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ACTION for Kids |
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ACTION for Kids is a new System of Care in Arkansas- offering the proven effectiveness of evidence based, culturally sensitive, family driven, child guided, integrated community based collaborations for Children with serious emotional and behavioral problems in Craighead, Phillips, Lee and Mississippi Counties.
Intense Wrap Around:
In a “wrap around” or integrated approach to mental health, a collaborative of community providers tailors a strength based treatment plan for the child’s specific needs. Community based representatives from:
- parent and child consumers
- education
- social services
- mental health
- juvenile justice
- faith based groups
- substance abuse services
- vocational, recreational, and other community agencies
share resources, services, and an equal directive voice for children at risk in their homes, schools, and communities.
Referring a Child:
Referrals to AFK can come from a variety of sources– there is no wrong door for referrals. Once the referral is made, a thorough assessment determines if the child is appropriate for AFK services. If a child is accepted into the program, a plan is developed with the family and collaborators to meet the child’s specific needs. A care manager then directs and supports the family through these intense wrap around services.
Funded Through a 6.5 Million Dollar Collaborative Agreement with SAMHSA Administered through the Arkansas Division of Mental Health, Counseling Services of Eastern Arkansas, and Mid-South Health Systems.
Guiding Principles:
- Voice and Choice– the youth and family are full and active participants
- Community Based Services– all efforts work toward serving the child in his/her community setting
- Cultural Competence- all services are sensitive to the culture and language of the child and family
- Strength Based- services build on the strengths of the child and family
- Natural Supports- a variety of people from the child’s natural environment can be part of the planning and support team
- Individualized- an individualized plan is developed for each child
- Persistence- a dedicated commitment to work through barriers to successful outcomes and a successful transition to adult services
Impressive Results:
- Sustained mental health improvements
- Decreased use of inpatient facilities
- Improved school attendance
- Improved school achievement
- Fewer arrests
- Thousands of dollars in reduced costs to state and local providers
- Intensive services provided in the child’s home community
- Less duplication of services by providers
- Decreased suicide related behaviors
- Flexible funds allow for participation in various activities
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