At Walden Family Services, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe, stable, and loving family environment. For foster kids and foster youth facing difficult circumstances at home, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or misunderstood. That’s why Family Centered Treatment (FCT) is such an important part of our continuum of care.

What Is Family Centered Treatment?
Family Centered Treatment (FCT) is an evidence-based, trauma-informed model of care designed to help families overcome serious challenges—while keeping the family unit intact. It’s tailored for families whose children are struggling at home or in their communities, and it aims to prevent out-of-home placements whenever possible.

For foster care systems and families alike, FCT is a powerful tool. By working intensively with the entire family, this model promotes long-term change and healing—not just a temporary fix.

Why FCT Matters for Foster Youth
FCT is especially impactful for foster youth and families who’ve experienced trauma, whether it’s systemic, chronic, or acute. Many of the families we work with have already tried other interventions without success. Others are navigating reunification after a child has been in foster care, or are dealing with the impact of incarceration, hospitalization, or other disruptions in the home.

In 2018, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognized FCT as a trauma treatment practice and awarded the FCT Foundation a five-year federal grant to become a National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) member. This designation affirms the evidence behind the model and its ability to create real, lasting change for vulnerable families.

How It Works
Walden’s FCT services are provided in the family’s home to ensure comfort and consistency. Over the course of approximately six months, families receive:

• Multiple weekly contacts with a therapist

• Individual and family therapy

• Opportunities to reconnect and practice new ways of communicating

• 24/7 crisis support

• Trauma-informed, collaborative care

• School advocacy and psychoeducation

• Connection to community resources and support networks

What sets FCT apart is its focus on helping families own their growth. Therapists work closely with families to address current challenges while also identifying patterns of trauma across generations. Families learn not only how to make changes, but how to maintain them and prepare for future stressors.

Building a Future Together
For foster kids and their families, the journey isn’t always easy—but with the right support, healing is possible. Family Centered Treatment helps create a space where trust can be rebuilt, relationships can be strengthened, and hope can take root.

Whether it’s preventing a child from entering foster care or supporting a family through reunification, Walden Family Services is committed to walking alongside each family, every step of the way.

Because we don’t just believe in changing lives—we believe in keeping families together whenever possible.