PCMS_Philadelphia_Medicine_Summer2017 - 20

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An Advanced Model of Care
At its core, Devereux embraces a philosophy of care
that continuously evolves from an understanding of, and
empathy for, the unique perspectives of the individuals
it serves - and their families.
The Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Model of
Care™ combines cutting-edge medical and clinical interventions with compassionate care. The guiding principles
of this model, which provide for a more holistic approach
to behavioral health and a framework for consistently high
quality throughout the organization, include:
1. Comprehensive assessment, diagnostics and
measurement: Early diagnosis of autism is critically
important so that appropriate interventions can be
identified and implemented. Devereux offers comprehensive assessment and diagnostic services through
a team of doctoral-level psychologists, psychology
interns and practicum students. In all cases, the organization
works with evidence-based tools to assist families. For example,
the Devereux Pennsylvania Autism Assessment Center provides
families with swift access to assessment and diagnostic services.
The center uses the Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule
(ADOS-II), which is considered the "gold standard" of autism
assessments.
Devereux is also a recognized leader in the development of
behavioral assessments. For example, the Devereux Center
for Resilient Children's (DCRC) "Devereux Early Childhood
Assessment" (DECA) toolkit provides resources for parents and
schools to support the social and emotional health of infants,
toddlers and preschoolers. DECA focuses on identifying key
social and emotional strengths, and providing caregivers and
parents with research-based strategies to promote resilience. In
the U.S., approximately 5,000 school or community programs
use the DCRC's tools and resources. And, since its founding in
1996, approximately six million children have been impacted
by these tools.
2. Effective interventions, special education and support:
Devereux's continuum of care for individuals with emotional,
behavioral or cognitive differences includes acute care, treatment
in residential settings, community-based living, special education
day schools, foster care, and outpatient services within the
community.
Devereux also has a rich history assisting diverse populations
of individuals who need support. For instance, its Commercial
Sexual Exploitation of Children residential programs help
address and heal the private trauma of girls who are victims of
human trafficking. Devereux also specializes in working with
20 Philadelphia Medicine : Summer 2017

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ)
individuals, along with LGBT foster and adoptive families. As
a result, Devereux's Arizona, Florida and Georgia centers hold
the Human Rights Campaigns (HRC) "HRC All Children - All
Families Seal of Recognition" for their industry-leading approach
in supporting LGBTQ individuals.
3. Transition and independent life services: Devereux's transition
and independent life services are focused on providing adolescents
and young adults with resources, training, and real-life experiences - suited to their unique needs - so they can thrive in more
independent settings. Programs include prevocational training,
job finding assistance, skill-building, community-supported
employment and pre-employment day programs.
4. Family education and professional training: Family engagement is the cornerstone of successful treatment and outcomes,
which is why family education is an essential part of Devereux's
overall approach to care. The organization provides expert training,
education, tools, and resources to families so they are able to
experience and achieve hope and healing.
5. Research and innovation: Essential to advancing its programs and services is a commitment to continually developing
evidence-based treatment protocols. As part of this effort,
Devereux's Institute of Clinical and Professional Training and
Research (ICPTR), founded in 1957, provides psychological and
educational resources, consultation and training to its centers
and other child and youth-serving organizations, including
government agencies, early childhood programs, schools, and
community-based systems of care.
Devereux's ICPTR conducts applied research to evaluate
innovative program treatment initiatives. An excellent information technology infrastructure facilitates data collection that

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