Aspiranet Of Monterey County Implements Innovative Treatment Program To Help At-Risk Foster Youth

Online, July 15, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Aspiranet, one of the largest nonprofit social service agencies in California, has launched an innovative new program, Intensive Treatment Foster Care (ITFC). It is the first program of its kind in Monterey County.

Created for at-risk youths requiring intensive support and structure, ITFC partners foster parents with an Aspiranet social worker and youth support counselor. Collaboratively, Aspiranet works with troubled foster teens and their foster families, therapists, teachers and county social workers with the ultimate goal being to reunite the youth with permanent families (birth, relative or foster) and to promote greater self esteem and social acceptance.

Aspiranet's ITFC team provides a myriad of support services designed to provide at-risk teens with individualized treatment options and their foster parents with specialized training, 24/7 support services and financial compensation up to $1,300 per month.

"Although it is not easy being an ITFC foster parent, it can be extremely rewarding," said Sandra Daniels, Aspiranet's South Bay District Supervising Social Worker. "There is no better feeling than knowing that your love, guidance and compassion have helped a young person change direction and turn their life around."

ITFC parents require special skills set that include being organized, comfortable defining and delivering consequences, being calm and non-reactive to situations and having a good sense of humor. Those adults who prefer a structured environment or have had previous experience as a foster parent or working in group homes are preferred.

Aspiranet is currently conducting interviews for individuals or parents interested in becoming an ITFC foster parent. For more information on the ITFC program in Monterey County, call Sandra Daniels at Aspiranet Monterey County: 831-206-3053 or visit the website at http://www.aspiranetheroes.org.

About Aspiranet
Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity, supports foster children, siblings, families, and the community with 35 core programs offering specialized services through 44 satellite centers within California.

Founded 35 years ago as a six-bed group home for young boys in Moss Beach, Calif., Aspiranet is one of the most diverse nonprofit social service agencies in the state. With a statewide network of innovative services, Aspiranet has touched the lives of over 10,000 families and children since its founding.

Aspiranet's vision of bringing families together and helping foster children, siblings, and parents thrive is realized through six areas of expertise - Family Services, Foster Care, Adoption, Education, Afterschool programs, and Community Partnerships. For more information, please visit http://www.aspiranet.org.