THE PLAYBOOK
Therapeutic Foster Care
Empowering Our Team with Clear Goals and Collaborative Success
AMessageFromOurCEO
Alexander Youth Network Chief Executive Officer
On behalf of the Senior Management Team, I am delighted to welcome you to the Alexander Youth Network! We are honored you have chosen to join us on this transformative journey.
Our mission is clear and powerful: to provide quality treatment to children with serious emotional and behavioral challenges, enabling them and their families to achieve their potential and contribute positively to society. Every day, you have the incredible opportunity to change lives and create lasting impact.
What sets us apart is not just our expertise but the compassion and dedication we bring to our work. As you become part of our vibrant community, remember to lean on your colleagues, ask questions, and share your insights. Every interaction and challenge you overcome brings us closer to fulfilling our mission.
Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of countless children and their families. Here’s to a future filled with hope, resilience, and positive transformation.
Best regards,
N. Craig Bass, ACSW Chief Executive Officer Alexander Youth Network
Introduction:ThePlaybook
Purpose of the Playbook
Welcome to The Playbook! This eBook is a central resource for all employees, providing a clear overview of our program expectations and guidelines. Our goal is to ensure everyone in your department has consistent, accurate information, helping us maintain high standards and achieve our goals.
Why the Playbook?
Enhance Clarity: Ensure everyone understands their roles and aligns with department goals.
Improve Communication: Clearly communicate expectations, reducing misunderstandings.
Support Training: Serve as a resource for onboarding and ongoing training.
Facilitate Accountability: Establish clear benchmarks and performance indicators.
How the Playbook Can Help You
Program Overviews: Detailed descriptions of each program and key performance indicators.
Expectations: Clear outlines of your role and tasks.
Resources: Access to templates, forms, and contact information.
Procedures: Step-by-step guides to our processes.
Improvement: Best practices and tips for better performance.
Using The Playbook, you’ll have the tools to perform your job effectively and contribute to our department’s success. This eBook will be an invaluable resource in your professional journey.
ProgramExpectations
Program Overview
Population Served: Children and youth up to 21 years of age who face emotional and behavioral challenges requiring a structured and nurturing environment.
Treatment Model: Trauma-informed, evidencebased care focusing on individual needs and developmental history.
Core Focus: Providing stability, growth, and healing through family-centered, therapeutic foster care placements, while preparing youth for successful reintegration into family or independent living.
Specialized Services: Individualized care plans, advanced caregiver training, and integration of therapeutic interventions to address trauma and promote resilience.
Accreditation: Accredited by the Joint Commission, ensuring the highest standards of quality and care.
ProgramExpectations
ServicesTFCProgramOffers
1.TherapeuticFosterCare(TFC)
Providesastructured,nurturinghomeenvironmentforchildrenwith emotionalandbehavioralneeds.Trainedfosterparentssupporttraumainformedcareandindividualizedtreatmentplans.
Ages:10–15
LengthofStay:6–9months
Focus:Skill-building,emotionalregulation,andtransitionpreparation
2.IntensiveAlternativeFamilyTreatment(IAFT)
Anevidence-basedmodelforchildrenwithsignificantemotionaland behavioralchallenges,focusingonstabilityinatherapeuticfamilysetting.
Ages:3–21
LengthofStay:~1year
Focus:Advancedbehavioralcareandcommunityintegration
3.TransitionTherapeuticFosterCare(TTFC)
Bridgesthegapbetweenhigher-intensitycareandcommunity-based placements,offeringshort-term,intensivesupport.
Ages:Allages(basedonneed)
LengthofStay:30–90days
Focus:Crisisstabilizationandtransitionplanning
4.SpecializedFosterCare
Supportschildrenwithcomplexneedsasastep-upfromtraditionalfostercare orstep-downfromresidentialtreatment.
Focus:Skill-building,behavioralsupport,andcommunityintegration
AdditionalServices:Daytreatment,individual,andfamilytherapy
5.RapidResponseCrisisBed
Offersimmediate,short-termplacementforchildrenincrisis,providingstability andsupportforbothchildrenandcaregivers.
