Michigan Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP)

FAQs

A QRTP is a residential treatment setting for children and youth with serious behavioral or emotional needs. Typically, significant risk behaviors should be present in order to require the clinical level of care that a QRTP provides.

QRTPs make use of a trauma-informed care model to address needs of children with serious emotional or behavioral disturbances, facilitate family participation in treatment (when appropriate), and provide aftercare support for 6 months post-discharge. 

A QRTP Independent Assessment (IA) is required for a child to reside in a QRTP. The assessment itself will be completed by a Maximus Michigan-based field assessor, identifying the child’s strengths and needs, as well as short and long term goals. The assessment uses the Comprehensive Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool designed specifically for Michigan QRTP admission and determines the least restrictive appropriate level of care for each child.

Please also note, while a QRTP assessment is required when considering residential intervention, a court can place a youth by court order or disagree with an assessment outcome, which would impact the funding source for residential intervention. 

The QRTP Independent Assessment (IA) requires participation from multiple sources to ensure a clear and comprehensive overview of the child. Maximus assessors are required to interview the child (without this interview, an assessment cannot be completed). The Caseworker plays a significant part in ensuring the child’s contact information (e.g., location and phone number) is up-to-date, as well as determining the most appropriate method of assessment (e.g., Face to Face or Zoom). The Caseworker is also required to participate in the assessment, to ensure a clear understanding of the child’s social service history and current clinical status, specifically providing an overview of the child’s current psychiatric status and needs (within the last 30 days).

Also, Maximus requests for caseworkers to notify other individuals identified on the referral that a Maximus assessor will be contacting them for their participation in the child’s assessment, and to encourage them to participate in all requested interviews, to assist in best meeting the child’s overall placement needs. 

The Maximus assessor is also required to interview permanency team members, such as treatment providers, educational service providers, parents or foster parents, and extended family member, and even clergy (all as applicable and included on the referral). The Maximus assessor will make three attempts to interview all listed sources on the referral. 

The Maximus Michigan QRTP Help Desk is always available to accept updates, additional information, or answer any outstanding questions. Please contact us at:

Maximus has 14 days from the time in which they receive the referral from the Specialized Placement Division (SPD) or Juvenile Justice Assessment Unit (JJAU). Maximus will complete the Independent Assessment and provide it directly to the referrer (SPD or JJAU), who is responsible for providing it to the caseworker. Please note, the SPD/JJAU will not be providing to the court. 

The Determination Report is valid for 30 days; therefore, the child has 30 days from the Determination Date to enter a QRTP. This date can be found on page one (1) of the Determination Report. If the child is entering a QRTP after the 30-day period, a new assessment will be required. If, however, the child is on a waitlist for QRTP placement, the assessment approval period remains active until the child is admitted to the QRTP in which they were originally waitlisted with.

Referrals for residential care are sent to the Regional Placement Unit (SPD) or Juvenile Justice Assessment Unit (JJAU) using the process outlined in FOM 912 or JJM700. Only the SPD and JJAU can make referrals for an Independent Assessment. Maximus is unable to accept a QRTP referral outside of the SPD or JJAU.

No, Maximus maintains a contract with MDHHS, and is considered a covered entity, allowing Maximus assessors and employees access to the referring child's Protected Health Information (PHI). Maximus addresses PHI with the upmost sensitivity and security and is required to follow all HIPPA guidelines and standards.

Interviews with those they aren’t familiar with can be intimidating or even scary, especially if the youth is informed that the interview with Maximus is the determining factor in their placement. Preparing a youth for the QRTP Independent Assessment interview is key in ensuring an open and comfortable experience for the child, as well as allowing for maximum information gathering with the assessor. Informing the referring child in advance that they will requested to participate in an interview as part of the assessment process is strongly encouraged.

As we know, several factors play into a decision for a child’s placement, so it’s important to explain that the Independent Assessment isn’t the only factor, but rather part of the process to identify the best placement type for their wellbeing. It’s also important to note, the assessor doesn’t make a final decision, but rather they make recommendations based on the child’s strengths and needs. Familiarizing a child with interview questions would also allow the child to more comfort in the interview, such as sharing what lead to their current placement, their preference on where they would like to live, speaking about what they do well and their talents/interests, if they ever have a hard time with their feelings and describing what that looks like. The goal of the interview is to allow the child to share their thoughts and feelings, allowing them to also advocate for their care.