Certification and Implementation

TFCO Program Certification

Use of the model name ‘Treatment Foster Care Oregon’™ and its abbreviation, ‘TFCO’ ™ is restricted to programs that are certified or are receiving clinical supervision from TFC Consultants, Inc. A number of research studies have shown that maintaining program fidelity is extremely important in achieving positive outcomes for youth and families in evidence-based programs. In devising a process for ongoing fidelity monitoring, we have strived to achieve the following:

• Containment of costs to the applicant program
• Consistency and objectivity in measurement and application of adherence standards
• Precise targeting of technical assistance to areas in need of attention with respect to meeting adherence standards

To develop TFCO program certification standards, the program developers have created a program certification protocol that provides standardized measurement of all important TFCO model components and sets consistent standards that must be met for programs to be considered certified. As part of the process, detailed feedback is provided to applicant programs regarding program strengths and areas in need of improvement.

The certification application process involves a thorough evaluation of several components of your TFCO program, including coding and evaluating treatment parent and clinical staff meetings, and a fee is charged for this process. The application fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether or not certification standards are met and certification is obtained, therefore it is important to consider whether your program has a good chance to meet certification standards.  To this end, please carefully review the certification criteria and the standards that must be met for certification before applying for certification.

TFC Consultants, Inc. is available to provide technical assistance to help identify areas in need of improvement prior to application for certification, or to address adherence issues as they emerge in the certification process. This certification model, in tandem with the availability of consultation and technical assistance tailored to the specific needs of each applicant, is intended to provide a cost-effective, individualized mechanism for ongoing assurance of model fidelity and outcomes. Once a program is certified, the certification is valid for two years, and re-certifications are valid for three years.  Program certification provides assurance to funders and referring agencies regarding the quality of your program and its level of model adherence.

Please contact us for application materials and information regarding the standards for certification.

First Year Schedule of Implementation Activities

Adjustments to this schedule are occasionally made to accommodate specific circumstances.

1. TFC Consultants, Inc., visits your site. The focus of this visit is to bring all of the stakeholders to a common understanding about the model and implementation procedures. Program success depends on the participation in and commitment to the model of all relevant agencies and officials, so it is important to include all of the stakeholders at this initial step. The model is presented to administrators, program staff, any foster parents who may have already been identified for participation, and representatives from relevant outside entities, such as the local juvenile justice community, mental health community, and/or foster care certification agency. Finally, an implementation plan and timelines are developed for training program staff; recruiting, training, and certifying foster parents; and placements in the foster homes.
2. Your agency staff attends a four-day training session at the model site in Eugene, Oregon (five days for Program Supervisors). Clinical training sessions are scheduled three times a year for replacement staff and new implementation teams (training calendar).
3. TFCO-C training sessions are scheduled as needed.
4. Consultation is provided regarding foster parent recruitment with your agency staff, as needed.
5. The first group of foster parents are trained at your site during a two-day training.
6. FOCUS Parent Daily Report (PDR) procedures are initiated and training is provided for staff.
7. Ongoing weekly telephone consultation is conducted with your program supervisors regarding treatment plans, progress, issues, and problems for each placement.
8. Periodic reports are prepared for your program director or administrator on implementation progress, staff performance, model adherence and other relevant issues. As part of the quarterly review, videotapes of your site’s weekly foster parent and clinical meetings are coded for adherence to TFCO principles and procedures.
9. Additional in-person training, problem solving, and consultation can be provided when needed. Up to six days of on-site consultation is provided.

In most cases, new sites can be fully operational within a year from start-up of the implementation. Adequate staffing is an important factor in starting up the TFCO model and in the program’s continued success. To operate a program with approximately 10 beds (the typical start-up size), the following staff is needed:

• Team Leader – 1.0 FTE
• Individual Therapist – 0.50 FTE
• Family Therapist – 1.0 FTE
• Skills Trainer(s) – 20-25 hours a week per 10-bed program.
• Foster Parent Recruiter, Trainer, and PDR Caller – 1.0 FTE
• One treatment foster family for each placement.
• Consulting psychiatry.