We approach each child as an individual and focus planning and support services around his or her unique needs. All the children have an individualized plan of service that is developed by an interdisciplinary team made up of people who are involved with the child. By individually tailoring the level of care and services required for each child, we have found it is possible to build a successful program for almost any youth.
Of all the approaches to the treatment of children who have behavioral or learning problems, none have been as well researched or documented as the skill-building approach encompassed by Applied Behavioral Analysis. Given the overwhelming evidence supporting the effectiveness of its use, The Institute of Professional Practice, Inc. maintains a behavioral orientation to treatment.
When our behavioral approach is coupled with a warm, loving and stable family environment, the results are overwhelmingly positive. Children who have a team of caring people working together to support them at home, in school and in the community can make tremendous progress in their daily lives. They also become better prepared to enter adulthood with skills and a solid support system.
The Professional Parenting Program strives to provide each child with placement stability and ample opportunities for growth. Children who have a team of caring people working together to support them at home, in school and in the community can make significant social and emotional gains.
The following services are available through our program:
- Behavioral services: Board certified behavior analyst provide a full spectrum of behavioral services designed to enhance opportunities for positive behavioral growth and skill acquisition.
- Weekly home visits: Masters level clinicians provide in home support to the foster parents and children at a frequency of at least once a week. These clinicians also provide an array of case management services.
- Psychiatric consultation: Board certified child psychiatrist provides psychiatric consultation and medical treatment as needed to the children in our program.
- 24/7 on-call beeper: A clinician is available to provide support and consultation during evening and weekend hours.
- Individualized treatment plans: An overall plan of service (OPS) is developed for each child within one month of placement and reviewed every six months thereafter. The OPS is tailored to meet the child's individual needs and outlines services.
- Respite and recreational reimbursement: Funding is available to Professional Parents to defray the costs of respite expenses, along with recreational activities.
- A competitive stipend: Professional parents are compensated with a generous, tax free stipend.
- Comprehensive parent training: A variety of classes are offered to help prepare foster parents during the pre-placement phase of approval. Ongoing classes are also provided after approval, which include a 21-hour course called Parenting Tools for Positive Behavior Change.