The Fall River Deaconess Home impacts youth by providing comprehensive healthcare and promoting optimal physical, nutritional, behavioral and developmental health. Within five days of admission, each resident is evaluated by the Nurse Practitioner and then again at 30 days for a more in-depth medical screening.
Each resident receives education and ongoing support in hygiene practices, self-care, safety, family planning, and transitional-aged youth curriculum. Anticipatory guidance is offered to residents and families to empower their decision-making and increase their involvement regarding their healthcare throughout services, including referrals for aftercare, follow-up and resources in the community.
The Deaconess Home follows the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Medication Administration Program (MAP).
The Fall River Deaconess Home promotes healthy habits, healthy living and lifestyle choices; including:
• Implementing the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which outlines nutritional guidelines, portion control, nutrition education, healthy food choices, as well as, a tailored nutrition plan for specific nutrition needs
• Meeting with each resident upon admission for initial self-hygiene education and support, and personal care practices
• Daily opportunities to support youth through medication administration, including how to self-administer, as appropriate
• Timely response and evaluation of medical concerns either with a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Working with families on individualized treatment plans and for direct communication regarding medical needs, assessments, aftercare, follow-up and resources in the community
The Deaconess Home provides or arranges specialized health services to meet the needs of the service population, as appropriate. Each resident is evaluated within five days of admission to their Residential Treatment and Group Living setting, as well as on an ongoing basis for medical concerns, and then again at 30 days for a more in depth medical evaluation. Referrals to outside providers include: dental, vision, oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, physical therapy and occupational therapy.
As needed, residents meet with the Deaconess Home’s consulting Psychiatrist 30 days following intake, and quarterly thereafter. If a resident is not taking any behavioral health medication upon intake , the resident will meet with the psychiatrist in order to obtain a history.
The Fall River Deaconess Home provides safe, uniform medication control and administration. Written policies and procedures regarding the prescription and administration of all medication are detailed in the Health Care Manuals and are available at all program sites where medications are maintained and administered. The Deaconess Home maintains site licenses with the Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration (MCSR) at our Group Living program sites.
Personnel directly involved in medication control and administration are qualified and trained in accordance with law and regulation set forth by the Department of Public Health’s Medication Administration Program (MAP). Direct Care Staff who administer medications outside of school hours are trained per the Medication Administration Program (MAP).
Health assessment upon admission, and yearly immunizations
Accompany youth to medical and dental appointments
Teaching Transitional-Aged Youth how to set up and attend medical appointments independently
Family consultations regarding youth’s health status and services
Family planning and sexual health education
Individualized health care plans that address hygiene and daily living skills
Psychiatric Consultation which addresses managing, reducing and wherever possible, eliminating medication
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Healthy meals and exercise programs
Provider coordination and transitional planning for youth returning home
Health Care Services Provided by:
Board Certified Pediatrician – who acts as Medical Director
Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Registered Nurses
MAP (Medication Administration Program) Certified Staff
Additional services are provided by medical, dental and ancillary service providers as part of providing mentoring and advocacy for youth and families
Triennial Assessment Report: NSLP 2025 (3/2025)
District: FALL RIVER
Strong Policies and Aligned Practices
Fall River Deaconess Home has demonstrated strong and consistent progress in promoting student health and well-being, as evidenced by the successful indicators identified in our recent triennial WellSAT (Wellness School Assessment Tool) evaluation. The assessment revealed several key areas where we are not only meeting but exceeding expectations in our commitment to a healthy school environment.
One of our core strengths lies in nutrition education and promotion. The curriculum is aligned with national standards and effectively integrates lessons on healthy eating across multiple grade levels and subject areas. Our staff is actively engaged in delivering consistent messages about good nutrition, both in the classroom and throughout the school environment, reinforcing healthy habits in ways that are developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant.
We also excel in the area of healthy meals and nutrition standards. All school meals meet or exceed USDA requirements, and we have taken additional steps to promote healthy choices, such as offering a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy options. We ensure that water is readily available throughout the school day, and our cafeteria environment supports student participation in the school meal program with strategies like attractive food displays and positive messaging.
In terms of physical education and activity, Deaconess is committed to providing students with regular opportunities for physical activity, including YMCA gym memberships.
We prioritize staff wellness and professional development. Our wellness program includes ongoing training and resources for teachers and staff to model and support healthy behaviors. We have created a culture that values health and well-being, not only for students but also for the staff who support them.
