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.
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IMPACT LOC Authorization Request Form (must include PID number),
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Common Application (Form 2087)
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Emotionally Disturbed Children: Psychological or psychiatric evaluation
completed within 14 months OR
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Medically Needy Children: An evaluation by a Physician (MD) describing
medical conditions and disabilities
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(Optional) Information describing any extenuating circumstances, incident
reports, etc.
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.
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IMPACT Authorization Request Form,
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Current treatment plan,
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Information on any medical problems or disabilities,
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Progress and therapy notes, and school records for the previous 30 days,
and
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Serious incident and seclusion reports for the previous 30 days
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.