Aware creation and implementation of a family assertive community treatment (fact) model - aware is expanding preventative and mental health services for youth and families in montana

Family issues of significant concern as we return to our new normal include the increased incidence of abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and substance use directly related to changes caused by the pandemic. As we relaunch our services into homes, we are acutely aware a new family structure has evolved. We understand that many families are struggling with the new post-covid challenges. The focus of our project is to springboard clinical services and support back into communities that have suffered loss of behavioral health support due to the pandemic. The population served will be families of youth with an SED diagnosis. We expect to provide additional focus on children in the child welfare system and children who have experienced trauma. IT is projected we will serve 504 youth and families in the first year and 1024 participants over the life of the project. The program outcomes will focus on stable housing, family engagement, and increased access to psychiatric assessment, consultation, and education. We will be implementing our unique variation of an act team to provide support to youth and families across the state. This family assertive community treatment (fact) team will be comprised of a multi-disciplinary team working with families to create positive outcomes. The child and adolescent service intensity tool (casii) will be used to track the level of need at admission. Quarterly treatment meetings with the family will be used to assess progress, ongoing need, and update the casii. The fact team will work together with each youth and family providing support and direction from each area of specialization: psychiatry, counseling, behavior management, case management, and administration. Treatment activities will include traditional EBP as well as skill building and educational opportunities. Educational opportunities may be provided by any team member sharing from their areas of expertise. Educational engagement will be provided through traditional psychoeducational activities, parent training, skill building, and advocacy. With the utilization of a family-based model we expect to have more successful impact on youth and their families and to demonstrate this treatment will facilitate and support stable housing, increased family engagement, and increased access to psychiatric support.