Finally, our wellness policy implementation and evaluation practices are a model of effectiveness. The wellness committee meets regularly, includes diverse representation, and actively monitors the policy’s progress. We have systems in place to evaluate and revise our goals, ensuring that wellness remains a dynamic and evolving part of our school culture.
Together, these successes reflect our school’s deep and sustained commitment to fostering a learning environment that prioritizes the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of every student. The positive outcomes of the WellSAT assessment affirm that our efforts are both impactful and aligned with best practices, setting a strong foundation for continued progress in student wellness.
Policy & Practice Scores
FR1 – Specific goals for nutrition education designed to promote student wellness?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
FR2 – NSLP/SBP meals meet federal standards?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
FR3 – Protection of privacy for free/reduced-price meal students?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
FR4 – Free drinking water available during meals?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
FR5 – Nutrition staff meet USDA professional standards?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
FR14 – Official responsible for wellness policy implementation?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
FR15 – Wellness policy made available to the public?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
FR16 – Wellness policy evaluated every three years?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
FR17 – Triennial assessment report contents?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
NES1 – Breakfast offered daily to all students?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
NES4 – Strategies to maximize breakfast/lunch participation?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
NES6 – Minimum time to eat meals?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
NES7 – Priority for locally produced foods?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
NES13 – Food used as reward?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
NES14 – Access to free drinking water throughout day?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
NE1 – Skills-based nutrition education?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
NE3 – Middle school nutrition education?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
NE4 – High school nutrition education?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
NE5 – Nutrition integrated into other subjects?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
NE6 – Collaboration between nutrition staff and teachers?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
NE7 – Agriculture and food system addressed?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
PEPA17 – Physical activity used as reward?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
PEPA18 – Physical activity used as punishment?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
EW1 – Employee wellness strategies?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
IC1 – Active district-level wellness committee?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
IC2 – Active school-level wellness committee?
Policy Score: 2
Practice Score: 2
Create Practice Implementation Plan
Implementation Plan to Ensure Full Compliance with Wellness Committee Representation
To strengthen our district’s commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive approach to school wellness, FRDH is taking steps to ensure compliance with federal requirements and WellSAT best practices regarding representation on the district-level wellness committee.
The district recognizes that a diverse and balanced committee is essential to developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating an effective wellness policy. In response, FRDH will develop and implement a Practice Implementation Plan designed to formalize the process of engaging and maintaining broad representation from all required stakeholder groups.
Key Actions:
Clear Identification of Required Stakeholders
FRDH will align with USDA and WellSAT guidelines by ensuring representation from:
Parents or guardians
Students
School food service professionals
School administrators
Health professionals
Board members
District wellness coordinators and/or other relevant staff
An outreach campaign will be launched each school year to recruit representatives from all groups. Outreach will be conducted through personal invitations to ensure inclusion and equity in participation.
Annual Review for Compliance
As part of the district’s triennial WellSAT assessment process, FRDH will annually review committee membership to ensure compliance with stakeholder representation requirements. The Wellness Committee Chair will ensure adjustments are made as needed to fill gaps and maintain inclusive participation.
Policy Score – FR13 (Committee Representation):
Policy: 2
Practice: 1
Update Policies
Fall River Deaconess Home is in full compliance with its wellness practices to include all federally required items.
Opportunities for Growth
PEPA5 – Minutes per week of PE in middle school
Policy Score: 0
Practice Score: 1
PEPA6 – Minutes per week of PE in high school
Policy Score: 0
Practice Score: 1
Key
Strong Policies and Aligned Practices – District has a strong policy and fully implements aligned practices
Create Practice Implementation Plan – Policy exists but practice is limited or absent
Update Policies – Practice exists but policy language is weak or missing
Opportunities for Growth – Topic minimally addressed or not addressed
For more resources, visit: wellsat.org/resources
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, USDA and participating institutions are prohibited from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income from public assistance, political beliefs, or reprisal for prior civil rights activity.
Persons with disabilities requiring alternative communication formats (Braille, large print, audiotape, ASL, etc.) should contact their local agency or USDA through Telecommunications Relay Service at 711.
To file a discrimination complaint, complete Form AD-3027 online or at any USDA office, or write a letter including required information.
Submit by:
Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Mail Stop 9410
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
Fax: (202) 690-7442
Email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
