Aspiranet MTFC program transforms troubled teens

June 29, 2011 - PRLog -- Sonia Estrada, Aspiranet’s MTFC Program Supervisor, knows what a difference one year can make. Last year, when Aspiranet launched Ventura County’s first-ever Multi-Dimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC) program designed to aid troubled foster teenagers, Estrada was hoping that she would be able to find special foster parents willing to work with at-risk teenagers. Not only did she find them, one year later she is celebrating the incredible transformation of her first two MTFC graduates.

Aspiranet, one of California’s largest social service agencies, created MTFC for at-risk youths ages 12 – 17 who require intensive support and structure. MTFC teams foster parents with an Aspiranet program supervisor, individual and family therapists and a life skills coach to work collaboratively with troubled foster teens with the goal being to reunite them with their permanent families (birth, relative or foster) within six to nine months.

“I have seen dramatic transformations in all of the children in our MTFC program,” said Estrada. “I am proud to be a part of a clinical team that is passionate, provides tremendous support and is dedicated to helping children realize their true potential. There is no better feeling in the world than knowing you have given someone the tools that they need to move forward in the world and be successful.”

Next month, the two teens, their foster parents and the Aspiranet’s MTFC team will gather together at a MTFC graduation ceremony to celebrate their joint accomplishments.  After the two teens transition back to home, Aspiranet will provide continued support to ensure that their placement is stable and to monitor their ongoing progress.

“The program was very hard to get used to but now, as I am getting ready to graduate, I can see how much my life has changed,” said a 17-year old MTFC youth. “I thank my MTFC team and my foster parents for all of their hard work and support. If it weren’t for them, I do not know where I’d be right now. Thanks to MTFC, I have a bright future ahead of me and know that I can do anything I want.”

Estrada reports that there is a waiting list of children wanting to participate in the MTFC program and an ongoing need to recruit more MTFC foster parents. For more information, call 1-877-380-HERO.

About Aspiranet
Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity, supports foster children, siblings, families, and the community with 35 core programs offering specialized services through 44 satellite centers within California.

Founded 35 years ago as a six-bed group home for young boys in Moss Beach, Calif., Aspiranet is one of the most diverse nonprofit social service agencies in the state. With a statewide network of innovative services, Aspiranet has touched the lives of over 10,000 families and children since its founding.

Aspiranet’s vision of bringing families together and helping foster children, siblings, and parents thrive is realized through six areas of expertise – Family Services, Foster Care, Adoption, Education, Afterschool programs, and Community Partnerships. For more information, please visit www.aspiranet.org.