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Our Treatment Foster Care TFC scheme is modelled on
successful schemes in the United States where research has shown
that multi-agency intervention can help young people with
anti-social behaviour problems and non-chronic mental health needs.
In particular, it can provide an alternative for teenagers who
might otherwise need to be placed in residential care. Kent County
Council was one of the first UK local authorities to be awarded
government start-up grants to introduce this kind of innovative
intervention.
Tailored plan
A team, based in Ashford and comprising of clinical and
educational psychologists, teachers, social workers and youth
workers, coordinates individual programmes with foster carers for
the young people in need, all working towards the same aim of
producing a positive outcome for the child. Placements can last
between six and 18 months, with each young person and their carers
following a tailored plan to change their behaviour and lessen
their risk of social exclusion.
Each plan is based on a "points and levels" system, with the
young person being awarded points by their foster carer each day to
reflect their behaviour at home and at school. These points can
reward positive behaviour or be deducted as a sanction for negative
behaviours. The aim is for each young person to work through three
levels, with a gradual reduction in structure and an increase in
privileges as they progress. It returns responsibility to the child
for the consequences of their actions - and removes obstacles
between children and their carers by placing them on the same
agreed 'contract' for the scheme.
Respite
Recognising that this kind of work can be demanding for all
concerned, the scheme allows for each carer and the young person
they are looking after to have some breaks. After the first three
weeks of each placement, foster carers are entitled to respite care
equal to two nights per month, plus two weeks' paid holiday each
year. The young person in placement will, wherever possible, spend
each respite time with the same respite carers so that they have
continuity in their lives. These respite carers are trained for the
scheme alongside the foster carers involved. There is also an
enhanced level of payment, in recognition of the special skills
required from the carer.
Other types of foster care:
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