This is a work sheet that I use with older children and adolescents to help them gauge the direction their behavior is taking them. While it's not a scientific assessment tool, it gives kids a laugh and realistic look at where they may be headed.

The Out Of Home Placement Top TEN

Top 10 Reasons Kids Get Placed Outside Their homes

(Psych Hospitals, Residential Treatment, Juvenile Detention, Jail)

Whether your goal is to be placed outside your home or not, the following list can tell you how close you may be to this intervention. Give yourself 1 point for each behavior you are currently engaging in or that applies to you. The higher your score, the closer you are to an out of home placement. Warning: Behaviors that pose a serious threat to self or others may speed up the placement process. Good Luck!

1. Suicidal talk, threats or actions.
2. Actively Psychotic (severe paranoia, audio or visual hallucinations)
3. Drug or Alcohol use.
4. Uncooperative with the treatment process (Not taking Meds, Not working in therapy, etc).
5. Inappropriate sexual behavior
6. Intentional fire setting
7. Property destruction (family, community or personal)
8. Refusal to comply with household rules, expectations and school related matters.
9. Aggressive/threatening behavior (active, passive, verbal) toward self, family members and/or others in the community.
10. Stealing from family or those outside the family.

TOTAL SCORE _____

If your score is…

7-10 You may want to start shopping for a good suitcase (don’t forget to stock up on socks and underwear).

4-6     Your futures’ in your hands. Choose wisely ……

1-3   You are making some positive changes. Keep up the good work!

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