Phone number: (863) 519-0575 ext. 2001 or (863) 500-3780
Address: 1831 N. Crystal Lake Dr. Lakeland, FL 33801
Community Action Team (CAT) is a self-contained, multi-disciplinary clinical team that provides comprehensive, intensive community-based treatment to families with youth or young adults who are at risk of out of home placement due to a mental health or co-occurring substance abuse disorder and related complex issues.
CAT will provide family-centered, culturally competent services individualized according to the strengths and needs of each youth or young adult and his/her family with a goal of supporting and sustaining the youth or young adult in his/her family system, or the least restrictive and most clinically appropriate environment. Family commitment and participation are essential and expected for the success of the services.
CAT Services Provided and/or Coordinated include:
- 24/7 On-Call Coverage/Support
- Case Management
- Crisis Intervention
- Educational System Advocacy and Coordination
- Employment/Vocational Services
- Family Support Network Development
- Legal System Advocacy and Coordination
- Life Skills Development
- Mentoring
- Parenting Skills/Behavior Modification
- Psychiatric (evaluation and medication management)
- Respite Services
- Therapy (individual, group, and family)
Length of Service is 6-9 Months
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals aged 11-21 with a mental health diagnosis or co-occurring substance abuse diagnosis with one or more of the following accompanying characteristics:
- At risk for out-of-home placements demonstrated by repeated failures at less restrictive levels of care
- At least two or more psychiatric hospitalizations
- Involvement with the Department of Juvenile Justice
- Multiple episodes involving law enforcement
- Poor academic performance and/or suspensions
(Exceptions may be made for children under 11 if they meet two or more eligibility requirements.)