The Family-Based Mental Health Services program (FBMHS) at DGS provides care for children and families with the most complicated behavioral health needs. Children who benefit from FBMHS are usually at risk for out-of-home placement such as a hospital, residential treatment center, or a correctional facility. For children receiving FBMHS, a team of DGS clinicians is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week to provide care in the child’s home and community. Care includes behavioral health treatment for the child, medication management, individual therapy, family therapy, and school and community support. The goal of FBMHS is to help the family develop a strong set of supports including school, church, neighborhood, and friend –to help the family become healthy and strong and to serve as resources in times of crisis. FBMHS usually lasts about eight months after which the family typically steps down to a less intense type of therapy.
