Help PACT Fill the Gaps

The PACT Program: Permanency-focused, Action-oriented, Collaborative, Team-based work for youth in foster care 

The PACT team uses a wraparound approach to work with youth in foster care who have high-end mental health needs, creating and coordinating an individualized care plan that helps them reach stability in a community setting. 

When youth come into PACT, they've typically experienced multiple placement moves, and are often in the process of transitioning out of residential treatment settings. Through working directly with the youth and their team, PACT supports the ideal placement for each individual's unique needs, and surrounds them with the additional services needed for long-term success. 

PACT during 2021

This year, as we are gradually rebounding from the pandemic, PACT has continued to meet needs of youth while being flexible with the many adjustments of returning to normalcy in a safe way. Our youth continue to struggle with the impacts of COVID-19 that have resulted in fewer placement options and some placements closing campuses to visitors to limit outbreaks during surges. PACT has been able to continue to utilize hybrid technological models to engage with youth when placement campuses are closed, bringing teams together to understand the unique needs of our youth and ensure those needs are met. We have sent care packages to youth and families experiencing the virus, supported youth dealing with traumatic losses, and have continued to notice and celebrate the successes of our youth during these difficult times to bring them hope and encouragement.

“Mad Money” ***Names have been changed to maintain confidentiality***

 PACT utilizes “Mad Money” to address unmet needs and show support to youth in unique ways. Your donations and contributions can support stories like: 

Christopher’s grandmother was working on becoming an adoptive resource. Sadly, his grandmother became ill and passed away from cancer this year which was really difficult for Christopher. Christopher’s PACT Coordinator requested “Mad Money” to put a Family Support Partner in place to provide some mentorship support to Christopher during this difficult time as well as working with his team to show he was supported and cared for by using funds to put together a bereavement basket with all of his favorite things.

Catherine recently transitioned out of a psychiatric treatment facility into the community. In the process of getting Catherine set up with all her services in her new foster placement, the team realized that there was a glitch with her insurance that would take a couple of weeks to resolve. During this time, Catherine’s was running low on medications and needing to see a psychiatrist so she wouldn’t run out of medication. Catherine’s PACT Coordinator supported by requesting “Mad Money” to cover the cost of her psychiatric visit to ensure Catherine didn’t have a crisis resulting from a medication lapse.

Why PACT is Unique

We believe that youth need consistent, long-term supports.  We make efforts to keep our young people connected to family members, friends, and important adults in their lives. We think outside the box and troubleshoot barriers, and we don’t give up!  We try creative strategies that haven’t been explored before.  We provide our young people and their caregivers with supports that fill system gaps.  As PACT coordinators, we get to know our youth and their interests.  We listen to them and build on their strengths.  We show them that we care about them and that they matter.  We make sure that their voices are heard!

Diana's PACT Story

Diana entered the MAAC PACT Program in October 2020. During her time in PACT, Diana had three placement disruptions and several CSU admissions. She placed at Elks Aidmore in our Crisis Continuum program which is a thirty-day program. While in the program, Diana began to shine. She was very excited about the opportunity she had to transition to Elks Transitional Living Program if she continued to display appropriate behaviors. Diana has struggled with her self-esteem in the past. Her biological mom has verbalized that she doesn’t want to have anything to do with Diana.  Although, it has been hurtful to hear those words, Diana continued to persevere. Diana ran for Miss Junior during Homecoming at Heritage High School last month. Although Diana didn’t win, it was great to see how beautiful and excited she was. She was our MAAC Winner!!!!  Diana loves school and has maintained an A/B average and has plans to be a NICU Nurse.  Although Diana has discharged from PACT, her YFC will continue to be a support to her. They have plans to have a Christmas photo shoot.

Your gift makes a difference!

By making a contribution to PACT on GA Gives Day, you can help us fill the gaps so that youth in foster care can overcome challenges and find lasting connections!