Intensive Family Intervention (IFI) Program

The Intensive Family Intervention program is a bundle of services intended to improve family functioning.  It is offered for youth with a mental illness or substance abuse diagnosis who are either:  1) at risk for out of home placement or, 2) who are returning home after being in an out of home placement.  Services are delivered using a team approach which consist of a Team Leader who is fully licensed, with at least three years of experience working with an SED population, and two other experienced clinicians.  Services are primarily offered in the home, school, or community, and the child is seen on average 2-3 times per week for up to 90 days (reauthorizations can provide an additional 90 days).  Step down services are offered at completion of program.  Coordination of care with other caregivers, such as DFCS case managers, probation officers, school personnel, and others, is an essential part of the program.  The following services are offered through the IFI program:    

• psychiatric and medication management services
  
• psychological assessment (if needed)
• crisis intervention
• on call services 24/7
• family training and therapy
• individual training and therapy
• behavior management skills training
  
• intensive resource assistance
  
• community resource linkage