FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

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

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