Integrated Functional Family Therapy

What is Functional Family Therapy?

Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is:

  • An evidence-based treatment model* for youth, between the ages of 11 and 18, and their families who are struggling with behavioral problems and family conflict.
  • A short-term counseling program, usually 10 – 15 one hour sessions.
  • A structured intervention consisting of three distinct phases:
    • Phase 1: Engagement and Motivation: Developing relationships with the family.
    • Phase 2:  Targeted Behavior Change: Helping the family develop skills to manage conflict and solve problems.
    • Phase 3:  Generalization (Relapse Prevention):  Increasing the family’s ability to use new skills and connect with community resources as needed.
  • A cost-effective model that has been demonstrated to prevent recidivism.

*FFT has been designated as a “Blueprint Program,” “Exemplary I Model Program,” “Effective Program,” “Best Practice,” by such sources as the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, The Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, The Center for Disease Control, and the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Youth Violence (2001)

 

Functional Family Therapy at Children & Families First:

  • A community-based service to help:
    • Families with significant parent-child conflict, including youth in long-term foster care;
    • Youth with school-related problems who are at risk for disciplinary problems, truancy, and drop-out;
    • Youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
  • Combines a multi-disciplinary approach including family therapy and supportive case management. This innovative approach can:
    • Help families meet basic needs.
    • Offer ongoing coaching and support so that families can integrate new skills into all areas of their lives and successfully maintain changes over time.
  • Services are provided statewide and primarily in the family’s home.
  • Offered at no cost for participants.

Referrals are accepted from families themselves, as well as schools, community service providers, the courts, and state agencies.

Call 800-734-2388