Frequently Asked Questions

Q:
Volunteering with foster youth:
What if a foster family or transitional foster youth can pay for treatment?

A:
Our screenings do not inquire about financial capability. The ability to pay is a clinical matter, and should be discussed with your Consultation Group.
Q:
Volunteering with foster youth:
Can I request a specific type of case?

A:
Yes, if you have a preference in terms of age or gender please provide us with this information on your Clinical Application.
Q:
Volunteering with foster youth:
What if I feel the case is not a good fit for me? What is the protocol?

A:
1. First, speak with your Consultation Group and the client to determine the reasons why it may not be a good fit for the both of you.
2. If it is determined the case is not a good fit, please contact your Clinical Director to receive a new case.
3. Please also contact the Program Directors or Referral Coordinator and let them know the reasons behind the mismatch, so we can use this information to better connect the client with a new therapist.
Q:
Volunteering with foster youth:
What if I’d like to end treatment?

A:
1. Treat A Home Within clients as you would a client in your private practice.
2. If you need to end treatment, we ask that you try to give enough time to manage the transition as thoughtfully as possible.
3. Discuss with your Consultation Group.
4. Call the Referral Coordinator so we can begin to find another therapist, should one be requested.
Q:
Volunteering with foster youth:
What if my referral/client suddenly stops coming?

A:
1. Make every attempt to contact the client, including contacting the foster parent, social worker etc.
2. Discuss this with your Consultation Group.
3. When your efforts to revive the therapy have been exhausted contact the Referral Coordinator and request another case.
Q:
Volunteering with foster youth:
What happens if my case suddenly required me to work more than 1 hour per week?

A:
1. If your case begins to require more 1 hour a week discuss with your Consultation Group and your Clinical Director.
2. If there is a crisis and additional sessions needed, with preapproval, A Home Within can provide reimbursement for your extra time of up to $50.00 per hour.
Q:
Volunteering with foster youth:
What is A Home Within's policy on home visits?

A:
A Home Within is based on the private practice model. We do not expect nor would we ask our volunteers to do home visits. If you feel it’s clinically appropriate to do a home visit, please discuss with your Consultation Group.
Q:
Volunteering with foster youth:
What if I have limited session availability?

A:
Limited session availability is fine. Let us know what your availability is so we may connect you accordingly. Include this information on your Clinical Application.

A:

Our screenings do not inquire about financial capability. The ability to pay is a clinical matter, and should be discussed with your Consultation Group.

Q:
Managing Your Chapter:
How often should I check in with Program Directors?

A:
The Program Directors will contact you on average every thirty to sixty days. Please reply as soon as possible, but within a week. They are available by email or phone. You may call them anytime you need anything or have any questions.
Q:
Managing Your Chapter:
How often should I check in with Consultation Group Leaders?

A:
1. Feel free to contact them as needed. However, a monthly group email to your Consultation Group Leaders helps to keep them in touch with you and with each other.

2. Consultation Group Leaders should be able to give you up to date information on your clinicians and the status of their cases. Any changes in the status of cases should be communicated to the Referral Coordinator

3. Important information includes but is not limited to: clinical issues in your chapter; the number of active cases and treatments that have ended since last contact.
Q:
Managing Your Chapter:
How often should I check in with the Referral Coordinator?

A:
1. Let the Referral Coordinator know when cases close.
2. Let the Referral Coordinator know when you have clinicians available to take a case.
Q:
Managing Your Chapter:
How do I get reimbursed for expenses? How long does it typically take?

A:
To be reimbursed for expenses, via snail mail or fax, please include all receipts along with the reimbursement form, which is located on the Clinicians' Network. If you are unable to locate the form, contact the Program Directors or Referral Coordinator. Reimbursements checks will usually be mailed within 30 from the date of receipt.
Q:
Managing Your Chapter:
When taking an extended vacation (over one week) who should I tell and what should I do?

A:
1. It’s important to let the Program Directors and the Referral Coordinator know when you will be unavailable or out of town so we may respond to any chapter inquiries in a timely matter.
2. We will set up a vacation message for your A Home Within email account, letting interested parties know when you will return.
3. We will coordinate with you regarding how to respond to your chapter inquiries while you are away.
Q:
Marketing & Promotions:
Should I let the Program Directors know when I’m holding an event or conference?

A:
Yes, contact the Program Directors so they can engage the marketing team in good time, (flyers, postcards, promotion on the website, on Facebook, and Twitter, etc.) during the planning stages of your event or workshop.
Q:
Marketing & Promotions:
Is there a dollar amount when I should check in with the Program Directors regarding marketing or recruitment event?

