CTSHealth Services | Intensive Alternative Family Treatment (IAFT)

What is Intensive Alternative Family Treatment?

How does Intensive Alternative Family Treatment work?

Why is Intensive Alternative Family Treatment important?

What are the goals of Intensive Alternative Family Treatment?

What is Intensive Alternative Family Treatment?

IAFT is a therapeutic foster care model designed for children who require more intensive supervision and intervention than traditional foster care provides. It integrates clinical services, behavioral therapy, and family support to promote stability and healing.

How does Intensive Alternative Family Treatment work?

Children in IAFT live with highly trained foster families who provide 24/7 supervision and therapeutic interventions. The program includes frequent professional support, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing coordination with mental health providers to address the child’s complex needs.

Why is Intensive Alternative Family Treatment important?

Children with severe emotional and behavioral disorders often struggle in traditional foster settings. IAFT ensures that they receive the intensive care and structured environment necessary to manage their challenges, reduce hospitalizations, and improve their long-term well-being.

What are the goals of Intensive Alternative Family Treatment?

Stabilize children with severe emotional and behavioral needs.
IAFT is designed for children who require intensive support due to extreme behavioral challenges. The program focuses on stabilizing their emotions and behavior through structured care and specialized interventions.
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Reduce the need for residential treatment or hospitalization.
Many children in IAFT might otherwise require institutional care or psychiatric hospitalization. By providing high-level support in a family setting, IAFT helps prevent unnecessary placements in restrictive environments.
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Provide a family-based alternative to institutional care.
Living in a home setting with trained caregivers allows children to experience family life while still receiving the intensive treatment they need. This fosters a sense of belonging and normalcy.
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Improve coping mechanisms and emotional regulation.
Children in IAFT often struggle with managing emotions, handling stress, or responding appropriately to challenges. The program focuses on developing healthier ways to express emotions and respond to difficult situations.
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Support transition to a less restrictive home setting when appropriate.
The ultimate goal is to help children progress to a less intensive foster placement, return to their biological families, or move into a permanent home where they can continue their growth with reduced intervention.