Helping Families Stay Together

Their days can be long, unconventional, and even isolating, but our In-Home Therapists come together to support one another and the children and families they work with. As In-Home Therapists for Massachusetts MENTOR, the team helps families stay together by using the Family Centered Treatment® (FCT®) model.

“We’re open with parents about our team and the resources available to them,” Program Director Julia explained. “There’s a team of people you may never meet but that are familiar with your story and are supporting your therapist.”

FCT® is a best practice, evidence-based model of intensive in-home treatment. It’s designed to treat the entire family—not just the child. Julia and her team work with the child, parents, siblings, and members of the extended family who are involved in the child’s circle of support. By helping the entire family make positive changes, they are able to produce meaningful, lasting outcomes.

“We let parents know we’re not just here for the kids. FCT® helps to meet people’s needs and understand emotions to facilitate this family coming together. It’s the same honest, direct, and accountability standards we have for one another,” said Xueqi.

The team provides FCT® to children and families from a range of backgrounds. Sometimes children may be in a foster home, and the team provides FCT® to work towards reunification goals. FCT® is also used in the home to help stabilize the environment and keep families together to prevent the need for foster care. 90% of families who complete FCT® treatment stay together.

“We show respect, share honest options, and form strong bonds. Sometimes we need to have hard, uncomfortable talks, but we let the parents know ‘I’m here. I care. We’re in it together,’” said Kindra.

In addition to counseling, our therapists also support families with school arrangements and communication to help them advocate in the most effective way for the children. While the responsibilities of the job are considerable, the team encourages one another to ask for help and voice their challenges. They center themselves on the meaning of the work.

Helping families in crisis is not easy, but it is rewarding. The team encourages both families and themselves to celebrate the small successes. With flexibility, education, and openness, families are able to receive our therapists into their homes and grow together. Thank for all you have done for Massachusetts families!