Ages:10–15
LengthofStay:Afewdaystoseveralweeks
Focus:Crisispreventionandhomestability
Treatment&Therapeutic Interventions
PressleyRidgeModel
ThePressleyRidgeModelisacomprehensiveframeworkdesignedtohelpchildren overcomesignificantemotionalandbehavioralchallengesbyequippingTreatment Parentswithspecializedtoolsandtechniques.
ThePressleyRidgemodelisgroundedintheRe-Education(Re-ED)philosophy, whichfocuseson:
HolisticPerspective:Viewingchildrenwithinthecontextoftheirfamilyand socialenvironment.
Strength-BasedChange:Leveragingexistingstrengthstodrivepositive transformation.
TrustingRelationships:Emphasizingtheroleofcaringadultsinbuildingtrust. LifeSkillsDevelopment:Teachingcompetenceandpracticalskillsfordaily living.
Mind-BodyConnection:Recognizingthelinkbetweenphysicalandemotional well-being.
Treatment&Therapeutic Interventions
TogetherFacingtheChallenge(TFTC)
TogetherFacingtheChallenge(TFTC)isanevidence-basedprogramdesigned toenhancetheeffectivenessoffostercarethroughpracticaltrainingandongoing supportforTreatmentParents.
Program Structure
Train-the-Trainer: Staff train foster parents after receiving specialized training. Sessions: Within six months in seven group training sessions, focusing on: Building relationships
Setting expectations
Parenting tools
Communication strategies
Key Components
Skills Training: Equips foster parents with practical parenting and supervisory techniques.
Trauma-Informed: Focus on understanding and responding to trauma. Support: Provides continuous coaching and consultation for foster parents.
Goals
Build relationships and social skills. Implement effective parenting. Prepare youth for success. Create stable, positive homes.
ProgramExpectations
Program Objectives
The TFC program is committed to supporting the holistic development and wellbeing of youth through the following objectives:
DailyProgramStructure
TFChomesisthoughtfullydesignedtoprovidestability,therapeuticcare,and normalcyforchildrenwhilesupportingtheirdevelopmentalneeds.
KeyElements:
1.
Goal-OrientedActivities:Dailyroutinesalignwitheachchild’scareplan, focusingonachievingbehavioralandemotionalmilestones.
2.
CulturalSensitivity:Practicesrespectdiverseculturalbackgroundsand values.
3.
PrudentParentingModel:Balancestherapeuticinterventionswithageappropriatechildhoodexperiences
4.
FamilyCollaboration:Engagesfamiliesinthetreatmentprocesstoensure continuityofcareandsuccessfultransitions.
5.
SkillReinforcement:Incorporatesdailyopportunitiesforchildrento practiceself-regulation,communication,andproblem-solving.
ProgramExpectations
FosterParentRecruitment,Training,and Licensure
TreatmentParentsareintegraltothesuccessoftheTFCprogram.Our recruitmentandtrainingprocessensuresthattheyareequippedtomeetthe uniqueneedsoffosterchildren.
RecruitmentSteps:
ApplicationSubmission:Candidatescompleteaninitialapplication, includingbackgroundchecks.
Screening:ApplicantsmustpassTheDianaScreentoassesstheir suitabilityforcaregiving.
InformationSession:Attendanceatadetailedorientationmeeting outliningprogramexpectations.
TrainingandLicensureProcess:
5-WeekTrainingProgram:Coversessentialtopics,includingtraumainformedcare,crisismanagement,andtherapeuticparentingtechniques.
HomeInspections:Comprehensivesafetyassessmentsensurereadiness forfostercareplacement.
StateLicensing:CandidatesreceivelicensurethroughNorthCarolina.
OngoingRequirements:
AnnualTraining:Continuouseducationonadvancedcaregiving strategiesandemergingbestpractices.
RespiteSupport:Accesstoshort-termcareservicestopreventburnout andsupportcaregivers.
TreatmentParentsreceiveamonthlystipendtoassistwithchild-related expensesandareprovidedwithresourcestocreateasupportiveand structuredenvironmentfortheyouthintheircare.
ProgramExpectations
Documentation:
Effective documentation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the TFC program and ensuring the best outcomes for children.
Staff Requirements:
Case Notes: Completed within 24 hours of any service or interaction and stored in EchoVantage, our Electronic Health Records (EHR) platform.
Supervision Visit Notes: Finalized within 7 days of home visits, with all records securely filed in EchoVantage.
Content: Includes detailed observations, interventions, and follow-up plans.
