Teaching-Family Model
The Teaching-Family Model (TFM) is an evidence-based model providing behavioral treatment to client populations in need. There has been a tremendous amount of research and information disseminated about the TFM beginning with its origin, through its replication, and into its adaptations. The TFM is one of the few models of comprehensive care and treatment. The breadth and efficacy of the TFM are demonstrated in the extensive bibliography.
The Teaching-Family Model represents an organized approach to providing humane, effective and individualized services to our population. Through research and well-evaluated clinical practice, an integrated set of procedures has emerged to help children, families, and young adults live, learn and become self-sufficient.
At the core of TFM are its five Teaching Procedures:
- Effective Praise
- Teaching Interaction
- Preventative Teaching
- Intensive Teaching
- Counseling/Problem Solving
Life Skills Teachers (LSTs) are carefully selected based on their experience and
ability to provide individualized treatment in a positive and affirming manner. They
receive extensive pre-service, on-the-job and in-service training on an ongoing
basis. Supervisors pair emotional support with direct observation and feedback on
treatment, planning and implementation to help LSTs grow and develop their clinical
skills. A trained evaluator regularly observes and rates treatment skills of each staff
person and solicits the opinion of clients, parents, and other stakeholders regarding
the processes and benefits to our population.
The Teaching-Family Model emphasizes the positive teaching of functional skills
and behaviors. It gives clients as much control over their lives as possible while
actively promoting and protecting client rights and dignity. TFM programs promote
the development of relationships with clients that are maintained through respect
and positive regard within professional boundaries. The TFM recognizes the importance
of family to the client and provides services that are culturally sensitive and competent.
Daniel Memorial
As a compliment to the TFM, our agency utilizes the Daniel Memorial Independent
Living Skills system as a competency-based approach to life skills training. This
assessment tool is utilized at intake and every six months thereafter as an objective
instrument to measure independent living knowledge in 16 categories. An individualized
skill plan and full teaching curriculum are utilized between assessments to actively teach
life skills.
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