Program Description

Our Therapeutic Foster Care Program features specially trained foster families who can carry on the work and treatment of our group treatment homes. These families provide the children with a stable family placement and, eventually, permanency. These homes can be used for children entering treatment who do not have a family to return to. The Homes are identified before treatment is completed, and they work as a part of the treatment team to assist the child complete residential treatment and transition to their family. These homes can also be used for placement of relationship-challenged children who do not go through the treatment homes if their needs fit with such direct placement in a family. Special training, treatment managers, counselors, therapists and financial assistance support therapeutic placement in these families. If all goes well the child is “stepped down” to less intensive levels of intervention while the family stays with them up to and including adoption, if appropriate.

Program Structure

Each foster family is “unique” in how it cares for and relates to children but all have some elements in common:

• A safety-first approach to caring and the abilities to encourage trust of adult caregivers.
• Parents who are trained to be real as well as “therapeutic” Moms and Dads for children in their care.
• Ability to work within a larger team for case planning and support as well as the including and involving many trained professionals, from child protection workers to therapists, to be involved in helping.
• An expansive sense and acceptance of “family.”
• The ability to promote healthy emotional expression and interpersonal relationships, increase self-esteem, and teach problem-solving skills.
• Fair and consistent discipline, and a structured daily routine, including supporting regular school attendance.
• Activities that support family and positive and healthy lifestyles.
• Acceptance of post-adoption services and support.

 Placement Criteria

Children placed in these foster homes are often “graduates” of either our Francetich or Gallagher Children’s Treatment Homes. Some children are placed directly into therapeutic foster care. This program accepts children 3-12 years. Most of the children are challenged with emotional issues relating to relationship, trust, mood or behavior. Many are victims of early traumas, family conflict and family collapse. These services can be applied to services within one of our licensed homes or as additional support with a state placed child or with a birth or adoptive family where the relationships are strained. All admissions are overseen by our Clinical Director, Liz Kohlstadt, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and our Treatment Team.

Locations

The program supports families in Missoula, Ravalli, Lake, and Flathead Counties with offices in Missoula and Ronan.

Contact Information:
Barbara Cowan, Director of Operations
2825 Stockyard Road Ste A11, Missoula, MT 59808
Phone: 406-543-5531 Fax: 406-541-5532
bcowan@youthhomes.com