Foster Parent Requirements:
Daily Logs: Document behavioral observations, interventions, and significant events within 72 hours.
Incident Reports: Filed promptly, detailing context, actions taken, and outcomes.
Organization: Records must be well-organized, secure, and readily accessible for review by program staff, with storage in EchoVantage.
Centralized Resource Repository: TFC SharePoint Site – Document Library
All documents considered shared resources for team members must be stored in the centralized document repository system within the TFC Teams SharePoint site in the Document Library.
This ensures accessibility, collaboration, and compliance with organizational standards for documentation management.
By adhering to these documentation protocols, the TFC program ensures seamless communication, accountability, and the highest quality of care.
ProgramExpectations
TherapeuticFosterCareprogramiscommittedtoimprovingefficiencyand enhancingourfostercareprocesses.Toachievethis,wehaveimplemented Binti,acomprehensivesoftwaresolutiondesignedspecificallyforchild welfareagencies.
BintiOverview:
Bintiisaweb-based,mobile-friendlyplatformthattransformshowwe manageourfostercareprogram.
KeyFeaturesofBinti
OnlineApplicationsandLicensingProcesses1
Prospectivefosterparentscancompletetheirapplicationsand licensingrequirementsentirelyonline.
Auser-friendlyinterfaceguidesapplicantsthrougheachstep,making theprocessmoreaccessibleandefficient.
DocumentManagementandE-Signatures2.
Bintiprovidesasecureplatformforuploading,storing,andmanaging necessarydocumentation.
E-signaturefunctionalityenablesstaffandapplicantstosign documentselectronically,reducingpaperworkandsavingtime.
BenefitsofBinti
ByimplementingBinti,weaimto:
Increasethenumberofqualityfosterfamilieswecanapprove. Reducetheaveragetimetocompleteapprovals. Savesignificantstafftimeonadministrativetasks.
EnhancedUserExperience
Binti’sintuitivedashboardsallowusersto: Easilytrackapplications. Managecaseloadsefficiently.
Accessimportantinformationfromanyinternet-connecteddevice. Thistoolwillenableustoworkmoreeffectively,providingbettersupportto thechildrenandfamiliesweserve.
ProgramExpectations
Referrals:
Referrals for Therapeutic Foster Care
The referral process ensures that all children entering the program are appropriately matched and receive the necessary level of care.
Referral Sources:
Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
Departments of Social Services (DSS/DCS).
Requirements: Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (CCA).
Person-Centered Plan (PCP).
Recommendation from a licensed clinician confirming TFC as the appropriate care level.
Continuum of Care:
The TFC program operates within a Continuum of Care framework to ensure that children receive seamless, coordinated support throughout their time in the program and beyond.
Key Components:
Ongoing Assessment: Regular progress reviews to evaluate and adjust goals, ensuring alignment with each child’s evolving needs.
Family Engagement: Actively involving families in planning, treatment, and support to facilitate successful transitions.
Integrated Services: Collaborating with community resources, schools, and healthcare providers to address holistic needs.
Transition Planning: Preparing youth for reintegration into their families, independent living, or other stable environments with a focus on continuity of care.
Our Continuum of Care approach ensures that every child is supported not only during their placement but also as they move toward long-term stability and success.
IntroducingAlexander'sOneStopShop:
CentralizedResourceFolder:Accessourcollaborativedocumentlibrary, whereinterdepartmentalfilesharingbecomeseffortless.
PoliciesandProcedures:Neverwonderwheretofindcriticalinformation again.Accessallagencypoliciesandproceduresinonecentralized,easy-tonavigatelocation.
DedicatedTeamSites:Eachdepartmentenjoysatailoreddigitalspacefor filestorageandteamwork,enhancingproductivityandorganization.
AYNStream:UnlockthefullpotentialofAYNConnectwithlivestreamsand videotutorials,ensuringyou'realwaysup-to-speedwithourlatestfeatures.
VivaEngage:YourCommunicationPowerhouseStayconnectedwith colleaguesthroughthisdynamicplatformforannouncements,discussions, andtimelyupdates.
AYNConnectisn'tjustatool;it'syourgatewaytoamoreefficient,collaborative, andinformedworkexperience.Embracethefutureofworkplaceconnectivity withAYNConnect–whereinformationmeetsinnovation.
