With the New Year has come a flurry of activity, some expected, and some less expected. Nonetheless, it is a time of opportunity for several areas at FCC. Here are some of the highlights…
- Outpatient-La Crosse will soon be utilizing the client portal in our electronic health records system that will allow us to capture outcomes data from the client’s perspective. A kiosk set up in the waiting room will assist with this new feature.
- Host Homes Program is exploring a formal partnership with La Crosse County that would allow them to utilize FCC’s host homes for children that are displaced while their parent seeks treatment. We continue to work on the development of a shelter option as well and have begun plans to be located on site within some of the vacant Weston space.
- Day Treatment is focused on increasing client census and improving our prior authorization approval rate while referrals continue to flow in. We are also working some previously denied prior authorizations through the appeals process, which is a new adventure for our team.
- Weston Youth Home staff is working diligently to keep our staff roster and client beds full. There is an inherent level of volatility in placements due to the youth’s behavior. As our census has increased, we have seen increasing behavioral challenges on the unit, which is to be expected, making having adequate staff even more important.
- Outside Respite is moving forward with a partnership with Children’s Miracle Network that will increase the families and providers we work with by up to 20. This is a positive development for this program that will generate new revenue.
- Outpatient-Viroqua has added Helpline, a supportive listening and resource referral line. Due to the closure of another agency in Vernon County, we are doing what we can to fill gaps through outpatient mental health and substance abuse services. We anticipate there being ongoing additional business for FCC and have begun work to recruit additional providers to meet this need.
- We have submitted a proposal to resume providing Family Interaction Program Services in La Crosse County. This is a $200,000 annual contract to provide supervised visits and supportive services to families referred to Child Protection. We previously (2011-2013) offered similar services in partnership with The Parenting Place, and we are hopeful to resume providing these services again.
As you can see, there are a lot of exciting things happening, and this is just a snapshot of all of the opportunities this year has in store for all of us at FCC. Thanks for all that you do each and every day to support Better Tomorrows for our clients, our coworkers, and our community! Have a safe and happy 2017!