A:
Please provide a budget for all events. Contact the Program Directors if you plan to spend over $100.
Q:
Regarding Your Chapter Clinicians:
Can clinicians go to consultation groups in neighboring chapters?

A:
Yes. We encourage flexibility and believe we can attract more volunteers by allowing them to participate in a consult group that is more convenient for them.
Q:
Regarding Your Chapter Clinicians:
Can clinicians state a preference for a certain kind of case or available appointment times?

A:
Yes. We will do our best to accommodate clinicians. However, it may take a bit longer to connect them with a case.
Q:
Regarding Your Chapter Clinicians:
How can CGLs provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for clinicians?

A:
1. CGLs and group member work together to determine which articles to read and discuss for CEUs.

2. A list of articles to read can be found on the Clinicians' Network or contact the A Home Within Executive Assistant, Leila Adbul-Rauf.
Q:
Regarding Your Chapter Clinicians:
When can my clinicians receive reimbursement for additional sessions/time?

A:
1. In the event of a crisis, when it is necessary for a clinician to see their client more than once per week, A Home Within will reimburse $50.00 for the extra session for a predetermined limited number of sessions.
2. A Home Within will also reimburse clinicians for collateral sessions with biological parents, social worker, foster parents, teachers, etc.
3. Clinicians should discuss the clinical issues with their Consultation Groups and Clinical Director, but approval by the Program Director is necessary for reimbursement.
4. Prior to committing to your client, please get additional sessions preapproved. To consider approval, the Program Directors will want to know how many additional sessions you are requesting.
Q:
Regarding Your Chapter Clinicians:
How do background checks work for potential clinicians?
A:
1. Typically, states include background checks when mental health professionals apply for licensure, including intern licensure. If your state does not provide background checks within the licensure process, AHW will provide and pay for the background check.
2. If one of your clinician’s needs a background check, please send the following to the Referral Coordinator, Ms Julian Baron:
- Name, including middle initial and credential
- Address (business or personal)
- Phone number
- Email address
- Date of Birth
Q:
Recruitment:
How does recruitment work for both clinicians and agencies?

A:
The Program Directors, Referral Coordinator and the Clinical Director work closely together to research your local community for clinicians and agencies involved in foster care and adoption services.
Clinician recruitment is done on an ongoing basis. At anytime, you can contact us to request an email or hard mailing recruitment letter campaign.
Q:
Managing Your Chapter:
How often should I check in with chapter clinicians?

A:
In general, you should check in with your clinicians within thirty to sixty days after assigning them a case.

It’s important for our clinicians to feel a part of the Local Chapter, as well as the larger organization. To that end, many Clinical Directors host an annual or bi-annual gathering.

The Program Directors are available to help plan events and gatherings.

A:

The Program Directors will contact you on average every thirty to sixty days. Please reply as soon as possible, but within a week. They are available by email or phone. You may call them anytime you need anything or have any questions.

Q:
Receiving services through A Home Within:
How can I refer myself or my foster youth for treatment?

A:
Please contact our Referral Coordinator, Ms Julia Baron, at 415-446-9182 or contact@ahomewithin.org. You can also make a referral at our this website, click here.
Q:
Receiving services through A Home Within:
How long does treatment last?

A:
Treatment durations vary. Typically, treatments last anywhere from 1 to 4 years and though we have had cases last as long as 15+ years. Our hope is that your therapist will be available to you or your foster youth for as long as it takes.
Q:
Receiving services through A Home Within:
What if I feel our clinician isn’t a good fit for my child?

A:
1. We ask that you try to talk with your therapist as candidly as possible about your concerns. Sometimes this can help alleviate one’s concerns.
2. If after talking with your therapist you still feel it’s not a good fit please call the Referral Coordinator, Ms Baron at 415-446-9182.
3. If we do not have another therapist available at that moment, we will put you or your child on our wait list to be re-matched as soon as possible.
Q:
Receiving services through A Home Within:
Does A Home Within provide transportation?

A: A Home Within does not routinely provide transportation, but we try to help where possible. Please mention this to the Referral Coordinator.
Q:
Where can I learn about more resources for foster care services?

A:
1. Your local Department of Human Services is a great resource.
2. Do a Google search under “Foster Care Support” and then include your city and state.
Q:
Who should I call if there’s an emergency?

A: a. If you are having an emergency, call 911.

b. Should you need to get in contact with your clinician immediately, please call and leave a message. It is important to know your therapist’s emergency contact policy

A:

Please contact our Referral Coordinator, Ms Julia Baron, at 415-446-9182 or contact@ahomewithin.org. You can also make a referral at our this website, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not answered in the section below please feel free to email us. We are happy to answer any questions you have about our work a A Home Within.

Frequently Asked Questions