PoliciesandProcedures: AgencyWide
Agency Policies
Agency Policies Click Here
Agency Procedures
AYN Connect
At Alexander Youth Network, we provide top-quality care through comprehensive policies ensuring safety and consistency. Visit our Policies & Procedures page on AYN Connect for more information.
Access Our Policies Instantly!
Get to know our agency policies in no time. Simply click the folder to your left and find all the important guidelines at your fingertips.
Employee Handbook
Behavior Healthcare Policies IT Policy
Need to find our Agency Procedures?
Click the folder to your left and access all our Agency Procedures instantly!
CCA and Reassessment Procedure
Agency Procedures Click Here
Emergency and Inpatient Notifications
IHAP Procedure
Handle with Care Physical Intervention
Emergency and Inpatient Notifications
Program Procedures
Program Procedures is designed to assist our staff in efficiently accessing and implementing essential protocols within your TFC program. By following these procedures, we collectively contribute to delivering the best possible care and services to the youth under our care.
Here are some of the most frequently used procedures:
Procedure - Department Wide
Procedures - RLS
TFC Procedure Guide Forms
Policy & Procedure Transition PRTF to TFC
Integrated Bonus Structure
TFC Procedures
Simplyclickthefoldertoyourrighttoaccessthe streamlinedTFCProcedures! Click Here
Procedures Streamlined Click Here
AYNConnect: ResourceFolder
Resource Folder
Welcome to AYN Connect's Resource Folder, designed to support all staff with comprehensive departmental information, standardized templates, checklists, forms, best practices, and training materials. This centralized hub ensures you have the tools and resources needed for success. Our goal is to equip you for excellence and enhance our mission.
Welcome to the TFC Document Library! Here, you'll find essential tools, guidelines, templates, checklists, workflows, forms, and training materials tailored for the TFC program. Access and contribute valuable resources to empower your team and support our mission effectively.
TFC Doc Library Click Here
Explore the Top TFC Resources Available Inside!
TFC - Southern Piedmont
Recruiter, Licensing Specialist
Training Videos
Foster Care
IAFT
And More...
EnvironmentofCare (EOC)
The EOC is a comprehensive approach to safety and well-being within our organization.
Key Points Include:
Safety Philosophy
Highest safety standards in all operations
Safety is everyone's responsibility
Prevention of injury and illness is a primary goal
EOC Committee
Assists in implementing campus safety plans, policies, and procedures
Develops, implements, and evaluates the safety program
Aims to create and maintain a safetyconscious environment
Principles:
All injuries and accidents are preventable
Safety is the first consideration in all workplace actions
Written safety plans are essential
Off-job safety awareness is encouraged
Employee Expectations
Follow all safety program aspects
Contribute to a safe, organized, and efficient workplace
Know and follow written safety plans
Suggest improvements to the safety program
Enviroment of Care Resources
Explore the top resources!
EOC Plan
Safety Checklist
Medication Resources
Safety Plan
Logs Checklist
Discharge Resources
Field Trip Permission Form
Power Outage Flowchart
MAR
Program Sinage
EchoVantage
At Alexander Youth Network, we use EchoVantage to streamline our operations and ensure we provide the best care possible. EchoVantage is an advanced electronic health record (EHR) system designed specifically for behavioral health organizations, and it's a key tool in our daily work.
WhatisEchoVantage?
Click Here
EchoVantage’s Knowledge Base
EchoVantageisacomprehensiveEHRsystemthatintegratesvariousaspectsof clientmanagement,documentation,billing,andreporting.Ithelpsusmaintain accurateandup-to-dateclientrecords,manageappointments,andensure compliancewithindustrystandardsandregulations.
KeyUses
ClientManagement:Maintaindetailedclientprofilesandtreatmentplans. Scheduling:Manageandcoordinateappointments.
Documentation:RecordSessions,ProgressNotes,andIncidentReport.
Billing:Automatebillingandclaimssubmission.
Reporting:Generatereportsforperformancetrackingandcompliance.
AYN Stream - EchoVantage
Visit our playlist on AYN Stream, you'll find a collection of recordings that offer: Guidance and Support: Step-by-step video guides on logging in, troubleshooting, and using new updates.
