Admission Process

After the application is received, the applicant is contacted and an interview is scheduled.

Applicant Interview- An applicant is given three standardized tests at the beginning of the interview. The three tests are the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (The SASSI), the Maryland Addictions Questionnaire (MAQ) and the Parenting Stress Index (PSI). The SASSI indicates if the applicant has a high probability of a substance dependent disorder, one of the criteria for admission.  This is verified by the client’s self-report. Both types of screening need to indicate a high probability of substance dependence for admission. The MAQ measures an applicant’s attitudes and beliefs about her substance abuse. Gateway Cottage is a small transitional residential facility with an open campus. It is essential that residents are ready for this level of care. Many of the MAQ’s domains measure readiness for change. These include: defensiveness, admission of problems, resistance to treatment, motivation for treatment, and the extent of alcohol and drug usage. Many of our applicants are mandated by probation or DFCS and are in a deep state of denial about their addictions. Clients presenting with these problems typically need a more structured, contained environment that focuses on breaking their denial. The MAQ gives much information about why an applicant is applying for admission. The purpose of the PSI is identifying parent-child problem areas in parents of children ages 1 month-12 years. The PSI is designed for the early identification of parenting and family characteristics that fail to promote normal development and functioning in children, children with behavioral and emotional problems, and parents who are at-risk for dysfunctional parenting. The six subscales for children are distractibility/hyperactivity, adaptability, reinforces parent, demanding nature, mood, and acceptability. The parent’s scaled scores include areas of competence, isolation, attachment, health, role restriction, depression, and spouse.

Applicant interviews with an administrator (usually the Clinical Coordinator) and another Gateway Staff member (often the Gateway Case Manager). During this time, homelessness is verified, and any potential red flags regarding suitability for admission are addressed (readiness for treatment, discrepancies identified by testing, inconsistencies in self-report, need for further evaluation, etc.).

Post Interview Research - Interviewers contact involved professionals to gather information for a clearer picture of a client’s circumstances and history. Afterwards, a decision is made by the interviewers and/or the treatment team.

Admission Decision Communicated- Client and referrer are informed of admission decision by telephone and/or letter. If the client was denied admission, an explanation is given regarding the reasons and possible ways to rectify these are given. A list of alternate referrals will be provided.

Why an Applicant May Not Be Admitted to Gateway

Not homeless or homelessness is not verifiable – We must have a letter of homelessness on file in order to meet the requirements of our funders.  Applicants who are not homeless are outside our target population.

Unable to clinically determine substance dependence – Merely saying you have an alcohol or drug problem is not enough to justify admission to a residential facility.  The likelihood of substance dependence must be verified by reliable psychological testing.

DFCS has no plans for reunification – DFCS has to agree to begin the legal procedure to reunify the family, if appropriate, within six months (negotiable) of the mother’s admission.

Client unwilling to break off unhealthy relationship – Mothers come to Gateway Cottage to focus on their recovery and their children. Some relationships put both children and recovery at great jeopardy. When this is the case, the mother would be expected to break off this relationship completely.

Mother or children have medical or psychiatric needs that cannot be accommodated at Gateway– Gateway Cottage targets a specific population (see criteria for admission).  Applicants with medical needs outside our abilities will be denied admission, with referral made to more appropriate settings (if possible).  Gateway Cottage has a limited capacity, funding, and staff and targets a specific population.  Clients needing a more intensive level of care would be better served by facilities with broader based services (i.e. in-house medical or psychiatric services).

Mother is not a Georgia resident – Gateway Cottage is funded specifically for Georgia residents.

Mother is neither an U.S. citizen nor a legal immigrant – Again, this refers to a specific population for which Gateway Cottage is funded.

Strong possibility of domestic violence occurring after admission -- Gateway Cottage is an open environment and cannot admit clients for whom domestic violence is likely to continue. This is both for the protection for the families of applicants (who would need a safer environment) and for the safety of current residents, children, and staff.

Client does not appear to be as motivated or is exhibiting a high level of denial- Gateway Cottage is a transitional residential center, and its clinical services are limited. Though our clients receive Substance Abuse Day Services (SADS) from another agency, residing at Gateway constitutes a lower level of care than attending intensive residential treatment. Gateway is an open facility; clients can leave at any time. Daily schedules are not as highly structured as a residential treatment setting and Gateway does not have the clinical staff or program to confront highly unmotivated clientele. Such clientele may be suitable for treatment after their denial is diminished or incapacitated.

There are several other reasons why a client may not be admitted to Gateway Cottage.  Referrals to other facilities and helpful instructions to rectify the refusal decision will be provided, if possible.

Click here to download an application for admission to the Gateway Cottage Residential Program and a checklist of items that must accompany this application.

You can fax, mail or drop off application between business hours. 
If you have any questions about the application please call  Hodac.