Young people with complex behavioral health and co-occurring medical or intellectual and developmental needs often require highly individualized care. Yet, traditional residential treatment is structured around programs rather than individual needs. For some young people, this can mean receiving services far from home, limited family engagement, or placement in programs that are not equipped to provide the specialized support they need. The brief explores a different approach: reframing intensive in-home services as the highest level of treatment outside of hospitalization. This model could allow young people to receive intensive, individualized support while remaining connected to their families and communities.

In the new brief, “Meeting the Complex Needs of Young People: What if We’re Doing It Wrong?” Jennifer MacBlane explores how states can rethink care for young people with intensive needs through more flexible, individualized home- and community-based supports. The brief examines potential funding approaches, including Medicaid and Title IV-E Prevention Services Funds, while considering the challenges states may face in building a more responsive system of care. Read the full brief to explore new possibilities for supporting young people with complex needs and their families.

Learn More About Children’s Behavioral Health

Public Consulting Group (PCG) helps state and local agencies strengthen children’s behavioral health systems and improve how services are designed, delivered, and experienced by children and families. Our work focuses on building more coordinated, responsive systems that address complex needs and support better outcomes.

Click here to learn more about PCG’s children’s behavioral health services and how we help agencies strengthen systems of care.