Bridging the Gap: Expanding Our Impact with the Children’s Division Contract

In this episode of The Hopeful Connection, host Daniel Coffey sits down with Staci Owen to discuss a major, exciting evolution happening at Restoring Hope. While Restoring Hope currently provides support to children in the foster care system through the Department of Mental Health (DMH) contract, strict criteria often mean many youth in need fall through the cracks.

Staci shares the vision behind Restoring Hope’s journey toward securing a direct contract with the Children’s Division, starting with Therapeutic Foster Care in early 2027. Tune in to learn how this contract will expand their impact, provide vital resources for kids stuck in limbo, and offer incredible new flexibility for current and future host homes.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Filling the System Gaps: Why a direct Children’s Division contract is necessary for kids whose needs or IQ levels don't strictly fit existing DMH criteria.
• What is Therapeutic Foster Care? How this individualized, trauma-informed service mirrors the host home model while accommodating different health and behavioral needs.
• The Reality of Foster Care Today: Addressing the critical shortage of therapeutic placements that leaves youth waiting in offices, hotels, and hospitals.
• What This Means for Host Homes: How current host homes can choose to remain exactly as they are or become dual-contracted to expand their support.
• The Road to 2027: The timeline for licensing, process development, and looking forward to the first official placements.

Stay Tuned! If you are a host home interested in getting involved with Therapeutic Foster Care, keep an eye out for updates. More detailed information on the transition and application processes will be shared by Fall.