Treatment Parents and Therapists: working together to help children Utah Youth Village Talon Greeff

Introduction “My therapist says I can express my emotions by yelling whenever I want.” “My treatment parents say therapy is a waste of time.” “My therapist is going to find me a new placement.” My treatment parents don’t make me do therapy homework because I have too much real homework.”

Introduction Techniques and ideas for everyone Techniques and ideas for treatment parents Techniques and ideas for therapists Troubleshooting

Techniques and Ideas for Everyone Treatment parents need to initiate contact and communication with therapists Talk either before or after the session Listen to advice from the therapist but review ALL recommendations with your consultant Respect therapists and their feedback, ask clarifying questions, but don't argue

Techniques and Ideas for Everyone Avoiding arguing with a professional: –1. Repeat what the other person said –2. Say your point of view and listen –3. Say your point of view again and possibly suggest an alternative view or solution –4. Listen to their response –5. Acknowledge that you heard them –6. Stop talking about it, take issue to supervisor

Techniques and Ideas for Everyone Therapists don’t decide consequences or what behavior is rewarded Treatment parents with consultants decide consequences for not doing therapy homework, missing a session or inappropriate behavior Support therapists and teach to youth with rewards and consequences for behaviors in therapy and therapy homework completion Use therapists to provide safety recommendations for home visits and appropriate supervision

Techniques and Ideas for Everyone Therapists should manage behavior during the group or individual session When necessary, the treatment parent should support the therapist with consequences after the session Therapist input into treatment planning is important and should primarily be focused on clinical interventions Treatment parents should primarily be focused on skill-building and behavioral interventions

Techniques and Ideas for Everyone Therapists manage their clinical times and responsibilities with support from the treatment parents Therapists should not focus on behavioral interventions Treatment parents manage the Teaching-family Model aspects of the program with support from the therapists Treatment parents should follow-up on therapy assignments to ensure they are completed and teach to behavior in therapy

Techniques and Ideas for Everyone Treatment parents should not attempt to dictate clinical services and therapists should not attempt to dictate Teaching- family Model treatment or home structure Consultants must address conflicts to ensure integration of both approaches and effective treatment

Techniques and Ideas for Treatment Parents Working with non-Village therapists: –Share information, accept feedback, get information, make sure you share it with your consultant, especially if it contradicts the current direction of treatment –Include consultant when necessary, make sure case manager understands your treatment goals and objectives

Techniques and Ideas for Treatment Parents Working with non-Village therapists: –Before any decisions are made about moving a child out of placement there should be a treatment planning meeting and child and family team meeting (CFTM) –Any concerns that cannot be resolved by having the consultant talk with the therapist should be taken to a CFTM

Techniques and Ideas for Treatment Parents Working with Village therapists: Even though the Village therapist has TFM experience, you still need to review all recommendations with your consultant Don't assume that because you have a Village therapist we communicate, talk with your consultant Therapists are mental health experts but they do not determine treatment in your home or overall treatment for the child

Techniques and Ideas for Treatment Parents Working with Village therapists: –Your consultant makes all treatment decisions with you, not the clinician –Appreciate therapists who are involved and want to treatment plan and provide feedback because it leads to better treatment

Techniques and Ideas for Therapists If treatment parents are unsupportive or unwilling to address child or youth issues, speak with them and then their consultant Therapists providing feedback from consumers can provide information but consultant should speak with consumer and give critical feedback when necessary Use consultant to provide critical feedback to treatment parents

Techniques and Ideas for Therapists Often youth will complain about the treatment parents or foster home to avoid talking about their own issues Teach skills for the youth to effectively and assertively address these concerns with the adults involved Do not intervene for the youth or give feedback to the treatment parents in front of the youth It is the therapist’s role to provide treatment to the program youth, not fix the treatment home or treatment parents Serious concerns should be directed to the consultant or program director

Techniques and Ideas for Therapists Let the consultant “manage” the child’s case and let them coordinate between providers and agencies Don’t feel the need to consequate a child for non-compliance in group or individual therapy, give feedback to treatment parents

Techniques and Ideas for Therapists If you follow-up on the feedback and disagree with the results, talk with the consultant The treatment parents should not be involved in therapy unless you invite them to participate Clinical issues concerning safety should be consulted with your Village supervisor if different than clinical supervisor

Techniques and Ideas for Therapists Court reports always go to the case worker, DCFS/agency representative or child’s parent. Never to the judge directly These reports should be submitted 72 hours before court so that the case worker has time to review it and ask for changes Do not expect consultant or TX parent to give report to the judge or worker Review the court report with the consultant before giving it to anyone else

Troubleshooting Treatment parents should be calling the case manager weekly with updates on youth progress Therapists should be calling at least monthly Everyone should be talking at each therapeutic visit

Conclusion Communicate at every visit Use Child and Family Team meetings to get everyone back on track Therapists are experts with important recommendations and decisions concerning safety Consultant is responsible for overall treatment and coordination of Teaching- family Model and other interventions