Summary: Therapeutic Foster Care

Does it ask all of the necessary questions to determine what the client’s present problem is? The intake form for a client to admit into a Therapeutic Foster Care home involves a set of questions that are designed to learn more about the client from their point of view. The client’s agency sends a referral that states why the client is being referred which includes past and current behaviors and placements. The referral goes into greater detail about the client and their history of care. The questionnaire that is given at the intake allows the client to elaborate of their experiences and some of their goals they help to accomplish while in placement. One of the questions at intake asks what mental illness they have and the different ways they
Each client is different intellectually; staff are always available to read the questions out loud to the client. If a client does not understand the questions, staff are able to go into more detail and explain the meaning of each question. A lot of clients have asked what a certain question means and staff are able to explain the question in a different way that the client is able to understand. For example, when asking the client’s current pain level, a staff can state that a pain score resulting in a 1 can be a client is in the worst pain possible and a score that is a 10 can result in no present pain. A lot of clients also do well with seeing a visual picture or a drawing.

Are the intake forms available in the language appropriate for the population the agency serves?

The intake forms within the agency are currently only written in Spanish and English. However, if an individual speaks another language other than English and Spanish the agency provides a translator to be present during the intake process. The agency is very diverse and embracing cultural diversity. The agency makes it a point to accommodate for all individuals from all different cultures. The services available are strength-based and culturally sensitive with a focus on positive approaches and based on best practice models of care.

Is there enough space to write what is needed in each answer
I think this is very important especially if a client is new to a facility. I think learning about different de-escalation techniques is helpful. Some individuals do well when staff talk to them when they are upset but then some individuals rather have alone time. I think it is critical to get to know the client and understand what techniques they like to use when they are frustrated or upset. I also think I would change the suicide risk assessment form. I would go into more detail to learn about the client’s history. For example, if they every attempted suicide or know someone that attempted or completed suicide. I also would add a section that discusses substance abuse history and family history. If the client has every used substance abuse or has a family history of substance