Where is Gesgapegiag?
Gesgapegiag is a small first nation's community located on the Gaspé coast situated in the Baie of Chaleurs in the Quebec province.
How do I get referred at Walgwan Centre?
Referral can be done in your community from an agency or organisation like the NNADAP worker, youth worker, psychologist, social services or hospital.
How long is the treatment?
Our treatment program is a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months.
Do I have the right to make phone calls while I am at the Centre?
Yes, automatically you are allowed to make one weekly call that is monitored for a period of 15 minutes. You may also obtain a second phone call by maintaining the up-keep of your bedroom for five consecutive days. You can also receive an unlimited amount of calls within reason in accordance with the phone schedule times
Can I go out alone?
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No, all outings are supervised and accompanied by the adult, there are no day or weekend passes.
When can my family visit me at the Centre?
This depends on each individual and where they are at in their own recovery. Usually a family visit is organized during the treatment program but not before completing at least one month in program.
Can I go and shop with my own money?
Shopping is permitted and you may do so once a month with your own money. However, a list of items that you wish to purchase will be needed prior to going shopping.
Can my friends come along during family visits?
No, family visits are just that, for families. We wish that during these visits significant family members come; so together you can work in rebuilding your relationships as a family.
Do I have to participate in activities during my treatment program?
Yes, you are encouraged to participate in all the activities during your program. If there is a problem that you cannot participate then we encourage you to talk to us so we can work on making the activity enjoyable for all those concerned.
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Do I have to stay for 6 months?
Not necessarily. This depends on your own pace in the program and how hard you work on your issues. Some youth complete their program within the four and five month range.
Can I go to regular school while I am at Walgwan?
No, but you will be asked to participate in our school program we have in place. Classes are taught directly on site where a teacher comes in and assists you with your current subjects from your school in your community.
Am I going to have grade credits when I attend school at Walgwan?
We ask that when coming you bring your own school material and work directly form your own material. We will work with your school in obtaining tests and exams and have you complete them while in treatment and then returned to your school for grading. This way while you are taking care of yourself you are able to get some grades too.
Should I bring my school books?
Yes it would be preferable if you brought your own material to work from. If you are not in school prior to treatment then once you arrived, we would have you do a placement test with adult education and go from there.
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Who is going to pay for the travel expenses?
Health Canada pays for travelling arrangements. This depends also on your community's contribution agreement. Sometimes communities are given a lump sum from Health Canada and it is the community that handles the medical and traveling expenses.
Who is going to organize the trip?
The centre with the implication of the referral, the parents and the youth will organize trips. It is the referral who makes contact with the family and arranges for traveling.
I was prescribed some medication can I bring them with me? Can I renew my prescription?
It is always best to include all medications when filling out the medical section of the admission request. Medications are permitted within reasons for example, asthma pumps, birth control pills, acne medication, etc. However any medications such as narcotics, stimulants, anti-depressants will be assessed case by case.
Can I fill in the Admission Request Form myself as a parent or as a client?
No, the admission request must be filled out by an agency or a resource in the community. A parent cannot fill out the forms but a parent will be asked to sign a consent form in allowing their child to participate in a treatment program.
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Can I be referred by a CLSC or a hospital?
Yes, both of these agencies can make referrals for treatment.
Can I visit my youth anytime I want?
No, visits need to be planned in advance. Paid visits are done at admission, following another visit during the treatment and then a final one at graduation. Outside of the times mentioned it is the parent's responsibility to pay for any visits that will take place. Visits need to be authorized beforehand and planned in accordance to the youth's needs at that present time.
Why is TB test mandatory?
Tuberculosis is a common transmitted infectious disease known to first nation populations; it can be spread through the air by sneezing, coughing and spitting. Since we live in a close group setting we want to prevent any infections as much as possible therefore we ask that you get tested prior to coming.
When is the next intake?
