A. Goal
The long-term goal of Family Preservation is to increase the stability of Garrett County families as measured by a decline in out-of-home placement.
B. Objective
The objective of Family Preservation is two-fold: Family Preservation strives 1) to attain an acceptable level of stability and safety in client homes, and 2) to assist client families more effectively cope with future family crisis.
Question: How do you all measure this in Family Preservation?
C. Target Population
The target population is families with children who are at imminent risk of out-of-home placement. This population may include families with children who have serious emotional/behavioral disorders, developmental disabilities, severe handicapping conditions, chemical dependency, school failure, and chronic delinquency problems. Parents may be mentally ill, developmentally disabled, substance abusers, underemployed or incarcerated.
D. Family Preservation Description
1. The Family Preservation Program is a four-to-eight week program of intensive counseling and support, most of which is delivered in the home. Services include in-home intervention, counseling support and interagency collaboration.
2. Family Care Coordinators work flexible hours and are on 24-hour on call.
3. Family Care Coordinators have a caseload of only two families at a time, which enables them to provide concentrated attention and intensive services to their client families.
4. Family Care Coordinators build on client-family strengths rather than focusing on the pathology or weaknesses which may exist in the family.
5. Family Care Coordinators provide a flexible array of "wrap-around" services which are based on client-family needs. Family Care Coordinators may, for instance, help client families address/resolve fundamental issues such as home repairs, hygiene skills, and budgeting while also focusing on counseling issues.
6. The family takes an active role in all treatment decisions.
7. Services are directed at the entire family and not just at the identified at-risk child.
8. Families are contacted within twenty-four hours of referral.
9. Families receive at least 10 hours of face-to-face contact during first week of services.
10. After the intensive four-to eight week in-home intervention component is completed, the family may receive step-down services (depending on ongoing need). Step-down services are provided by the AfterCare Family Care Coordinator, or by other community agencies.
II. Family Stabilization Services
A. Goal
The long-term goal of Family Stabilization Services is increased stability of Garrett County families as measured by 1) a decline in the number of referrals to more intensive family preservation programs, and 2) a decline in the out-of-home placement rate.
B. Objective
The objective of Family Preservation is two-fold: Family Preservation strives 1) to attain an acceptable level of stability and safety in client homes, and 2) to assist client families more effectively cope with future family crisis.
Or
The objectives of Family Stabilization Services are improved youth functioning in the following areas: living environment; school; employment; alcohol; drug, alcohol and tobacco use; juvenile justice; and harm to self, others and property as measured by MARFY's outcome interview.
C. Target Population
The target population is families with children who are at potential risk of out-of-home placement. This population may include families with children who have serious emotional/behavioral disorders, developmental disabilities, severe handicapping conditions, chemical dependency, school failure, and chronic delinquency problems. Parents may be mentally ill, developmentally disabled, substance abusers, underemployed or incarcerated.
D. Family Stabilization Service Model
1. Family Stabilization is a 4-to-12 week program of intensive counseling and support, most of which is delivered in the home.
2. The Family Stabilization team works flexible hours and is on 24-hour on call.
3. The Family Stabilization team has a maximum caseload of eight families at a time.
4. The Family Stabilization team builds on client-family strengths and does not focus on the pathology or weaknesses which may exist in the family.
5. The Family Stabilization team provides a flexible array of services.
6. The family takes an active role in all treatment decisions.
7. Services are directed at the entire family, not just at the identified at-risk child.
8. Families are contacted within 72 hours of referral
Review Committee: Crystal Stewart (Chair), Diana Boller, Phil Lauver, Kathy Neubert, Matt Troutman, and Vanessa Thompson.
Access Team: Susan Athey-Oxford (Chair), Crystal Stewart, Larry Bruch, and Matt Troutman.