The opioid crisis has left an indelible mark on countless families across the United States. With over 108,000 drug overdose deaths, the majority involving opioids, the epidemic has profound implications not only for public health but also for child welfare systems. 

Trauma-informed care recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and emphasizes the need for understanding, compassion, and empowerment in providing support to individuals with trauma and IDD.

Tasmania Police has been recognised for its implementation of a program aimed at diverting at-risk youth from repeat offending.

Therapy provides a nonjudgmental sanctuary where emotional wounds can begin to heal. Each person brings their culture, tradition, and identity, and as therapists, we have a moral and professional obligation to uphold cultural humility and responsibility for delivering treatment.

Intellectual disability, often referred to as intellectual developmental disorder (IDD), encompasses a range of cognitive impairments affecting an individual's adaptive functioning and intellectual abilities. It's crucial to understand that intellectual disabilities aren't merely a singular characteristic but a diverse spectrum of challenges that can profoundly impact an individual's life. 

When organizations implement evidence-based programs, communities thrive, families receive support, and young people feel empowered to reach their full potential. But reaping these transformative rewards requires resources, commitment, money, and more. 

So, how do you secure funding for evidence-based programs? 

From Medicaid to FFPSA funding and beyond, there's a whole world of financial support for programs aimed at improving lives, especially for young people and their families.

The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) is historic legislation with a noble and critical goal. It prioritizes family preservation and the well-being of young people by decreasing the necessity for placing children in foster care. 

The FFPSA expands how states can spend certain Social Security funds by allowing states to allocate funds to evidence-based practices and programs offering various treatment and prevention services to children and families in the child welfare system. 

The FFPSA Clearinghouse categorizes these evidence-based programs across levels—the top rating being "well-supported." But what does this mean? Why does it matter? What are the benefits? And how can you select and implement a well-supported program? 

We'll answer these questions to understand not just the "what" but the “why" behind the importance of well-supported services that can transform the lives of children and families. 

The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) was created to protect and empower children in the welfare system.

While previously, states could only use certain Social Security funds to finance foster care, the FFPSA allows states to use these funds to provide parental training, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment for children and their families in the child welfare system. The FFPSA empowers families at risk of separation, thus reducing the need for children to be placed in foster care.  

Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is a dynamic, evidence-based approach designed to address complex behavioral problems in young people. At its core, MST works within the ecological systems- family, peers, school, and community - influencing a young person's life.

By working within these systems, MST can support at-risk young people. This can be particularly important when a young person is faced with a difficult transition — for example, changing schools, adapting to a blended family structure, or transitioning home from placement or foster care. 

Families can be a person’s primary source of support as well as stress. When used correctly, family therapy plays a pivotal role in addressing and resolving familial tensions, improving relationships as well as the wellness of individual family members.  

Family therapy can help improve boundary-setting and communication skills. It can also provide a space for families to process and share their emotions, enabling family members to understand one another’s perspectives and offer meaningful support to each other. 

Unfortunately, some families can run into difficulties with family therapy. Common barriers include logistical issues, cultural beliefs and values, lack of awareness, and even skepticism or hesitancy from family members to participate. Recognizing and addressing these barriers is crucial for the success of therapeutic interventions.