Implementation

TFC Consultants, Inc., specializes in providing complete implementation services for MTFC sites. In order to realize positive treatment outcomes similar to those attained in the evaluation studies, implementation efforts focus on promoting program fidelity. To facilitate adherence to the treatment model, TFC Consultants, Inc., works with communities to identify issues that are likely to affect their ability to successfully implement the MTFC model.

The schedule of implementation activities for the first year is as follows, however, adjustments to this schedule are occasionally made to accommodate specific circumstances.

  1. TFC Consultants, Inc., visits your site. The focus of this visit is to bring all of the stakeholders to a common understanding about the model and implementation procedures. Program success depends on the participation in and commitment to the model of all relevant agencies and officials, so it is important to include all of the stakeholders at this initial step. The model is presented to administrators, program staff, any foster parents who may have already been identified for participation, and representatives from relevant outside entities, such as the local juvenile justice community, mental health community, and/or foster care certification agency. Finally, an implementation plan and timelines are developed for training program staff; recruiting, training, and certifying foster parents; and placements in the foster homes.
  2. Your agency staff attends a four-day training session at the model site in Eugene, Oregon (five days for Program Supervisors). Clinical training sessions are scheduled quarterly for replacement staff and new implementation teams.
    MTFC-A Training Schedule:
    April 21-25, 2008
    July 21-25, 2008
    October 20-24, 2008
    MTFC-P and MTFC-C training sessions are scheduled as needed.
  3. Consultation is provided regarding foster parent recruitment with your agency staff, as needed.
  4. The first group of foster parents are trained at your site during a two-day training.
  5. WebPDR procedures are initiated and training is provided for staff.
  6. Ongoing weekly telephone consultation is conducted with your program supervisors regarding treatment plans, progress, issues, and problems for each placement.
  7. Periodic reports are prepared for your program director or administrator on implementation progress, staff performance, model adherence and other relevant issues. As part of the quarterly review, videotapes of your site’s weekly foster parent and clinical meetings are coded for adherence to MTFC principles and procedures.
  8. Additional in-person training, problem solving, and consultation can be provided when needed. Up to six days of on-site consultation is provided.

In most cases, new sites can be fully operational within a year from start-up of the implementation.

Adequate staffing is an important factor in starting up the MTFC model and in the program's continued success. To operate a program with approximately 10 beds (the typical start-up size), the following staff is needed:

  • Full-time program supervisor
  • Half-time individual therapist for MTFC-C and MTFC-A or hourly playgroup staff for MTFC-P
  • Half-time family therapist
  • Skills trainer(s) at 20-25 hours a week per 10-bed program
  • .75 FTE foster parent recruiter, trainer, and PDR caller
  • One foster family for each placement (except sibling groups in MTFC-P)
  • Psychiatrist services on an hourly fee basis

For more information about staffing and implementation, contact Gerard Bouwman or Rena Gold as indicated in the Contact Information.