RALEIGH, N.C. — On July 17, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced it would invest $11 million to keep children with complex behavioral health needs in appropriate housing.
According to a release from the department, it's partnering with Rapid Resources for Families to broaden access to family-based therapy programs, which will take place inside homes.
Together, the organizations said they will expand access to Intensive Alternative Family Treatment. This program allows kids with behavioral health needs to be placed in a "therapeutic foster home with counseling and psychiatric supports."
The NCCDHS said candidates for this program include "children and teens who have severe behavioral difficulties, are at risk of hospitalization, have experienced multiple failed placements and/or who have co-occurring needs."
Kids with behavioral health needs are eligible to participate in the program regardless of whether they are in the custody of the Department of Social Services.
"Children do best when they are in a home environment and surrounded by a supportive community," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley.
In 2023, the state budget allocated $835 million for behavioral health. The NCDHHS is using $80 million of that money for services that will aid in the future of children with complex behavioral health needs.
"Too often, these children spend one or more nights sleeping in an emergency department, local department of social services (DSS) or residential treatment setting because the right level of support services is not available in their community," said the NCDHHS release.
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