Youth for Tomorrow

The Texas Service System

Service System Procedures for CPS Caseworkers and Supervisors


History of Youth for Tomorrow

Youth for Tomorrow, originally known as Paul Anderson Youth Home, was established as a non-profit, residential program in 1960 to serve homeless children and was located in Lewisville, Texas. The program was reorganized in 1985 and renamed Youth for Tomorrow (YFT). In 1988, the YFT Board of Directors closed the program, which remained a legal but dormant organization until November 1990.

In November 1990, the Board of Directors responded to a Request for Proposals to provide LOC support services to the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS). DFPS awarded the contract to YFT effective January 1, 1991. YFT is a private, non-profit organization.

Texas Department of Family & Protective Services Contract with YFT

DFPS contracts with YFT to assist in the implementation of the Texas Service System. These statewide services are provided according to policies and procedures approved by DFPS. YFT maintains one (1) office in Arlington, Texas to deliver the services described herein and serves all DFPS Regions. The DFPS contract with YFT is a cost reimbursement contract.

1. Initial Service Authorization

Caseworkers should forward the information listed below to YFT for an Initial Service authorization for children in the conservatorship of DFPS and who need services in a contract residential setting. YFT cannot complete this service without this required information. This service does not include children needing Basic services, which is assigned by the CPS caseworker.

These materials can be mailed to YFT at the address on the Home page of this site. YFT cannot accept faxes larger than 35 pages.

DFPS policy permits some providers to accept CPS children at the Basic level who are new to conservatorship but may actually need higher Services. If the child needs a higher level of Service, then the provider may request higher services directly from YFT within 45 days of the date of placement.

YFT completes an Initial Authorization within two (2) working days of receipt of all information. CPS caseworkers may review Service Authorizations within the child's IMPACT record, which is loaded into IMPACT on the date the review is completed. YFT also sends a copy to the provider ONLY if they originated the request.

2. Utilization Reviews (URs)

YFT authorizes Moderate services for 12 months and for children needing Specialized or Intense services, for 3 months. Typically, utilization reviews are completed by YFT on a regularly scheduled basis in conjunction with Providers who have a contract with DFPS and are working with that child. This often means that children's authorization for services will continue uninterrupted. YFT does not conduct scheduled Utilization Reviews for children placed in emergency shelters, juvenile detention, hospitals, and placements with families or relatives.

These YFT services DO NOT include children needing Basic services. CPS caseworkers may review Service Authorizations within the child's IMPACT record.

3. Children in Transit or other Special Circumstances in which the Service Authorization has Expired or will Expire

CPS caseworkers or providers contracting with DFPS may forward the information listed below directly to YFT when a child's ALOC has expired or will expire AND YFT is not scheduled to conduct a utilization review within the next 30 days. CPS caseworkers may email YFT at help@yft.org to confirm the UR review schedule.

Non-Scheduled URs are usually completed within 10 working days. The Service Authorization is available within the child's IMPACT record, which is loaded into IMPACT on the date the review is completed.

4. Service System Reviews of DFPS Residential Contracts

YFT conducts annual quality assurance reviews of the Service System indicators implemented by residential programs contracting with DFPS. This process is completed according to policies and procedures approved by DFPS with all reports forwarded to the Regional Contract Manager within each region.

5. How to Decrease a Service Authorization

DFPS policy authorizes a CPS supervisor to decrease the Service Authorization of a child one (1) level. Similarly, the Program Administrator (or designee) may decrease a level two (2) or more levels. Please review the CPS Handbook, Section 6346.21 for a complete explanation of this policy.

6. Additional Information

CPS caseworkers with questions about a recent YFT Service Authorization may send an email to help@yft.org for assistance. In general, DFPS encourages caseworkers to use the YFT's web site (www.yft.org) for guidance when they have questions regarding the Texas Service System or need a list of providers contracting with DFPS.

If CPS caseworkers disagree with a YFT action under the terms of this contract, please contact the YFT office for further guidance.

Please call or email the YFT office should you have any other questions.

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