Treatment foster care
Our Treatment Foster
Care (TFC) scheme is based on schemes in the United States where
multi-agency support has successfully helped young people with
anti-social behaviour problems and non-chronic mental health
needs. It can provide an alternative for teenagers who
might have been placed in residential care. We
were one of the first UK local authorities to be awarded
government start-up grants to introduce this.
For further information view:
Tailored plan
The team which is based
in Ashford, is made up of:
- clinical and educational psychologists
- teachers
- social workers
- youth workers
The team coordinates individual programmes with foster carers
for the young people in need. This aims to produce a
positive outcome for the child, to change their behaviour
and reduce risk of social exclusion. Placements can last
between six and 18 months, during which the young person
and their carers follow a tailored plan.
Each plan is based on a "points and levels" system. The
young person is awarded points by their foster carer each
day for their behaviour at home and school. Points are given
to reward positive behaviour or deducted as a sanction for
negative behaviours. It aims to support the young person
through three levels, whilst gradually reducing structure
and increasing privileges as they progress. It returns
responsibility to the child for their actions and removes obstacles
between children and carers by placing them on the same agreed
'contract' for the scheme.
Respite care
The scheme recognises that this kind of work can be demanding
for all involved and respite care may be available allowing each
carer and young person to have some breaks based on the young
persons needs. 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 involve. There
is also an enhanced level of payment, in recognition of the special
skills required from the carer.
Are you an experienced carer?
We are looking to recruit foster carers
for the Treatment Scheme for children aged between 11-16 years of
age. As a treatment foster carer you will be paid £761.20 per week
to care for and work with a young person who is displaying
challenging behaviour.
Other specialist schemes: