Family Road Map Guide

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Learn SYSTEM BASICS
ward the goals is being made. These goals should include a date to review whether
the plan is working. Example: “Episodes of physical aggression will be decreased by
at least one outburst weekly. John will show increased mood stability over a period
of one month. Review progress with parent after one month from start of treatment.”
(Remember: These are goals, not promises. It’s hard to predict whether or how soon
a person’s behavior will change.)
En Su Lengua
La mayoría de las organizaciones
grandes de salud
harán el intento de traducir
en su idioma (POR ESCRITO)
el plan de tratamiento si usted
no lee inglés adecuadamente.
Solicite este servicio
si lo necesita. Es importante
que usted entienda el plan
para que pueda consentir al
mismo y se pueda involucrar
debidamente.
INTERVENTION PLAN: This plan describes actions people on the team will
take to help your child or youth reach the goals. An intervention plan should always
list what will be done, who will do it, and how often actions will happen. It should
list a start date and an estimated date to complete or review the actions. The plan
should also include what you and other family members will do.
Example:
a. “Medications to be prescribed by Doctor A for aggression and mood stability.
Weekly medication management by Nurse B until John is stable for one month.
Review medication as needed.
b. Psychotherapy sessions with MSW Therapist C twice weekly.
c. Family therapy session with C every two weeks.
d. Team meeting with parents in one month or sooner, if needed.”
CRISIS PLAN: If your child’s or youth’s condition poses a threat to him or
her self, the family, or others, this part should describe what steps will be taken if
things get a lot worse. The plan should tell you whom to contact first, such as the
number of the local Mental Health Crisis or Specialized Crisis Services, which hospital
will accept your child in a crisis, and who will communicate with the hospital.
Sometimes this plan is put on another form. Make sure it includes all necessary
phone numbers.
OTHER INFORMATION AND NEEDS: If your child or youth has special
needs that affect the plan (such as a medical condition or disability), this should
be stated on the treatment plan.
You and all members of the treatment team who will provide services should
sign this plan. If you don’t agree with something on the plan, state what the problems
are and discuss them. Ask about alternatives. Remember to put a copy of this
treatment plan in your binder.
A Note About Private Clinicians. Sometimes a clinician will prefer to
see your child or youth for a while before developing a treatment plan. Some providers
(especially those in private practice) don’t use written treatment plans. This
may be okay. You have to judge whether it’s comfortable for you. However, getting a
plan on paper ensures there are fewer misunderstandings. Also, it provides a way to
see if progress is being made. In addition, it includes estimated times to review and
change treatment. You can send copies to your primary care provider and school
to keep them informed.
If your clinician or case manager doesn’t offer any form of treatment plan, ask
why not. If you would prefer to have one, say so.
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