A new program at ACH Child and Family Services in Fort Worth is working to keep families together and prevent children from entering foster care. The Intercept program, which was implemented last year, provides comprehensive case oversight and targets youth at high risk of entering foster care.

How it Works

The program is unique in that it allows specialists to work with only four families at a time, increasing family engagement and providing more personalized support. Specialists meet with families at least three times a week, either at home, during their lunch break at work, or on video call if needed.

According to Stacey Ladd, ACH’s Intercept program manager, the program has seen success in its first year, with over 10 cases deemed successful. Ladd believes that the program’s focus on building families, rather than just providing temporary support, is key to its success.

The Intercept program is a nationwide program created by Youth Villages, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the mental and behavioral health of children, families, and young adults. ACH and Our Community Our Kids, the regional adoption and foster agency, were the first in Texas to implement the model.

Impact on Families

Families who have participated in the program have seen positive results. One father and his 15-year-old son, who are currently in the program, credit their specialist, Kyana Branch, with helping them to communicate more effectively and work through their problems.

The program’s focus on building families and providing support is in line with the values of traditional families and the importance of keeping children with their parents whenever possible.

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.