Family Focus Program

Summary

Family Focus is an innovative program designed to reunite and strengthen fractured families. During this nine month program, youth gradually transition from residing at Epworth to living back in their homes with their families. In addition to receiving the services of Epworth's residential program, children and their families also receive in-home family therapy, parenting education, case management, psychiatric care, respite care, material funds and aftercare services.

Residential Phase

Family Focus participants live at Epworth's Residential Treatment Center for up to three months. These residents, age 11 to 18, participate in all agency therapeutic and recreational activities.
Children receive individual and group therapy by licensed therapists at Epworth.
Residents attend school in the Webster Groves School District. Students with special education needs may be transferred to Epworth's on-campus special education school.
Families receive weekly in-home family therapy and case management services throughout the program by a Family Focus Therapist.
Parents are welcome to visit on campus. Participants are required to go home on weekends.
Families receive in-home family therapy throughout the program. During the residential phase, the sessions are held on weekends.

At-Home Phase

After the child is discharged to the family’s care, Epworth's intensive aftercare services continue in the home for up to six months.
A licensed therapist conducts in-home family therapy on a weekly basis.
Family Focus therapists help families connect with community resources to increase self-sufficiency.
A crisis intervention fund is available to finance necessary basic living needs.
24-hour crisis intervention support is available to all families via a pager with a licensed therapist.
A child can return to the residential campus at anytime for planned and emergency respite care.
Parents also receive parenting education and support.
Children may continue receiving psychiatric services on campus.