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What To Bring

What To Bring

What to Bring to Midwest Center

Each resident is allowed to bring personal items and wear their own clothes. But we ask that you leave expensive items at home, and be mindful of our limited storage space.

We encourage your child to bring the following, with their initials written on each:

  • Nine shirts (No sleeveless shirts, low cut shirts or tank tops)
  • Nine pairs of pants (These must fit and not sag below the waist)
  • 10 pairs of underwear (No thong underwear)
  • Seven pairs of socks
  • Seven sports bras (no underwire)
  • One seasonally-appropriate coat
  • One pair of slippers
  • One pair of shoes
  • One item of swimwear (trunks for males/one-piece bathing suit for females)
  • One small throw blanket
  • One small or medium-sized stuffed animal
  • One pair of glasses and case, as needed
  • Two books
  • One Bible

In addition, residents must adhere to the following guidelines regarding clothing and personal items:

  • Shirts should include short and long sleeves, sweatshirts, etc. We do not allow hooded sweatshirts or hooded shirts.
  • Pants should include jeans, shorts, sweatpants, pajama bottoms, etc. Residents cannot wear pajama pants or sweatpants to school. We do not allow pants with holes, tears or metal studs, nor do we allow yoga pants or leggings.
  • All strings in pants, shirts and shorts must be removed.
  • No clothing with gang, drug/alcohol/satanic themes.
  • No camouflage clothing or combat boots.
  • No jewelry or makeup: all necessary shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant and other toiletry items will be provided.
  • No personal appliances: curling irons, hair dryers, electric shavers or razors.
  • No designer or expensive clothing.
  • No CDs or CD players.
  • No spiral bound books or notebooks.
  • Stuffed animals and small toys are allowed (nothing metal or sharp).
  • No outside food may be brought in.
  • No pillows or comforters from home.
  • No fidget spinners.

Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of our staff; this is not an all-inclusive list.

Once your child is admitted, the Unit Shift Coordinator will complete a clothing inventory to document your child’s items. Any extra clothing, bags, suitcases, etc. will be picked up by parent/guardian at the next visitation or shipped home if necessary.

Due to infection control standards and fire safety codes, Midwest Center will provide all linens and laundry detergent. Adolescent residents will be supervised by staff while doing laundry.

Midwest Center provides toys, games, puzzles, crayons, markers, paper and other art and crafts items. Specific questions regarding items to bring into the facility should be directed to your child’s therapist, and no items may be brought in without approval.

Take the First Step

Find out how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) at Midwest Center for Youth & Families can help your child find hope and healing. Call 888-629-3471 for a no-cost, confidential assessment. If you or your loved one need immediate medical assistance, contact 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.