Solution

Franklin County needs additional traditional foster care families, with qualified foster parents, specially trained in trauma-focused, behavior management; as well as additional staff for Children’s Division and Chafee program to lower caseloads and allow workers to provide individualized support for their youth and families.

Furthermore, Franklin County needs a residential facility that functions inside of a countywide system of care, with residential treatment services for specific populations requiring a progression of care. Particularly, a specialized residential center for children unsuccessful in traditional foster family setting, older youth, and large sibling groups.

Specialization

• Creating a “community” of family-style homes

• Live-in Teaching-Parents formally trained in trauma-focused behavior management skills

• Maximum of six children per home

Requirements

• Individualized, trauma-focused therapeutic treatment

• Effective evidence-based behavior management program

• Effective evidence-based transitional programs for older youth

• Alternative educational program

• Programs for family involvement

• Community-service learning program

• Extended aftercare services