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Admissions & Referrals

Learn about our referral process, eligibility requirements, and how to get started with housing at our Group Home A facility.

Who Can Make Referrals

Nebraska Juvenile Probation

We work closely with juvenile probation officers throughout Nebraska to provide Group Home A housing for youth under court supervision who are working through trauma, chemical dependency, and behavioral issues.

Eligibility Requirements

All referrals must meet licensing eligibility requirements:

Demographics

  • Male-identifying youth
  • Ages 12–18
  • Must be legally eligible for group home placement

Background

  • History of behavioral, emotional, or placement instability
  • History of substance abuse or chemical dependency
  • Mental health challenges requiring therapeutic support
  • May include juvenile justice involvement
  • Foster care or family instability
  • Educational or behavioral challenges

Safety & Medical

  • Non-violent offense history
  • Medically stable
  • No active suicidal or homicidal ideation
  • No severe developmental disabilities requiring specialized care

Social Functioning

  • Able to function in a group setting
  • Capable of participating in programming
  • No severe behavioral issues that would endanger others
  • Willing to engage in treatment (or court-ordered to do so)

Referral Process

Step 1: Initial Contact

Contact our admissions team to discuss the youth's needs and determine if Heartland is an appropriate fit.

  • Phone consultation with program staff
  • Preliminary eligibility screening
  • Discussion of immediate needs and timeline

Step 2: Documentation

Provide required documentation for full assessment:

  • Referral form and background information
  • Medical and mental health records
  • Educational records and IEP (if applicable)
  • Legal documentation (court orders, probation terms)
  • Previous placement history

Step 3: Assessment

Our team reviews all documentation and may conduct:

  • Clinical assessment interview
  • Family/guardian consultation
  • Coordination with referring agency
  • Treatment planning discussion

Step 4: Admission Decision

Final steps in the admission process:

  • Admission decision communicated within 48 hours
  • Intake scheduling and preparation
  • Orientation for youth and family
  • Initial treatment plan development

What to Expect During Intake

Intake Day

  • Orientation to facility and rules
  • Medical and mental health screening
  • Personal belongings inventory
  • Initial goal setting
  • Introduction to staff and peers
  • Family contact and communication plan

First Week

  • Comprehensive assessment completion
  • Individual treatment plan development
  • Educational assessment and placement
  • Therapy sessions begin
  • Level system orientation
  • Family therapy planning

Ongoing Support

  • Weekly progress reviews
  • Regular family communication
  • Coordination with referring agency
  • Discharge planning from day one
  • Aftercare service coordination

What to Bring

Clothing

  • 7 days worth of weather-appropriate clothing
  • Undergarments and socks
  • Pajamas and comfortable clothes
  • Prescription medications (in original containers)
  • Glasses or contacts if needed

Hygiene & Bedding

  • Basic hygiene items are provided — residents may bring their own if preferred
  • All hygiene items (including cologne) are stored in the locked hygiene room
  • No mouthwash permitted
  • Bedding is provided — residents may bring their own pillow and/or blanket if they choose

Allowed Personal Items

  • Up to 5 pictures for their room
  • Books, sketch pads, pencils, and pens
  • Personal pillow and/or blanket (optional)
  • Cash up to $5 — any amount over $5 will be kept locked in Mr. Schroetlin's office
  • Any additional items must be approved by Mr. Schroetlin prior to arrival

Educational Materials

  • School transcripts and records
  • Current textbooks or assignments
  • IEP or 504 plan documentation
  • Any educational testing results

Items Not Permitted

  • Electronics or valuables (phones, tablets, gaming systems, etc.)
  • Mouthwash
  • Weapons or items that could be used as weapons
  • Drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products
  • Inappropriate clothing or materials
  • Items with gang affiliations
  • Cash over $5 (excess will be secured in Mr. Schroetlin's office)

Frequently Asked Questions

Heartland Boys Home is licensed as a 16-bed Group Home A facility. Bed availability changes based on current placements. Contact our admissions team directly for current availability before initiating a referral.

Length of stay varies depending on the individual youth's treatment needs, court orders, and progress. Discharge planning begins on day one, and we coordinate with the referring agency throughout the placement to ensure a smooth transition home or to the next level of care.

Discharge planning is an ongoing process throughout placement. We coordinate aftercare services with the referring agency, probation officer, family, and community providers to ensure continuity of support. We work to identify a stable living situation, school placement, and ongoing therapeutic support prior to discharge.

Family involvement is a key part of our program. Family therapy, phone calls, and home visits are coordinated through the youth's case manager and are based on the individual treatment plan and court orders. Family contact plans are established during the first week of placement.

All youth attend our fully accredited onsite classroom, staffed by certified special education teachers. We partner with Fillmore Central Public Schools and work to maintain credit continuity with the youth's home school district. Credits are transferable upon discharge.

Once all required documentation is received and the assessment is complete, we communicate an admission decision within 48 hours. Emergency placements are handled on a case-by-case basis — contact us directly to discuss urgent situations.

Ready to Make a Referral?

Contact our admissions team to discuss placement options and begin the referral process.

Submit Referral