QUESTION: WHAT IS “BLACKOUT”, AND HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Answer: Blackout is a period of time during which your family member has no contact with persons outside The Bridge. At 21 days, residents are eligible for approved phone calls. At 45 days, residents are eligible for visitation.
QUESTION: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF BLACKOUT?
Answer: Blackout is for the purpose of stabilizing a new resident without outside distraction. This provides him time to adjust to the environment at The Bridge and the other activities of which he is now a part. Remember, he is here to break outside patterns of negative behavior and this time of separation is very important.
QUESTION: MAY I COME TO VISIT DURING BLACKOUT?
Answer: Yes, residents can be eligible for a family visit at 45 days if program requirements have been met. For the first visit, the resident will contact you. Future visits can be scheduled by residents with approval.
QUESTION: MAY I CALL THE BRIDGE AND TALK TO MY FAMILY MEMBER?
Answer: Residents do not have telephone privileges during blackout. After blackout, the resident may provide you with a phone number where they can be contacted.
QUESTION: MAY I SEND LETTERS?
Answer: Yes, residents may send and receive mail during any portion of the program. Send your initial letter to PO Box 3453, Napa, CA 94558. Residents will provide you with a house address in their initial correspondence. Residents may need stamps and envelopes.
QUESTION: HOW DOES VISITING WORK AFTER BLACKOUT?
Answer: On Saturdays, residents are allowed to leave the residence for visits off-site between 4-8pm. All visits must be approved in advance. Residents are not permitted to visit places where drugs or alcohol are being sold or used/consumed. They are also not allowed to be with someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If this is violated, the resident will face consequences, which may include loss of privileges or dismissal from the program.
QUESTION: CAN I GIVE MY FAMILY MEMBER MONEY? HOW MUCH?
Answer: Residents are only allowed to have $10 in their possession at any time.