St. Francis Farm Residential Rehabilitation Programme
St. Francis Farm is a Therapeutic Rehabilitation Community. St. Francis Farm rehab is located on a working farm in Co. Carlow. The centre offers a 14-week drug-free residential programme. The programme aims to provide clients with rehab in a rural setting and helps to support them in addressing their addiction. Watch a video about the farm here.
The new purpose built 13-bed unit, all with en suite facilities, caters for both men and women over 18 years of age.
Our programme offers:
- Individual care planning
- One-to-one work, group work and relapse prevention
- Holistic therapies and spirituality groups
- Educational and personal development
- Work experience in animal care and general farming
- Recreational activities
- Onward referral to aftercare services
“St. Francis Farm programme has given me the chance to work on my addiction and to live a more productive life. Working on the farm was an important part of this improvement of self-esteem, creativity and healing.” – 30 year old female, engaged in full-time employment.
FAQs
What are the contact details of St. Francis Farm Rehabilitation?
For referrals & further information please call (059) 9151369 or email info.sffrehab@mqi.ie.
How do I apply for the St. Francis Farm residential rehabilitation programme?
Since January 2025 referrals now need to be submitted by a tier 3 community addiction service.
The referral process requires a comprehensive assessment and care plan be completed over 6 face to face sessions in the community.
Once the assessment and care plan have been completed the referrer will need to contact the tier 4 residential lead for their CHO area to get a reference number for funding.
Once the reference number has been obtained; the assessment, care plan and a referral form can be submitted to St. Francis Farm.
At the assessment interview, our staff will explore your care needs to make sure St. Francis Farm is the best option for you at this time. The interview is also used to confirm that you meet our admission criteria. At this point, we may need to request additional reports to support your application. These reports could be from your doctor, counsellor, key worker or probation officer and we require them to help put the best possible care plan in place for you.
How long will I be waiting for a bed?
Once staff have reviewed your application and you meet the admission criteria, you will be placed on the ready for admission list.
Staff will maintain weekly contact with you during this period. We try to ensure that you don’t have to wait longer than 12 weeks for admission. The time spent on the waiting list is dependent on bed availability.
What are the Admission Criteria?
- You must be 18 years of age or over.
- You must be at least one-week drug/alcohol-free prior to admission. The service advises clients who use cannabis to reduce their cannabis consumption in the weeks preceding admission. Exact goals will be set around this at assessment. However, given the length of time that it takes cannabis to leave the system, a positive urine result will not prevent a client from being admitted to the unit.
- Your GP and/or psychiatrist may need to provide up-to-date reports for clients presenting with complex mental health/medical conditions. This can include histories of self-harm and suicidal ideation or attempts.
Do I have to pay for the St. Francis Farm Residential Programme?
All clients are asked to contribute a maximum of €110 weekly to the cost of rehabilitation. If you are unable to pay this will not prohibit you from attending the programme.
Will I have my own room?
Yes, each client will be given their own room. Bed linen and towels are provided but if you prefer you can bring your own. All rooms are ensuite.
Can I phone friends and family while I’m on the programme?
Yes, for the first two weeks of the programme clients can make two 15 minute personal calls, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. From week three, you can make up to four calls per week, with the two extra calls made between Monday and Friday.
You are unable to receive personal calls or have mobile phones. There is no limit on the number of letters you can write or receive while on the programme.
Can people visit me during the programme?
During the programme visits from family or friends are not facilitated, this is to allow people to fully focus on their programme while resident here in St. Francis Farm, however, phone calls are facilitated twice per week, allowing for one video call to loved ones on a Sunday.
Do I have to stop smoking?
No, that is not part of the criteria to enter this programme. If you would like help to stop smoking staff will assist you.
Can I leave St. Francis Farm Rehab unaccompanied at any stage during the programme?
No. If you require to leave the programme for any reason, staff will accompany you.
Do I have to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
Vaccination for Covid-19 is no longer a requirement for admission to St. Francis Farm Detox, however we do encourage clients to get vaccinated prior to entering a residential treatment programme.