young twins and mother smiling
focus logo

What is FOCUS?

FOCUS is an evidence-informed care coordination/planning practice.

Children, adolescents, and their families deserve a care coordination approach that is driven by them, matches their intensity of need, and integrates developmentally appropriate practices. FOCUS is an evidence-informed model that achieves those objectives.

In remaining committed to System of Care values and principles, practitioners need to do more than ensure access to interventions: they need to actively approach their work in a fundamentally different way. FOCUS translates the evidence-base around best practices in the field into consistent concrete practices with families, an approach that leads to positive outcomes.

Introduction to the FOCUS Intermediate Care Coordination Model

3 Module Training

CEC Version

Apply by January for our FOCUS Certificate Program; first cohort starts in March!

focus logoSupports decreased system involvement while building connections between families and the community-based resources that they find most helpful.

focus logoRevolutionizes traditional case management models and operationalizes System of Care values.

focus logoIntegrates into a 3-tier intervention system that includes intensive care coordination (Wraparound), intermediate care coordination (FOCUS), and navigation (information, warm referrals & handoffs).

Intended Population

FOCUS is intended for youth with lesser complex needs, who are system involved, at risk of deeper or multi system involvement, and whose challenges exceed the resources of a single organization. The model is an essential intermediate component within a System of Care for youth and families who may not otherwise receive adequate or appropriate care coordination.

intended population chart
Key components: individualized, comprehensive, accountable, family anchored

Most person-centered practice models adhere to a set of values and principles associated to the work. These four components are the grounding force behind the evidence-based component of FOCUS.

Philosophy of Care

Families experiencing meaningful connections - positive relationships are necessary for healing

Outcomes - things are getting better

Coordination - everyone works together towards a common goal

Unconditional Positive Regard - genuine acceptance no matter what

Short-Term process - build sustainable connections to community resources & minimize system reliance

Download infographic

focus care pathway infographic

Why FOCUS?

mixed family smiling in bedroom

  • The model is designed specifically to serve families who have come to the attention of child welfare, juvenile justice, school settings, and/or behavioral health agencies.
  • FOCUS aligns with best practices in the field, providing specific definitions of how the practice unfolds at the level of daily interactions with families (Bartley et al, 2020).
  • Families deserve support that is helpful and relevant to their most pressing concerns. Small care coordinator to family ratios (1:15-17) allow the FOCUS care coordinator to support families in achieving their best lives rather than containing problems.

What will be different for our organization and families when we implement FOCUS?

  • Families get the intensity of service/support they need and deserve
  • Care coordinators cultivate authentic partnerships with families that drive the planning process
  • System of Care values are operationalized throughout day-to-day care coordination, supervision, and coaching activity
  • Progress is consistently tracked, plans of care are monitored and adjusted accordingly
  • Community service array is broadened and enriched

In Nevada, the Division of Child and Family Services works with families with varying levels of needs. With the implementation of FOCUS, Nevada has created a Tiered Care Coordination service delivery model. This approach allows families to receive the right level of intervention at the right time. FOCUS, an intermediate care coordination model, provides families the individual support needed and works to eliminate the need for more intensive interventions.

– Kathy Cavakis & Beverly Burton
Nevada Division of Child & Family Services

Contact FOCUS

For more information or for any questions, please contact FOCUSinfo@uconn.edu