With more independent teens, you can ask them if they need help with a diaper change. If they are less independent, you may need to do a visual check. Quickly peek inside the back and front of the diaper to see if it is wet or soiled.  They may resist your need to check if they need a diaper change, so be sensitive to their feelings. Respect their privacy and dignity as you check. Consider developing a code phrase, such as: “Do you need a break?” or "It doesn't smell like roses here - do you need to get some fresh air?" Prepare to change or have them change the diaper as soon as possible. Delays in a cheaper diaper can contribute to the development of a urinary tract infections, skin irritation, and rashes. If you are in a home setting, head into the restroom area or a room with extra space. If you are “out and about” it gets a bit more challenging. Go to a public restroom and head into an extra-large stall, a handicapped stall or a separate family restroom, if one is available. It is important that the space is big enough for the both of you and that it is clean. Sometimes you may find a restroom with an extra large changing table.  If you're around other people, simply say, “Excuse us for a moment, we’ll be right back,” and leave it at that. If you have options, choose the bathroom stall with extra handrails and/or purse shelves (for changing supplies). Always lock the bathroom door behind you. If there are people standing outside of the bathroom area, feel free to ask them to give you some space as well. Likewise, if you are in a public space, use hushed tones when completing the change. Do not complain aloud or you will further frazzle and embarrass the teenager. If you are out, you should carry a sturdy diaper bag that contains the following: diapers, disposable underpads, wipes, barrier skin cream, a pair of gloves, and hand sanitizer. Unpack these items and place them nearby for the changing process. If the teenager is able, you might ask them to assist by holding the wipes or the fresh diaper.  A disposable underpad is just one of many options to provide a barrier between the teen and the changing surface. You can also use a folded shower curtain, a waterproof picnic blanket, or a homemade padded changing mattress covered in soft vinyl. It's easy to forget or run out of a necessary item. Do a quick inventory of your diaper bag before heading out to ensure you have everything you need. If you're in a public restroom and can't set out the items, leave them in the bag and pull them out as needed. The fewer supplies that are contaminated with germs, the better. If you need to move something to make additional room on the floor in a room, do so. Pay attention to the temperature as well. You do not want the room to be too hot or too cold as it will make the changing process all the more uncomfortable. Adjust the thermostat if you can and if it is necessary. How do you this depends on how mobile your teen is. Standing would be the easiest, but if your teen is unable to stand up, or has soiled the diaper heavily, then you will need to set up the room for a laying down change.  For a laying down change, place an underpad on the ground or bed. If a changing table is available, clean the plastic cover with a disinfecting wipe. For a seated change, place the underpad on a chair seat or bench. For a standing change, place the underpad on the ground with reach access to a wall, if needed for support.
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One-sentence summary -- Do a discreet verbal or physical check. Go to a changing area. Maintain privacy. Set up the supplies. Make any room adjustments. Prepare for the changing position.


This app icon resembles a blue speech bubble with a white bolt of lightning in it. You'll find it on one of your iPhone's Home Screens. Doing so will cause all of the apps on the screen to begin shaking. It's in the top-left corner of the Messenger app icon. This will remove the Facebook Messenger app from your iPhone. You can re-download Messenger from the App Store for free if you like.
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One-sentence summary -- Find the Facebook Messenger app icon. Tap and hold the Messenger app icon. Tap X. Tap Delete when prompted.


In the U.S. at least, if you want your group home to succeed, you need the supervisory local and state (and perhaps federal) agencies to be “on your side.”  Without active government support, you will struggle to find residents, keep abreast of licensing rules and regulations, and get the proper financial reimbursements for your work.  In California, for example, a group home for children must have the written support of the host county (among other requirements) to be eligible for essential reimbursement funding via the AFDC-FC program.  Connecticut, as another representative example, has regulations for group homes covering areas ranging from telephone service to clean bathrooms.  You are likely to need all the help you can get in navigating through the red tape necessary to start a group home. It is difficult to be anything but general here, because every U.S. state (and possibly even county) has its own licensing procedures for starting and operating a group home.  You will need to be proactive in ensuring that you complete all the necessary steps.  Just to name a few of the multitude of examples:  In California, group homes for children are licensed by the state Department of Social Services (CDSS).  In Florida, the Department of Health provides information but not licensing for group homes; that responsibility lies (depending on the nature of the facility) with either the Agency for Health Care Administration or the Department of Children and Families (DCF).  In Connecticut, the Department of Developmental Services (formerly the Department of Mental Retardation) handles licensing for group homes for the mentally disabled.    State licensing for your facility is likely only the start of the process.  You may need to be personally licensed as a Certified Administrator of Group Homes, for instance. Do you know the requirements for health and food inspections in Florida?  Or fire marshal’s certification in Connecticut?  Or first aid / CPR training requirements for your employees, regardless of where you are located?  And what kind of business permits do you need?  It can seem like an endless maze of bureaucracy.  Start by contacting your local (such as county) department of health, or human services, or social services, or whatever other unit seems most likely to deal with the operation of group homes in your area.  Step up to the state and federal levels as warranted. Ask lots of questions, and be very patient.  Remember why you want to render this valuable service to your community.  It can never hurt to solicit guidance from existing group home operators as well. Depending upon your location, one or both of these may not be legally necessary, but they are essential steps nonetheless.  Take every opportunity to protect the time, effort, and money you are investing in your group home.  Unfortunately but not surprisingly, establishing non-profit status in the U.S. is not a quick and easy process.  You need to create a corporate entity by filing Articles of Incorporation with your state, then begin work on the lengthy Form 1023 provided by the IRS, then, if approved, circle back to the state level to ensure your exemption from state taxation.  You may find it beneficial to hire an attorney well-versed in this process.  Check to determine whether your state requires insurance coverage for your group home, but make sure you obtain sufficient insurance covering liability, fire, and theft, among other areas. No matter the size of your planned group home, you’re going to need to hire some help.  Before actually engaging in the hiring process, though, it is advisable to “put your ducks in a row” regarding the various forms and requirements.  This SBA article and this IRS publication are good starting points regarding the paperwork and recordkeeping required to hire an employee in the U.S.  The many requirements include:  Completing Form I-9, which verifies an employee’s eligibility to work in the U.S. Providing Form W-4, which determines federal tax withholding for each employee. Determining your individual state’s requirements regarding new hire reporting, tax reporting, and worker’s compensation insurance. Establishing a functional record-keeping operation so you can keep track of your many responsibilities as an employer.
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One-sentence summary --
Build a relationship with the relevant government agencies. Research the licensing process in your location. Identify relevant federal, state, and local regulations. Apply for non-profit status and obtain insurance. Prepare to become an employer.