Specifications include, but are not limited to: The goal of Enhanced group care is to enable children to overcome their behavioral challenges to the degree that they may successfully be stepped down to a less restrictive setting. Staffing ratios and active engagement between staff and children are the primary method of addressing and accommodating episodes of aggression such as verbal, physical and/or endangering behavior. Children must receive twenty-four (24) hour awake supervision, due to the nature of their emotional and behavioral needs. The child/youth is experiencing high and/or severe relational and/or behavioral management problems that interfere with the child’s ability to function in the family, school and/or community setting outside of a therapeutic setting. Enhanced group care services may be recommended for a child/youth who currently meets any of the following criteria for this level of care: • Is unable to live at home, or with a foster family, and therefore requires temporary care in a group care setting integrated within the community. • Requires structure, therapeutic support, behavioral intervention, and other services identified for children with high clinical and behavioral needs. • Is typically able to attend public school. However, the child but may have a history of or present issues with disciplinary actions within the school setting to include suspensions, requirements to attend alternative school or receive home bound instruction. • May have a have a current or past history of impulsive behaviors, aggression and alcohol or drug misuse. • Can be treated in a non-secure setting, with adult supervision and intervention. • May have completed higher levels or intensity of care and determined appropriate for group care placement as work towards permanency continues. • May require community counseling or therapy, medication, and medication management. Medication management is more frequent and often more complex. These services shall be coordinated with the agency and integrated into service delivery. • Is likely to have a mental health diagnosis with high level of anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, moodiness, impulsivity, and/or defiance, or a developmental disorder requiring int ensive levels of supervision and support. • Can participate and benefit from individual, family and/or group psychotherapy, unless the child’s specific dynamics or diagnoses are contrary to receiving these services.
