Keeping Families Together
Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is a shortterm, evidence-based, in-home service to help teens increase positive behaviors and families build healthier, more stable relationships. Designed to keep adolescents out of juvenile detention and residential facilities, FFT motivates, encourages change, and reduces negativity.
Who is eligible?
- Youths aged 11 to 18 and their families who have been referred by the juvenile justice, mental health, school, or child welfare systems for behavioral or emotional challenges.
- Residents of the following counties in Kansas and Missouri:
- Kansas Counties: Allen, Anderson, Atchison, Bourbon, Brown, Chase, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Clay, Cloud, Coffey, Crawford, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Franklin, Geary, Harvey, Jackson, Jefferson, Jewell, Johnson, Labette, Leavenworth, Lincoln, Linn, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, McPherson, Miami, Mitchell, Montgomery, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Osage, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Republic, Riley, Saline, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, Washington, Wilson, Woodson, and Wyandotte (referral source and criteria may vary by location)
- Missouri Counties: Jackson and some areas of Clay and Platte (depending on location)
What to Expect
Families participate in FFT sessions each week for 12–14 weeks (frequency and length of each session varies based on each family’s needs). During this time, families will receive a personalized plan of action tailored to their unique circumstances and areas for growth.
FFT consists of three phases—engagement and motivation, behavior change, and generalization—each with its own goals, focus, and strategies to help:
- Families move past blame and conflict to build strong, safe connections on their own terms.
- Improve how families care for and talk openly with each other.
- Families practice and use skills to encourage positive behavior changes.
- Families focus on strengths to find positive solutions to life challenges.
- Keep families safe, strong, and together.
Once completed, families can request FFT “booster sessions” for additional support.
%
of families reported no safety incidents since finishing the program.
%
of youth are attending school.
%
of families said their situation was somewhat to very much improved.
%
of families reported no intensification of referral problems.
Payment Options
We are sensitive to financial stress. That’s why we offer fee-for-service and often have grants available, which may make it possible to receive FFT at no cost to you. We also accept some private insurance and Medicaid.
Make a Referral
Our team eliminates barriers to receiving therapy, such as transportation and childcare, by offering in-home sessions during the day, evening, or weekend. If you have any barriers to care, please let your therapist know. Otherwise, please contact us to learn more or make a referral:
Referral Form
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