MTFC Program Certification
Use of the model name ‘Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care’ and its abbreviation, ‘MTFC’ – both registered service marks of OSLC Community Programs – is restricted to programs that are certified or are receiving clinical supervision from TFC Consultants, Inc.
A number of research studies have shown that maintaining program fidelity is extremely important in achieving positive outcomes for youth and families in evidence-based programs.
In devising a process for ongoing fidelity monitoring, we have strived to achieve the following:
- Containment of costs to the applicant program
- Consistency and objectivity in measurement and application of adherence standards
- Precise targeting of technical assistance to areas in need of attention with respect to meeting adherence standards
To develop MTFC program certification standards, OSLC Community Programs (the founding MTFC program), TFC Consultants, Inc., and the Center for Research to Practice (an independent research organization specializing in dissemination issues) have collaborated to specify a program certification protocol that provides standardized measurement of all important MTFC model components and sets consistent standards that must be met for programs to be considered certified. As part of the process, detailed feedback is provided to applicant programs regarding program strengths and areas in need of improvement. Applications can be submitted by any organization that believes their MTFC program meets certification criteria, regardless of whether they receive previous training or technical assistance from TFC Consultants, Inc.
Program staff can self-assess the degree to which they think their program meets certification standards by reviewing the certification packet in the next section. Because the certification process involves a thorough evaluation of several components of your MTFC program, including coding videotapes of foster parent and clinical staff meetings, a fee is charged for this process. The application fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether or not certification standards are met and certification is obtained, therefore it is important to carefully review the specific measures that will be used to determine whether the program meets the standards before your organization makes an application for certification.
TFC Consultants, Inc., is available to provide technical assistance to help identify areas in need of improvement prior to application for certification, or to address adherence issues either prior to application or as they emerge in the certification process. This certification model, in tandem with the availability of consultation and technical assistance tailored to the specific needs of each applicant, is intended to provide a cost-effective, individualized mechanism for ongoing assurance of model fidelity and outcomes. Once a program is certified, the certification is valid for two years, and re-certifications are valid for three years. Application materials and information regarding the standards for certification are provided in the next section.
The Center for Research to Practice conducts the certification procedure independently and without consultation with TFC Consultants, Inc., or OSLC Community Programs staff. The Center for Research to Practice trains program certification evaluators and videotape coders to reliability standards so that sites can be assured that they are receiving an objective, independent evaluation of their MTFC program’s level of functioning.
Currently, program certification is not available for MTFC-C programs. A certification protocol for this version of the model is being developed and is expected to be offered by early 2008.
Program certification provides assurance to funders and referring agencies regarding the quality of your program and its level of model adherence. As the emphasis on evidence-based practices grows, we expect certification to become an increasingly important issue in many locations.
Click here for contact information for the Center for Research to Practice or TFC Consultants, Inc.
Click here to download the Certification Application "MTFC-A" (For adolescents (12-17 years).
