Who we are
As the most intensive program within the Child and Adolescent Services division of Dallas Metrocare MHMR Services, we are a licensed child-placing agency (CPA) providing treatment foster care.
Definition of Treatment Foster Care
Treatment Foster Care is a home environment in which children can actively work on their behavioral and emotional problems while being given structure, discipline, guidance, consistency, and predictability. Foster parents are members of the treatment team and are counted on to provide each of the above, while being supported by the TFC staff who provide case management, skills training, and psychotherapy.
Target Population
The target population is children (ages 0-17) who require more intensive treatment services than outpatient, but do not require 24-hour hospitalization, or 24-hour observation:
- those in the guardianship of Child Protective Services who have been assigned Levels of Care I-IV by Youth for Tomorrow
- those ordered into placement as a condition of probation
- those referred from other facilities, including hospitals and shelters
- families requesting services
- those referred from other programs within Metrocare Services
What We Offer
Structured supervision by foster parents trained to deal with therapeutic issues, including:
- running away
- stealing
- lying
- sexual acting out
- physical aggression
- learning difficulties
Regularly scheduled foster home visits by caseworker, and skills-training/rehab in the following areas:
- anger management
- coping
- communication
- problem-solving
- stress management
Weekly individual group and/or family therapy.
Service coordination with school, psychiatrist, therapist, and others.
Psychiatric evaluations and regular medicine checks.
Success Story
Johnny was placed with TFC after having had six previous placements through CPS. He came to TFC from a residential treatment center. Johnny had numerous behavior problems. He would tantrum when denied immediate gratification, and lie to get what he wanted or to avoid responsibility for his behavior. He had few if any friends and seldom left the house. The foster parents worked closely with Johnny’s caseworker and together they came up with a plan to help Johnny learn the skills he needed to be successful in life. The foster parents gave Johnny ample opportunity to practice his new skills, and to learn patience and methods to engage others. Slowly, over weeks and months, Johnny learned these new skills. He began to feel better about himself, and his angry outbursts began to diminish in intensity and frequency. At the same time, Johnny began to improve academically and he ended up joining a school team where he continued to be successful.
Monthly Orientation
Monthly Orientation Meetings about the Fostering program are held the first Tuesday of the month. Contact Nicole Thompson at 214-331-0131 or Mary-Casey McGee at 214-331-0149 for information regarding the location and time.
Childcare is not provided.
TFC Staff
Diane McIntosh, Treatment Director
Diane.McIntosh@metrocareservices.org
Shashi Motgi, Medical Director
Shashi.Motgi@metrocareservices.org
Kelli Laos, Program Administrator
Kelli.Laos@metrocareservices.org
DJ DeJong, Program Director
DJ.DeJong@metrocareservices.org
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