Training Institutes 2012 - National Technical Assistance Center for ...

WORKSHOPS
WORKSHOP #17 8:30 AM FRIDAY • 3:30 PM SATURDAY • GAINESVILLE 1-2
An Innovative Approach to Residential Treatment: Shorter Stays, Better Outcomes
OBJECTIVES—Participants will learn:
1. To identify the elements of effective residential care
2. How to employ strategies for effective partnerships when developing new approaches
3. To describe the key attributes of this model
4. To explain why data collection is critical to program sustainability
5. To analyze the outcomes of this approach
This Workshop will describe a short-term residential model for increasing the effectiveness of residential treatment as a
component of a system of care. The strategies to be presented are based on a white paper developed by Magellan Health
in response to concerns about the reliance on residential treatment for children and adolescents with serious emotional
disturbance and the underuse of evidence-based alternative treatments, “Perspectives on Residential and Community-
Based Treatment for Youth and Families.” The design and development of the short-term residential model was a
collaborative effort of Magellan’s Lehigh Valley Care Management Center, MCC Warwick, Shawnee Academy, and
Children’s Home of Reading.
The key components of this model are small caseloads, family involvement, comprehensive discharge planning and
follow up, and outcome measurement. Small staff to youth ratio allows the therapist and a case manager who act as a
“team” approach to deliver intensive therapy for the child and family, as well as aftercare planning. Family involvement
begins prior to admission and continues after a child is discharged. Therapy often occurs in the home environment
allowing the child, family, and therapist to address situations that typically occur in the home. Discharge planning begins
on the day of admission, with case manager arranging services and helping the family to activate a support plan that is
tailored to their needs and incorporates natural supports within their community. Data collection is monthly and
includes age, gender, diagnosis, custody status, presenting issues, average length of stay, aftercare plan, natural supports,
and re-admissions to out of home placements. Following 24 months of data comparing this approach with ‘traditional’
residential, the model has significantly reduced lengths of stay and readmissions following treatment. Faculty will share
strategies for implementing this approach in other communities and states.
Specific topics to be covered include:
• The impetus for change and the role of research in developing this approach
• Process of program development, including key strategies for engaging providers as partners in a new approach
• Effective aspects of the approach, what really makes the approach successful
• Data collection and outcomes and the importance of data and tracking outcomes for sustainability.
• Lessons learned and steps for implementation in participants’ communities and states
Participants will select one aspect of this approach and plan for use within their communities and then report back. The
faculty team includes the family perspective on the importance of engaging families, a clinical perspective to ensure
effective services and supports, and the role of policy in supporting programmatic and systemic change.
MODERATOR/PRESENTER: Patricia Hunt, Director of Child & Family Resiliency Services, Public Sector
Solutions, Magellan Health Services, Turner, ME
John Lees, L.S.W., Child/Adolescent Care Management Supervisor, Lehigh Care Management Center—Clinical,
Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania Inc., Bethlehem, PA
78 Training Institutes 2012