
program expectations, rules, and guidelines. If you fail to adhere to the rules and
guidelines, you may lose privileges or be unable to continue participating in the
program. Please refer to EACH SECTION of THIS handbook for further information
about penalties and fines for rule infractions. Ask your Case Manager if you have any
confusion or questions about this handbook and your responsibilities.
We handle discipline individually, following the incentive program, and in
accordance to the operating procedures and client rights. Depending on the guideline
or rule infraction we will first discuss with you which rule was broken and allow you to
discuss why the rule was broken. This will occur between you and your Case Manager
and possibly the Program Coordinator. After the meeting, you can either choose to
make better choices utilizing the resources and support available to you or you may be
asked to go on contract that outlines the actions you need to follow. Breaking a
contract may also lead to being discharged from the program, depending on why the
contract was originally written. More severe infractions may result in immediate
discharge from the program, or immediate contracts with short time frames and
specific goals to accomplish in order to continue in the program. Please remember
that acquiring too many points will cause you to be placed on contract.
TERMINATION FROM THE TLP
Certain behaviors will result in an AUTOMATIC Below Expectations or an
AUTOMATIC Risk of Termination
• An automatic Below Expectations: 41 points added to the rest
of the points from the week, for the following behaviors:
o Unwanted physical contact (shoving, finger jabbing, etc)
o Verbal abuse, verbal fighting
o Parties on TLP property
o Returning home drunk/high
o Having a positive drug screen (dirty UA)
• An automatic Risk of Termination: 51 points added to
the rest of the points from the week, for the following
behaviors:
o Fighting
o Drinking/drugs on property*
o Not sleeping in apartment for the past 2 nights without permission

20. - 20 -
o Guests/visitors sleeping over at apartment
*Note: if drugs are found on TLP property or in a TLP resident’s possession, the police
will be contacted immediately, per Synergy Services, Inc. policy.
If your points status is at Risk of Termination for two months in a
row, you will be required to meet with your Case Manager and the
Program Coordinator to discuss whether the TLP is still appropriate
for you. You will be placed on contract for the next month and part of
the requirements of that contract will include researching other
placement options. If your points status is still at Risk of Termination
at the end of the third month, you will be required to leave the TLP
and go to another safe placement such as shelter, another TLP, Job
Corps, or other arrangement.
Behavior deemed to negatively and dangerously affect the health and wellbeing
of you, other program participants, the staff, or others outside the program will be
grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. You may or may not be given a
time frame to pack your belongings and obtain a ride to another location. If you are
engaging in harmful or potentially harmful behavior, you may not be given the
opportunity to pack your belongings and move out. Staff will not put themselves or
other TLP residents at risk if you are discharged from the program due to threatening
behavior.
If you are discharged without the opportunity to pack, you will be able to claim
your belongings by calling the Program Coordinator within 72 hours from the date of
discharge. The Coordinator will ensure that upon your discharge, your belongings are
packed. After 72 hours, unclaimed belongings will be disposed of or dispersed by TLP
staff.
If you have paid into a savings account through Synergy Services and/or have
also paid rent and utilities, and are discharged immediately, you may be eligible for
your final check when it is ready; however, the amount of the check will be based on
the final walkthrough of your apartment. If you were not discharged immediately from
the program, you will have an opportunity to plan your discharge including the removal
of belongings, apartment walkthrough, and receiving your final check, if applicable.
We require a 48 hour notice if you plan to leave the program without graduating.
If you were discharged for behavior that you want to change and you have not
been threatening or harmful to yourself or others, you will have an opportunity to
schedule a meeting with your Case Manager and Program Coordinator to discuss the
issues. This will not guarantee re-admission into the program, but serves as a second
chance for you to advocate for why you feel you should be allowed back into the
program.

21. - 21 -
LEAVING THE PROGRAM AND READMISSION
LEAVING THE PROGRAM
Graduating from the Program When you plan to graduate from or
leave the program, you will establish a transition/aftercare plan with
the Case Manager at least 90 days prior to when you plan to leave
the program. Your Case Manager will assist you with your plan to
move, preparing for your new apartment or location, saving money,
budgeting, transferring mail and other necessary plans. Aftercare
plans may involve your continuing with weekly groups or minor case
management assistance. Both transition and aftercare plans will either
be part of the TLP Treatment Assessment Plan and/or part of your goals.
Leaving Without a Plan If you decide to leave the program without planning,
you are required to provide the staff with 48 hours notice to ensure a walkthrough, any
minimal last minute planning, and arrangements for your final check, if applicable.
You may provide the 48-hour notice to either your Case Manager or Program
Coordinator through letter or telephone message. Depending on the state in which
you left your apartment, you may not qualify to receive all of your final check.
READMISSION
Consideration for readmission into the TLP will be based on the amount of time
spent out of the TLP, the history of your experience in the TLP and the history of your
behavior, successes, and struggles since leaving the program. You may not be allowed
readmission into the TLP for a period of six months after leaving or being discharged,
unless an exception is made. You will need to reapply for the program and be
interviewed again in order to be considered for any open spots in the TLP.
STAY WITH IT!
Starting out on your own can be challenging. Life is what you make of it and that
includes ups and downs that you can’t always control. Words of wisdom:
o Make the best of every encounter with everyone you meet.
o Learn as many tools and resources as possible – knowledge is the biggest
resource you’ll have.
o Mistakes are just experiences – learn from them and then move on.
o Ask for help and stay in touch with friends along the way.
o Strive for the things you want to have in life and work hard to achieve your
goals……..You’ll be glad you did!

22. - 22 -
Synergy Services, Inc.
TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM
YOUTH HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AGREEMENT
Client Name: _______________________________________ Client # : _____________________
I HAVE READ THE BIG PICTURE HANDBOOK: SYNERGY SERVICES, INC.
TRANSITIONAL LIVING PROGRAM YOUTH HANDBOOK AND REVIEWED IT WITH
MY CASE MANAGER. I HAVE ASKED QUESTIONS OVER AREAS THAT NEEDED
CLARIFICATION. I AGREE TO FOLLOW THE HANDBOOK, THE INCENTIVE
PROGRAM, AND THE EXPECTATIONS AND GUIDELINES AS LAID OUT IN THIS
HANDBOOK AND ANY REVISIONS THAT MAY OCCUR WHILE I AM IN THE
PROGRAM.
_________________________________________________ __________________
YOUTH SIGNATURE DATE
_________________________________________________ __________________
STAFF REVIEWING HANDBOOK W/ YOUTH DATE