New Feature Explanations: Detailed breakdowns of the latest EchoVantage features. Assessment and Note Guides: Comprehensive tutorials on conducting assessments and managing notes effectively.
EchoVantage Videos Tutorials
NeedSupport? AskAlexAI
Create a Ticket
Access Teams: O Microsoft Teams. 1.
Open AlexAI: Fin con and click 2.
Restart Session: Click restart" or type it. 3. Open Ticket: Click "Open a New Ticket". 4. Select Support Team: Click the right team. 5. Enter Request: Provide lots of details. 6. Submit Ticket & Attach files if needed. 7.
Restart & Quit Commands
Starting a Conversation: Type "restart" to clear previous chats and start fresh
Ending a Conversation: Type "quit" to properly end the conversation. Switching Topics: Type "quit" to end the current topic, then "restart" to begin a new one This keeps the chatbot on track Click Here: AlexAI Tips & Tricks
Paycom is a comprehensive and user-friendly HRIS solution where we complete HR processes (submitting timesheets / time off requests, viewing benefits, etc.)
Learn more: AYN Connect: Paycom
Need Help? Visit Paycom’s Help Center
Paycom offers a comprehensive Knowledge Base with 125 articles and guides on features and troubleshooting. Additionally, there are 123 step-by-step instructional videos and FAQs addressing common questions on various topics.
Examples of tutorials in Paycom’s Help Center:
Benefits: Show Me How: to Enroll in Benefits
Paycom Basics: Payroll: Show Me How: to Approve My Check (Mobile)
Payroll: Show Me How: to Set Up My Direct Deposit
Time Management: Show Me How: to Approve My Timecard
Time Management: Show Me How: to Submit a Punch Change Request
Time-Off Requests: Show Me How: to Request Time Off (Video)
Scheduling: Show Me How: to Review My Schedule
Scheduling: Show Me How: to Offer and Pick Up Shifts
Click Here: Show Me How to Download the iOS App
Click Here: Show Me How to Download the Android App
RELIAS
Relias Training Platform
Access all training and development courses through Relias, our central platform at Alexander Youth Network. It’s your go-to resource for required compliance training and optional courses to build your skills.
Login Link: alexanderyouthnetwork.training.reliaslearning.com
Username: First Name Last Name (example: Marshand Hager)
Key Features:
1.
Extensive Course Library: Relias offers a wide range of courses, covering mandatory compliance topics as well as optional professional development resources to support your growth.
2.
Accredited Training: Courses on Relias are accredited, meaning they meet industry standards and may count toward licensing or certification requirements.
3.
User-Friendly Access: Relias is designed for ease of use access courses from anywhere, track your progress, and stay up-to-date with reminders.
KeyPoints:
Excited to see the training opportunities waiting for you?
Click Here
MandatoryTraining:Somecoursesarerequiredforcompliance.You’ll getreminders,butit’syourresponsibilitytocompletetheseontimeto maintainourhighstandards.
ProfessionalDevelopment:ExploreoptionalcoursesinReliasto expandyourskillsandenhanceyourrole.
MakeitahabittocheckReliasregularly,andreachouttoLearningand Developmentifyouhavequestions.
Thank you for taking the time to read through our Therapeutic Foster Care Program Playbook. We hope this resource has provided you with clear expectations, useful guidelines, and valuable insights to help you thrive in your role. If you have any questions please contact your manager, search the Therapeutic Foster Care SharePoint site, or ask AlexAI for assistance.
Recap of Key Points
Program Expectations: Understand the standards and responsibilities for Therapeutic Foster Care staff.
Streamlined Procedures: Follow the outlined processes for efficient and effective operations.
Resources and Tools: Access the tools and information you need to succeed.
Your Role in Our Mission
Each member of our team plays a vital role in achieving our mission to provide exceptional care and support to those we serve. Your dedication, professionalism, and compassion make a significant impact.
Stay Connected
For ongoing support and updates, stay connected through: Microsoft Teams: Join discussions, ask questions, and share insights
SharePoint: Access the latest documents, updates, and resources
Stream Videos: Watch quick demos and tutorials for visual guidance
Looking Forward
We are excited to have you as part of our team and look forward to your contributions. Together, we can achieve excellence and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Thankyou, AlexanderYouthNetwork
THE PLAYBOOK Empowering Our Team with Clear Goals and Collaborative Success