TFS Connection VoLUME XVIII

April 2024

What is the Family-Teaching Model (TFM)? The TFM was created by Dr. Montrose Wolf and colleagues at the Department of Human Development and Family Life at the University of Kansas (KU). The initial impetus for its creation was a need to reduce recidivism of teenagers in the Kansas City area who were in and out of trouble with the law. This occurred in the late 1960’s. A three way relationship developed between Achievement Place for Boys at Boy’s Town, Nebraska and KU and the National Institutes of Mental Health. What began with a focus on public protection developed into child welfare. Advocacy for youth and later those with ID were indicative of the adaptability of the Model. Dr. Wolf and colleagues recognized with the implementation of the Model the relationship between behavior and environment. It also provided recognition of mental health matters that impacted behavior. Behavior Analysis as we know it today developed out of the work done by Dr. Wolf and his colleagues. Positive behavioral interventions are so important to the work that we do today with adults with ID, many of whom have a dual diagnosis- Intellectual disability as well as mental illness.

TFS has implemented the TFM since the opening of our first home in 2001. Why Use the TFM?

1. It provides structure and support for both those we serve as well as the staff doing the work.

2. It offers a quantitative, as well as a qualitative way to measure performance & improvement. It is an evidence based approach to care.

3. It provides a concrete/specific map for success for all those working with clients; Direct Support Professionals and Administrative staff.

4. The TFM Standards outline how to implement the Model with access to ongoing support for success.

5. The TFM can be used concurrently with any other therapeutic or support system or program component.

Twenty + years down the road I am convinced that the TFM works. It works better than other Models of care because of its design and also the fact that surveys of those implementing the Model are not merely a survey of paper compliance. TFM surveys look at whether individuals served have a life or not.

Ralph

To learn more about the Teaching-Family Model, please see a link to the website below.

FT of the 1st Quarter: Jennifer Victory

In her own words - I love working in this field because I love to see the individuals smile and express happiness knowing they are loved. I've worked in this field for 8 years. I love working for TFS because a lot of the time it doesn't feel like a "job" it feels like helping my family. When I first came to TFS, I secretly became very terrified to get near individuals; afraid of what they might do like hitting me, etc. and scared of driving on the interstate to appointments in Nashville. After the surprise attacks from my first individual, I feel I've grown a lot! I'm happy to see all of the individuals. It fills me with joy. I had to pull over to cry and breathe going to those Nashville appointments and now I zoom to Florida!

I have 4 children and 1 grandchild. It really surprises my family and makes them super proud of how much I have grown and healed from certain things in my life and overcome fears that they thought I would never conquer.