1490 University Blvd.

Hamilton, OH 45011

Phone: 513-896-7887, Ext. 3121

Fax: 513-896-5682

Make a difference in the life of a child.

Become a MainSail, MTFC Foster Parent

What is the MainSail, MTFC Program?

·        MTFC (Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care) was developed in 1983 at the Oregon Social Learning Center in Eugene, Oregon.  The original research looked to find more appropriate ways to reduce the recidivism rate of juvenile offenders.  The research has proven that by using this model juvenile offenses have reduced significantly and the overall outcomes for the youths in the program have had increasingly larger successes than in standard foster homes, residential or group homes.

• Butler Behavioral Health Services' MainSail Program has been awarded the Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC) Certification, following a review of MainSail by the Center for Research to Practice in Eugene, Oregon.  This places this program in an elite group of international programs with rigorous results-based criteria.  We are honored to have the distinction of being the first certified MTFC program in the Midwest.

·        The model has also been proven to have a high efficiency rate with severely emotionally disturbed children, as well as children whose lives had been greatly disrupted.

·     This program is based on a point and level system that focuses on the present and future, finding the positives in a child’s behavior and assisting him/her in developing pro-social, interpersonal, educational goals and living skills to better prepare them for their lives after treatment.

•   MTFC has been recognized as evidence based having 36 sites internationally, with more programs beginning all the time.

Overview of MainSail, MTFC Program

There are four main objectives of the MainSail, MTFC Program.  For every youth in the program.  The aim is to:   

• Provide the youth with close supervision.

• Provide the youth with fair and consistent limits and consequences, and continuous life skills training, practice and reinforcement.

• Provide a supportive relationship with at least one mentoring adult.

• Minimize association with peers who may be a bad influence.

There are some features of the MainSail, MTFC program that set it apart from most other foster care programs.  They are:

• MainSail, MTFC places one child with a family at a time.

• MainSail, MTFC uses a team approach to treatment. Foster parents are key members of the treatment team.

• Foster parents in the MainSail, MTFC program implement a structured program customized for each youth under the guidance of a program supervisor.

• Foster parents received an exceptional level of support from the program staff.  Consultation and crisis assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Foster parents meet weekly with other foster parents in the program to support and learn from each other.

• Foster parents are taught a method of behavioral management that works and places them in a positive relationship with the youth.

Are You This Person?

• A strong desire to help shape the life of a child with a troubled history, which may included trauma, emotional, school and learning difficulties

• A willingness to have on-going involvement with MTFC staff, Children Services Board staff, school personnel the court system and the child's natural family.

• An understanding of appropriate discipline, ability to make an effort to understand the child's reason for misbehavior.

• A willingness to listen to suggestions from supervising staff, share ideas and support with other MTFC treatment parents and to ask for assistance when needed.

• Must be able to provide a consistent and fair environment, set realistic expectations and boundaries.

• Must be nurturing, amicable, flexible, have a good sense of humor, consistent, caring and practical.

What do MTFC Foster Parents Say About The Program?

• "I love the back-up when we have problems."

• "I am very thankful for the continual support and quick response.  Without it we would not, at times, have been able to hang on."

• "The children in this program have made fabulous progress."

• "In the last 4.5 years, the support we have received has been wonderful.  We have been able to see positive changes in the foster children we invite into our home.  Thank you and your staff for the opportunity to change the lives of children in a very positive way."

• "It takes the pressure off, the program does the work."

The MainSail Program is a division

of Butler Behavioral Health Services, Inc.