By Meredith Newman, MA LCAS, CSOTS
In foster care, where the journey to stability can be a long and winding road, new approaches from child welfare professionals emerge to build resiliency in children, youth, and families. One innovative approach is Intensive Alternative Family Treatment (IAFT®). IAFT® is a therapeutic foster care model designed to provide several layers of support for children, youth, and their resource parents.
IAFT® is an evidence based therapeutic model that goes beyond just making placements. IAFT® focuses on intensive support and effective intervention. It is committed to creating a holistic environment for children, youth, and their resource parents that promotes emotional well-being, stability, and resilience. This community-based service is based on a team approach with the goal of achieving the youth’s permanency or step-down plan.
Each youth in foster care carries a unique set of experiences and challenges. Tailoring therapeutic interventions to address their specific needs ensures a more effective and personalized approach. This includes mental health services, psychiatric oversight, weekly counseling, frequent check-ins, and on-call crisis support.
IAFT® also strongly emphasizes shared parenting between the treatment parent and the family of permanence throughout the entire placement. Shared parenting builds the skills necessary for children and youth to successfully transition back into their home environment. This is achieved through ongoing skill-building and education during supervision with the resource parent. IAFT® also prioritizes equipping children and youth with essential life skills. This could range from educational support to vocational training, empowering children and youth to overcome hurdles and build a foundation for a successful future.
We know that children and youth thrive when they have a sense of normalcy and are connected to their community. Because of this, IAFT® works towards placing children and youth into supportive networks like sports, school clubs, and faith-based organizations. This not only helps with feelings of isolation, but also contributes to developing a large natural support system that extends beyond the immediate family.
These efforts and the unique elements of the IAFT® treatment model build resilience in children, youth, and families. The model encourages youth self-expression and full acceptance by their resource parent. IAFT® encourages creative outlets for expression, such as art therapy or journaling, allowing youth to express their emotions and experiences in a safe environment. This fosters a sense of empowerment, enabling youth to navigate any challenges they may face.
IAFT® also utilizes weekly therapy and family therapy to equip the youth and their family of permanence with coping mechanisms to navigate stressors and trauma. The model instills healthy ways to cope, such as mindfulness practices and conflict resolution skills, preparing the youth for navigating life’s challenges more successfully.
In the foster care landscape, where youth and families may feel unstable, IAFT® provides individualized care, a family-centered approach, and comprehensive support. IAFT® builds the resiliency essential for the long-term success of children, youth, and families. Until there is no longer a need for foster care, IAFT® will serve a holistic model featuring intensive interventions, all working towards building long-term resiliency in children, youth, and families.
Meredith Newman, MA LCAS, CSOTS is the Executive Director of Rapid Resource for Families (RRFF). To learn more about Intensive Alternative Family Treatment, visit their website at Home – Rapid Resource for Families (ncrapidresource.org)
