Definition?
Treatment Foster Care (TFC) is the least restrictive out of home level of treatment available through Nebraska Medicaid and Managed Care Medicaid, currently Magellan Behavioral Health, (MBH). Upon admitting a child into treatment foster care an application for a sub-acute level of care must be completed (if the client is within MBH insurance); after the application has been approved and during placement, Visinet, Inc. will conduct a pre-treatment assessment/new client intake, mental status exam, and an individualized treatment plan.
A TFC specialist will work with the child and foster parent on identified goals one to two hours per week depending on his or her level (as determined by Visinet, Inc.'s clinical director and the foster care treatment team).
A TFC supervisor who is a mental health practitioner, will meet with the foster care family a minimum of one time every two weeks to coordinate services, support the family, problem solve, and ensure the treatment plan is being followed.
How do I access services?
A mental health practitioner, psychologist, and/or psychiatrist can recommend treatment foster care for any child under age nineteen (19). The person recommending this level of care will make an application to MBH or secure payment from an alternate funding source. Authorizations from the funding source will be sought prior to the placement occurring.
What are the criteria?
Youth must meet the medical necessity criteria for TFC as determined by Nebraska Medicaid or the funding source requesting this level of care.
Payment?
TFC is generally funded through Medicaid and Managed Care Medicaid (MBH) in some cases Child Welfare funds and the Integrated Care Coordination Unit (ICCU). When the child is a Ward of the State, out-of-home maintenance is paid according to the age of the child. This authorization needs to be generated by the case manager upon the initial placement of the youth.
Who do I call?
Contact the Foster Care Coordinator in the Omaha office at (402) 898-8881 or in Lincoln at (402) 464-8866.
