PA-RTX 7: Coordinated Customized Team Approach
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Team members are aligned in implementing a structured, customized therapeutic
program so each resident’s daily living experiences are well integrated and promote the development of positive skills and behaviors.
An interdisciplinary team coordinates, monitors and, when necessary, advocates for services tailored to the needs of individual residents and makes decisions regarding service planning and provision, including:
- initial and additional needed assessments;
- the appropriate level of care;
- delivery of family services to resolve concerns that will otherwise extend the resident’s stay;
- transition planning and case closing; and
- follow up services.
Interpretation: Interdisciplinary program elements are discussed in PA-RTX 8.01.
Interdisciplinary teamwork:
- specifies the intended result of daily living experiences, activities, and interventions in the service plan;
- engages residents in age and content appropriate activities and interactions designed to alter or improve behavior, provide support, and promote healthy development;
- considers opportunities for participation by one or more consistent caring adults, taking into account the resident’s strengths and interests;
- coordinates therapeutic and educational activities with individual service and skill development plans; and
- maintains predictable routines and activities.
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Research Note: Regarding element c.) a landmark longitudinal study following development of children from infancy to adulthood found that youth who made a successful transition tended in their formative years to seek out and rely on guidance and support of at least one consistent caring adult, usually a family, extended family or community member, or substitute caregiver. |
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Research Note: Regarding elements b.), c.), and d.) Participants in a qualitative study report that a lack of decision making, a lack of support system, and boredom, particularly during evening hours and on weekends and holidays, contribute to running away from care. |
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A coordinated team approach promotes establishing and maintaining stable, ongoing, goal-directed caseworker-resident relationships with residents who can be unfamiliar with how to seek, accept, and use support.
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Research Note: Youth with long histories in care and frequent shifts in living arrangements participated in a follow up study of foster care outcomes and reported a desire for consistent involvement with caring adults. A recent qualitative study of barriers to positive outcomes for youth in care reports frequent change of caseworkers as contributing to lack of positive therapeutic relationships. A landmark longitudinal study examined healthy adjustment from infancy to adulthood and found young people vary widely in their ability to locate dependable sources of support and encouragement. Findings from a recent ten cohort service and longitudinal study highlight the benefit of a consistent caring relationship with a counselor/mentor. |
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The team demonstrates an understanding of how a chosen intervention will help a
client remain engaged in the treatment process and reach their individual goals.