Bradenton, Fla. — Centerstone has launched a new program to greatly reduce the long waitlist for services to support at-risk youth and their families who face possible out-of-home placement due to a mental health or related complex issues.
The new Family Connections program focuses on preemptive support of at-risk youth to potentially divert their need for escalated treatment. The initiative was made possible by a three-year mental well-being grant from the Florida Blue Foundation.
The $300,000 grant aims to shorten the family wait times for Centerstone services to under two weeks that previously could be as long as six months, enhancing youth and family services for 120 Sarasota County families.
“This generous grant from the Florida Blue Foundation allows us to transform and expand our established programs and improve care for children. By designing and implementing pre-emptive services, we are able to intercede before urgent behavioral situations become unmanageable emergencies,” said Jane Roseboro, Vice President of Community Alignment for Centerstone. “Centerstone is proud to collaborate with the Florida Blue Foundation and other community partners who are committed to the well-being of children and families. This grant is helping all of us maximize resources and minimize the need for escalated treatment.”
Centerstone currently facilitates Sarasota County’s Community Action Treatment (CAT) services for children and families. The Family Connections team has begun addressing the long wait list for CAT services by identifying at-risk youth with whom they can work.
Family Connections staff includes a family clinician and a family/peer mentor that will serve about 40 families per year for each of the three years of the grant. The team provides crisis support, psychoeducational and clinical interventions in the home or in the community setting, depending on the individual needs of the youth. It also provides “family friendly” services and supports that connect them to resources in the community. Those enrolled in Family Connections also have access to Centerstone’s psychiatric, nursing and clinical team services.
About Centerstone
Centerstone is a not-for-profit health system providing mental health and substance use disorder treatments. Services are available nationally through the operation of outpatient clinics, residential programs, the use of telehealth and an inpatient hospital. Centerstone also features specialized programs for the military community, therapeutic foster care, children’s services and employee assistance programs. Centerstone’s Research Institute provides guidance through research and technology, leveraging the best practices for use in all our communities. Centerstone’s Foundation secures philanthropic resources to support the work and mission of delivering care that changes people’s lives.
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