World-Class Foster Care Program Needs Host Families

Press Release

Savio receives grant funds to support continuance of Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care program

Savio announced its decision to move forward with full implementation of the Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC) program with newly granted support from The Colorado Health Foundation and the Nord Family Foundation. In order to realize this goal the organization will need families on the Colorado Front Range to step forward to host the children in need of these services.

MTFC is a well-researched and highly effective program for adolescents who have problems with chronic antisocial behavior, emotional disturbance, and delinquency. In the MTFC program, youth are placed in a family setting for six to nine months. Foster parents are trained and supported around the clock to become part of the treatment team. They provide close supervision and implement a structured, individualized program for each youth that builds on his or her strengths and at the same time sets clear rules, expectations, and limits to manage behavior. Foster families receive a stipend and expenses.

Savio is actively searching for families across the Colorado Front Range to host the children. “This is not an easy job, but it is rewarding and the support of the Savio staff is outstanding. You cannot believe how good it feels to give a hurting kid a safe place to grow. If you or someone you know may be a good fit for fostering a kid who needs you, don’t hesitate to call Savio,” said Janice, one of Savio’s foster mothers. (Last name withheld for privacy purposes.)

MTFC has been endorsed by US Attorney General and Surgeon Generals, as well as a long list of national academic and policy organizations as one of the most effective “evidence-based” programs available.

Savio House launched its MTFC program in 2005, and is the only provider of this program in Colorado . Savio Executive Director Bill Hildenbrand said, "This is a difficult and costly program to put in place, but the Savio Board and staff are committed to the success of MTFC. The long term benefit to the individual youth and families and their communities, as well as the substantial savings to taxpayers because of the lessened burden on the justice system is well worth it. This is the work that Savio is here to do".

Savio is the leading name in youth and family services on the Colorado Front Range. We are dedicated to eliminating violence, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, child abuse and neglect, and other destructive behaviors in families through care, support and education. Following our start as an orphanage in 1966, Savio has developed a full continuum of care for children, adolescents, and their families. Savio is known for excellence and dedication to studying and improving outcomes of our programs. For more information please see www.saviohouse.org.

MTFC endorsement: http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_11854077. For questions specific to the MTFC program, or to become a foster parent, please contact Lisa Rosen , 303.225.4105 or lrosen@saviohouse.org