ALTERNATIVE FAMILIES

There are a number of reasons why a child may not be able to remain with his or her birth or natural family. When efforts to maintain a child in the natural home have failed, TMI seeks to match the child with an alternative family. Where appropriate, TMI will work to establish a cooperative "shared parenting" relationship between the birth and alternative families.

Services provided within the Alternative Family program include, but are not limited to:

• Identification and training of alternative parents
• Certification of alternative homes by a licensed Foster Family Agency
• Placement of children with alternative families chosen to best meet the child's needs
• Facilitation of shared parenting relationships between parents of origin and alternative parents
• Support to alternative families and families of origin
• Assistance to parents at IEP and IPP meetings
• Behavioral supports in the home, school and community by a licensed clinician
• 24 hour emergency back up supports
• Development of Individualized Support Plans and Transition Plans
• Reunification with families of origin when it is in everyone's best interest
• Support groups for alternative families and families of origin