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W ordsworth's Adolescent Family Based Services (AFBS)

W ordsworth's Adolescent Family Based Services (AFBS) recognizes its place and responsibility in the continuum of care to children and their families.  Adolescent Family Based Services is an intensive, team-delivered service that provides in-home mental health treatment, case management and family support services in order for families to continue to care for their child or adolescent with serious mental health issues in their own home.  Services are time limited (8 months) and are provided according to the needs and schedule of the family.

Client Focus
The program serves families with a child/adolescent under 21 years of age who is exhibiting serious mental health issues.  AFBS view children and adolescents as part of a larger family system, and develop interventions that focus on utilizing family strengths and resources.  Wordsworth AFBS also works with youth/families currently involved in the Juvenile Justice System, as well as children/adolescents presenting with sexual abuse issues.

Clinical Professionals
Wordsworth's AFBS teams consist of Master's level therapists and Bachelor's level case managers.  Teams are supervised by a licensed, Master's level or higher mental health professional, and participate in weekly group and individual supervision.  The treatment team also includes a Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.  Additionally, all Family Based teams are required  to complete a three-year training course through the Philadelphia Child and Family Therapy Training Center. 

Family Involvement
Given that the primary goal of AFBS is to help families care for their child/adolescent in their own home, active involvement from an adult caregiver is essential to successful completion of the program.  AFBS views families as equal collaborators in the development of a treatment plan to address the needs of the child/family, and will meet with families approximately 2-5 hours per week to work toward achieving identified goals.

Specific services provided include:
. Intensive, in-home family and individual therapy
. Family education and skill building
. Case management, advocacy and resource development
. Parent skills development
. 24/7 crisis intervention services 
. Use of Family Support Funds to help stabilize families and promote mental health and well-being
. Psychiatric services

Referral Process
All Family Based Referrals are processed through the Philadelphia Office of Behavioral Health, and are funded through Community Behavioral Health.  Referral information can be obtained by contacting the Wordsworth AFBS Business Manager at 215.643.5400  x4021

Wordsworth Commitment
Wordsworth consistently continues to enhance the continuum of care offered to its children and families.  Wordsworth is confident that it can exceed the expectations of families and providers.  Because Wordsworth continuously seeks ways of improving its programs, comments are welcome.

Wordsworth is a not-for-profit
501(c)(3) Organization

Licensing, Approvals & Accreditations
• Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Licensure for Mental Health and Children,
Youth and Family Programs
• Pennsylvania Department of Education Licensure for School Programs
• Medicaid Approved
• Type 50 Mental Health Services Provider
• Joint Commission on the Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations

Inquires should be made to:
Wordsworth
Adolescent Family Based Services
3905 Ford Road
Philadelphia, PA 19131

or call our Central Referral and Information Services:

Admissions Department:
Phone: 1.800.769.0088 x4066
Fax: 215.871.8297
info@wordsworth.org

For more Information contact:
Andy Gross LCSW, MSS
Phone: 1.215.643.5400 x4066