The Integrative Therapeutic Family Services and Crisis/Respite Programs operate under the philosophy that early intervention is critical for youth who are experiencing emotional/behavioral symptoms. Maximum therapeutic benefits are more apt to be achieved when youth receive timely services in the least restrictive, most home-like environment possible. Services should be well-structured, supervised, calm and consistent. Furthermore, the home needs to be well integrated into the child’s own community and must be supported by the expertise of the local mental health providers and other agencies providing services to children. All services (treatment, educational, foster care, etc.) should be offered in a well-planned, coordinated, and cooperative manner.
This program has the following objectives:
Integrative Therapeutic Family Services (ITFS) is designed to provide specialized support to youth demonstrating symptoms of emotional or behavioral disorders. Through collaboration with other agencies and the child’s family (foster, biological, kinship, etc.), this program strives for early problem identification, and facilitates the development of effective solutions to prevent placement disruption and/or movement to a more restrictive environment.
This type of cooperation and coordination supports a child’s successful transition when discharge from the program occurs.
The program also works with, as appropriate, biological families to assist them in developing the skills needed to allow for successful reunification. Services include a minimum of three months of aftercare follow-up and supports for the biological family when the child returns home.
Regular meetings are held between the local Department of Social Services (DSS), Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) and the program coordinator to insure coordination of services.
The program coordinator and staff meet regularly with caregiver families and program youth to provide supportive services.
The program also offers regular trainings to all DSS/DJS family caregivers in an effort to enhance the skills of licensed foster families. The program will have access to consultant services, as needed, to address issues which arise with program youth.
Person to Contact for this Program
Laura Miller, LGSW
12501 Willowbrook Road S.E.
P.O. Box 1745
Cumberland, MD 21501-1745
Phone: (301) 759- 5070
Fax: (301) 777-5621
Email: mhso@hereintown.net
The Department of Social Services and the Department of Juvenile Services may refer any youth who exhibits symptoms of emotional or behavioral disorders to the Integrative Therapeutic Family Services program.
Below are links to several forms that are used in the Integrative Therapeutic Family Services program
ITFS Referral Form  - This form is to be submitted by providers who are interested in referring a child to the program
Parent ITFS Invoice - This form is used by the foster parents to submit invoices associated with services in the ITFS program
Parent Crisis/Respite Invoice - This form is used by the foster parents to submit invoices associated with services in the crisis respite program.
Mileage Sheet - This form is used by the foster parents for the purpose of documenting mileage expenses associated with either the ITFS and/or Crisis/Respite programs.
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