Background | Core Values | Eligibility | FFT in Adams County | Program Outcomes | Referral Process

Background 

Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is a FREE short-term family-based prevention and intervention program for youth ages 11-18, who are at risk for and/or presenting with: substance abuse, delinquency, excessive school absenteeism (truancy), violence, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, or disruptive behavior disorder. 

FFT focuses on the family’s strengths to help build positive interactions within the family and community.  Qualified therapists deliver services in a non-threatening environment (such as the  home or community settings), and include as many members of the family in the sessions as appropriate.

The Shared Core Values of FFT

• Children’s Needs Come First
• Team Work
• Integrity
• Commitment
• Responsibility
• Accountability
• Family Strengths

What Does FFT Look Like in Adams County?

Here in Adams County, Functional Family Therapy is a service provided by Adams Hanover Counseling Services, Inc.  The FFT process can be accomplished in as few as 8-15 one-hour sessions of direct service time designed to enhance protective factors and reduce risks – including the risk of treatment termination.

Eligibility Requirements

• Youth agea 10—18, presenting at-risk behaviors
• Must be currently living at home, or returning to the home within a few weeks (re-entry)
• Family (at least one “involved” care giver) must be willing to participate in FFT
• Must be a resident of Adams County
• No evaluation is needed — treatment can begin in as little as two days 

 Easy 3-Step Referral Process

1. COMPLETE the Adams/Hanover Counseling Services Referral Form.
2. CHECK the box next to “Functional Family Services.” 
3. FAX the form to (717) 637-0836 or CALL (717) 632-4900 or 1 (800) 315-0951 and ask for the Intake Department.

Program Outcomes

FFT has been applied successfully to treat youth and families coping with behavioral problems for more than 30 years.

During the first year in Adams County - 2010 - FFT served 34 families, with 31 of those graduating successfully.  Of those, 87% were still successful (no re-offenses or placements) at the six-month follow-up.  The goal for FFT in 2011 is that 75% of families available for follow-up will have no re-offenses or out-of-home placements at the one-year follow-up.

Outcome studies across the nation show the following on a consistent basis:

• Increase in positive family interactions and communication
• Increase in positive parenting skills
• Decrease in the youth’s behavior problems
• Decrease in the need for out-of-home placement
• Significant reduction in criminal activity, violent behaviors, and high-risk behaviors of younger siblings
• Prevention of adolescents from penetrating the adult criminal system

 Adams Hanover Counseling Services, Inc., is a community-based agency that provides quality services in a timely and efficient manner, so any individual can achieve and maintain his or her highest attainable level of mental and emotional wellness. 

For more information about Functional Family Therapy and other services available to children through Adams Hanover Counseling Services, Inc., contact Garrett Trout, Director of Children's Services by calling (717) 632-4900 or 1 (800) 315-0951. Or, visit the AHCS website: http://www.ahcsinc.com

Adams Hanover Counseling Service's Functional Family Therapy program is supported by the County of Adams, York/Adams HealthChoices Management Unit, and Collaborating For Youth's Integrated Childrens Services Planning Initiative.