The Y.O.U., Inc. Intensive Foster Care Program has the capacity to place children and youth with challenging behaviors into homes with Foster Parents who are trained, experienced, and supervised
to deal with the numerous issues the child presents, and help the child and family reach their goal of reunification or permanency. This is accomplished through the combination of creating the opportunity
for a child to be successful in the family setting of the foster home, providing support services to
the child, foster family, and family of origin, and coordinating the efforts of other providers serving the child and family. The hope is to allow the family to develop their skills and strategies that better fit the challenges the child presents with, and for the child in placement to develop their strength and coping skills that will allow them to flourish in their own home and family. For example, a child who presents
with aggressive outburst and is irritable, is taught anger management strategies such as taking space
to calm down, and relaxation techniques such as imagery or listening to music. It is also important to
help the child improve on his/her self-esteem and decrease irritability.

This can be achieved by focusing on the child’s strengths, such as talents and areas of interest. A child who enjoys and is good in sports activities will be registered to participate in community or school
sports leagues. A child who has shown an interest in arts will be enrolled in community art classes,
such as those offered by the Worcester Art Museum. The child’s family who struggles with his/her behavior will be offered parent training, such as Systemic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP). The concept is to utilize resources within the program, agency and community in helping a child and the
family reach their goals.

In those cases where reunification is not possible, Y.O.U., Inc.’s Intensive Foster Care Program is committed to working collaboratively with the child, the family, the foster family, the Department of
Social Services, Family Networks, and other community resources to identify alternative placements
and to develop a permanency plan. Program staff and foster parents can work with adoptive families
to educate them regarding the child’s areas of strength from which they can build on, and areas of
needs. In addition, the program encourages and supports foster parents who have made the decision
to take guardianship or adopt children placed in their home. This is achieved by informing foster
parents of their options of guardianship or adoption, and by providing guidance and support while
they go through the process.

Presently the program receives referrals from the four Central Massachusetts Department of Social Services offices through the Family Network.

For further information, please contact:

Director of Intensive Foster Care              Assistant Director of Foster Care
Lorraine Helfand-Garcia, LICSW                       Keavy Hennessey, MSW
(508) 770-0511 x103                                      (508) 770-0511 x141
[email protected]                                       [email protected]