faqs (frequesntly asked questions)

1. What type of program is Windwood Farm?
   We are a private, 501(c) 3 not for profit organization. Windwood Farm is licensed by SCDSS to provide high management group home services to boys ages 5 to 16. Children at Windwood Farm have been removed from their homes due to physical, psychological, or sexual abuse; exposure to domestic violence; substance abuse or criminal activity in their family; or other unstable home situations. We provide long- term therapeutic residential treatment; the boys also have the opportunity to attend school on our campus. We operate 365 days a year, and while the boys are in placement here, they reside with us 7 days a week. We never close our doors.
   
2. What is the length of stay at Windwood Farm?
   After a child is admitted to Windwood Farm, our interdisciplinary treatment team works together to determine the course of treatment and a child�s length of stay. Typically, the boys are here about 12 months in our long-term program.  Boys who are placed in our short-term assessment and evaluation program will stay here 90-120 days.
   
3. How is a child admitted to your program?
   We accept referrals from many different state agencies such as DMH, DSS, The Continuum of Care, and the county school districts. Your child must have a sponsoring agency that makes the referral to us. Unfortunately, parents may not make self-referrals at this time.
   
4. How are you funded?
   Our annual budget is about $2.1 million dollars. The majority of our funding comes from a combination of state Medicaid reimbursements and agency cost share.  Unfortunately, this only covers about 70% of the actual costs for treatment here. The referring agency also contributes a portion of the child�s costs for the placement. As a funded partner with the Trident United Way, we are allocated a community investment award from their annual campaign. The Duke Endowment, The Charleston Sertoma Club, and donor directed funds through The Coastal Community Foundation are also sources for grant monies we receive. Of course, private donations are vital to maintaining our programs, comprising more than 30% of our annual budget.
   
5. How can I make a monetary donation?
   Your private donation is made as a tax-deductible gift to us.  It can be made in the form of cash, stock, or real estate to name a few of our giving opportunities. You can make a donation to our general operating fund or you can designate it's use. It can also be used as an honorarium or memorial for a loved one. We always honor the request of our donors and will keep you informed of how the money has been spent. You may contact our Director of Development at ext. 225 or our Business Department at ext. 226 for further details.
   
6. What type of volunteer opportunities do you have?
   Many different individuals and either civic or church related organizations volunteer their time and talent to Windwood Farm. We have a number of work days scheduled throughout the year where volunteers tackle projects on our campus.We appreciate the opportunity to meet new friends, and we rely on this source of manpower to accomplish much of our property maintenance.  Without volunteers we could not adequately maintain our facilities nor offer as many social opportunities to our boys.  This year alone, volunteers have completed over $25,000 in sweat equity on our campus!
   
7. What type of education service is provided there?
   Charleston County School District provides education services in an ED/SC setting. There is a primary, elementary, and a middle school program taught by master level special education teachers. Each classroom also has two aides that assist in providing academic enrichment to our boys.
   
8. Can my child just go to school there?
   At this time, only the children that reside at Windwood Farm are eligible to attend school on our campus.
9. Are medications prescribed?
   All medication related to the management of behaviors are prescribed by our attending psychiatrist, James E. McKinney M.D. In cases of physical illness, our staff nurse consults with a local pediatrician who prescribes medications as needed. Our nurse also arranges for medical check-ups and dental exams. We also make sure all the child�s immunizations are up to date.