DCS program seeks to improve care for youth and children who suffered severe trauma

Phoenix, AZ (November 19, 2019)-

Youth and children who are victims of sex-trafficking or have experienced severe trauma will soon have improved treatment options available to them.

The Arizona Department of Child Safety recently awarded a roughly $1.5 million grant program to develop Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP) for children in care.

DCS began working on the grant program in April 2019.

Grant funds were awarded to service providers to bolster existing services for children and youth who have experienced significant trauma due to abuse or neglect, who are victims of sex-traffickers; or who demonstrate aggressive behaviors.

“It’s imperative that children in QRTP placements receive the best counseling and treatment services available,” said DCS Director Mike Faust. “We believe these expanded services will result in more positive, long-term outcomes for our kids.”

DCS is currently working with service providers to implement the expanded services and develop model programs for other service providers to follow, which will focus on identifying the right type of care for each child’s specific needs.

Some of the changes will require providers to:

• have a registered or licensed nurse available 24/7
• provide aftercare for children six months post-discharge from a residential treatment program
• encourage family member participation in a child’s services
• adopt a trauma-informed treatment model

The expanded services are part of Arizona’s ongoing implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act.

The Family First Act emphasizes programs that invest more resources into strengthening families to help them remain together. If a child must enter care for their safety, the Family First Act requires states to place the child in the most family-like setting that is appropriate to their needs.

Arizona’s deadline to fully implement the Family First Act is October 1, 2021.

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