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Who You Are
Referring professionals are those of you in the myriad of
disciplines that serve and recognize that families may need
access to unique services and environments for their children.
Who We Are
The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs
(NATSAP) is comprised of a membership of a diverse collection of
programs providing innovative services, quality care and
meaningful education to families and their children.. NATSAP
member programs aspire to ethical and professional standards that
lend support to the care given to program participants. The
families and children NATSAP members serve have unique needs and
different levels of resources with which they can respond to
these needs.
The Relationship Between Referring Professionals and
NATSAP Member Programs
Referring Professionals are a vital component of this community
and the continuum of care that it provides. Your input and
involvement is essential to the quality of experience our
members can deliver to participants. We understand that what
NATSAP member programs do, though important, is truly less
important than making it meaningful in the lives, futures and
home environments of participants. Typically, Referring
professionals are the link on both ends of placement into
programs and schools. As such, they are crucial to the
transitions into, out of, and sometimes between programs and
schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access these programs?
Screening, admissions and placement vary by participant and
program type. Please refer to the NATSAP
on-line directory to see the variety of programming
available. There is a wide range of levels of care from small
residential programs and boarding schools to wilderness programs
and acute psychiatric facilities. Multiple options exist to fund
these programs. Programs are available to confer with you about
fit, appropriateness and placement. Parents can contact programs
directly, or referring professionals can place the initial call
to the program to discuss appropriateness.
What part do I play as the referring professional?
There is, of course, a great difference in how each practitioner
approaches their work. Your information is vital to
understanding the history of the participant and their family.
NATSAP member programs value your clinical expertise and
experience working with the child to help them better understand
each child's unique needs and to determine appropriateness.
What is most useful is to be clear about what the expectations
are for communication and involvement. Some are willing to
recommend a placement and have a complete hand-off, while others
would like some ongoing level of information about progress
while in program. Have the dialogue with the program and be
specific about your communication needs.
Many clinicians who refer to NATSAP member programs work with
the students and their families when they return home. If this
is your intention, please let them know so they can involve you
in the transition plans.
What is the level of staff credentials and licensure?
Staff credentials vary within each program. Please contact the
programs directly to get specific information about staff
credentials and licensure. Credentials and licensing
requirements vary from state to state.
Are these programs licensed and/or accredited?
Effective January 1, 2009 NATSAP will require all members to be
licensed by the appropriate state agency authorized to set and
oversee standards of therapeutic and/or behavioral healthcare
for youth and adolescents or accredited by a nationally
recognized behavioral health accreditation agency and have
therapeutic services with oversight by a qualified clinician.
How do families pay for out-of-home placement?
There are a variety of funding options available for families.
While many families pay out-of-pocket for placement, others are
able to access health insurance benefits. Low-interest
educational loans are also available to many families.
Admissions professionals at each program can help families
explore the various options.
The family I am working with has employed an educational
consultant. How can we work together to find the best placement
for their child?
Educational consultants spend a great deal of their time
visiting NATSAP member programs in order to determine
appropriateness for their clients. If the family you're working
with has employed a consultant, it is our hope that you will
work with the consultant to share your clinical impressions of
the child and his/her family and discuss what type of services
you think your client would benefit from.
Outcomes and Resources
Many of the NATSAP programs have outcome studies, which they
would be happy to share with you. You may contact programs
directly and ask them for copies of their outcomes studies (or
visit their websites). NATSAP has committed their resources to a
Research Initiative and we suggest you review the information
compiled to date on the Research section of this website.
Educational Loan
Options
Custom
Educational Loans
Key Education Resources
Cornerstone Education Loans
Teri - The Education Resources
Institute
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