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What is Treatment Foster Care?
Treatment Foster Care is a distinct, powerful, and unique model
of care that provides children with a combination of the best elements
of traditional foster care and residential treatment centers. In
Treatment Foster Care, the positive aspects of the nurturing and
therapeutic family environment are combined with active and structured
treatment. Treatment Foster Programs provide, in a clinically effective
and cost-effective way, individualized and intensive treatment for
children and adolescents who would otherwise be placed in institutional
settings.
Definition approved by the Foster Family-based Treatment
Association’s Board of Directors, March 13, 2001. Definition
is derived from the work of Gerald Bereika, Ph.D.
What is the difference between Treatment
Foster Care and traditional foster care?
Treatment Foster Care and traditional foster care are two distinct
program models intended to serve different populations.
Treatment Foster Care is a clinically effective and cost-effective
alternative to residential treatment facilities that combines the
treatment technologies typically associated with more restrictive
settings with the nurturing and individualized family environment.
Foster care has provided nurturing, safe, and custodial care for
children who require placement outside of their family. The primary
reason for placement in traditional foster care is the need for
care and protection. The role of the foster parent is that of caregiver
and nurturer. Treatment, if any, occurs outside of the foster home.
Children are referred to Treatment Foster Care programs to address
their serious levels of emotional, behavioral and medical problems.
Treatment Foster Care is active and structured, and occurs in the
foster family home.
Statement approved by the Foster Family-based Treatment Association’s
Board of Directors, March 13, 2001. Derived from the work of Gerald
Bereika, Ph.D.
Copyright © 2004 Foster Family-based Treatment Association
294 Union Street, Hackensack, New Jersey 07601
(800) 414-FFTA (3382)
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