The Foster Family-based Treatment Association (FFTA) is an agency-led, not for profit association of treatment foster care providers. It was established in 1988 with an initial purpose of defining and refining Treatment Foster Care practices. Since that time, FFTA has evolved into being the leading advocate for the development, evaluation, recognition and expansion of Treatment Foster Care.
The Association’s membership is comprised of approximately 400 agencies throughout North America that operate treatment foster care programs, which are diverse in scope and size.
The foundation of FFTA is built upon a belief in the family as a source of stability and security for children and youth. FFTA’s mission is to enhance the lives of children with families through strengthening family-based organizations.
In accomplishing its mission, the FFTA is committed to helping member agencies by promoting the following core values:
- Creating partnerships between foster and birth parents and TFC agencies
- Promoting strengths
- Encouraging community support
- Developing sufficient resources to sustain quality care
- Articulating outcomes for children and families
- Assuring continuity by establishing permanent relationships and environments
FFTA developed Program Standards for Treatment Foster Care, which has helped define the model and set parameters to guide both new and seasoned Treatment Foster Care practitioners. The Standards are also utilized by national accreditation organizations, and by public agencies that develop programs and contracts for treatment foster care.
A small management staff, along with the FFTA Board of Directors, 11 committees and 12 chapters, work collectively to achieve the association’s goals. Recognized researchers and policy-makers in the fields of child welfare and children’s mental health also support FFTA’s initiatives.
Each year the FFTA conducts the North American Conference on Treatment Foster Care. This conference brings together more than 700 professionals and foster parents from around North America to learn from experts in the field and share the best practices in Treatment Foster Care. FFTA Chapters also provide professional development opportunities for professional staff and foster parents on a local level.
For more information, contact the FFTA office at (800) 414-3382, ext. 113, send an e-mail to: ffta@ffta.org or visit the FFTA website at: www.ffta.org.
