RTF Level II is the second intensive treatment level within St. Michael’s continuum of services. This level provides a structured support within a less intensive level of service for clients who have proven not to need a more intense level. In addition, these clients have demonstrated the capacity for independence, require less staff supervision and can manage without the intensive services offered in Level I. Staff/clients ratios are appropriate as per Department of Public Welfare guidelines.

The primary goals of the program are to divert or prevent further psychiatric hospitalization or Level I Residential Treatment Facility placement for children who have moderate to severe emotional disorders, as well as to serve as a rehabilitative modality to reintegrate the child into the community and/or less restrictive environment.

Children referred to participate in the RTF II Program must meet the following criteria: the presence of a diagnosed moderate to psychiatric illness or condition; the need for a level of psychiatric intervention that is more intense than that provided on an out-patient basis, but less structured than that provided on a twenty-four hour in-patient basis.

In order to determine the need for RTF Level II Services, St. Michael's Admissions Committee will review a child’s prior treatment history, the child’s most recent psychiatric evaluation, and the request of the referring agency and family. A decision will be made on the aforementioned materials to deem if the child will benefit from participation in this type of program.

When the RTF Level II services are deemed appropriate for the child, the initial Treatment/Service Plan shall be formulated within the first five days of actual service. Whenever possible, the cooperation and consent of the child and person acting on his behalf be obtained. The Treatment/Service Plan shall reflect the intake summary information and it shall prescribe individual goals and objectives formulated into a schedule of therapeutic individual and group frameworks. The Treatment/Service Plan shall be reviewed by the treatment team and psychiatrist once every twenty days of service. Modification of the Treatment/Service Plan shall be discussed, implemented and documented. Documentation shall be recorded at regular intervals by the primary counselor, case managers, and program staff. Progress, regression, notable incidents and behaviors shall be highlighted.

Any additional reports from service providers, such as educational testing, reports of alternative medical reports, shall be documented and/or maintained in the treatment record. Additionally, frequent communication among treatment team members, agency representatives, family members and the child will better ensure that the areas of intervention are being addressed. Prior to the conclusion of RTF Level II services, a comprehensive discharge plan will be formulated and solidified. The discharge plan, with specific recommendations, will be written and shared with appropriate parties.