FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

A Focus on Family

At Toward Maximum Independence (TMI), we are dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities including youth; the period between childhood and adult age. As a licensed Resource Family Agency (previously named Foster Family Agency) (RFA License #370603102), TMI provides resource family placements for youth with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Resource families are available for youth with special needs who are unable to remain with their family of origin. Resource families are offered a generous financial stipend, monthly respite, back up services, extensive training and the ongoing support of both a social worker and behavior specialist. Please contact Tulare Mott at (800) 877-5452, Ext 335 or  to attend a New Resource Parent Orientation to learn more about becoming a resource parent for a youth with special needs. Please visit our Become a Resource Family page for details and requirements.

​

Another aspect of TMI’s Family Support Services is that it seeks to prevent the need for out-of-home placements. Through TMI’s Family Focused Supports, the agency offers support to birth families and their children with the goal of addressing support needs before they reach a crisis level.

​

The goal of our Assessment and Intervention Services program, with the support from members of the Interdisciplinary Planning Team, is to provide the supports and services necessary to ensure that individuals receive services which promote full inclusion in the “least restrictive environment.”

​

Family preservation is important and, even when temporary placement is necessary, the ultimate goal is reunification. In cases when it is not in the best interest of the youth and the courts have advised against a reunification plan, TMI has been successful in finding a long-term stable resource family for youth where they are loved and nurtured.