Supporting Children's Mental Health Through CFTSS
Our Child and Family Treatment Support Services provide specialized mental health care for children and youth under 21 through trauma-informed, strength-based support in natural settings.
What is CFTSS and Why It Matters
Child and Family Treatment Support Services (CFTSS) is a preventative mental health initiative under the NYS Office of Mental Health, focused on improving the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of children and youth.
At Sunshine Care Network, we collaborate with state-designated CFTSS providers to ensure each child is matched with a mental health worker best suited to meet their unique needs. Our support staff is dedicated to offering culturally appropriate, individualized services that provide children with the extra support necessary for their mental health and well-being.
CFTSS services are delivered in natural settings – at home, in school, or in the community – enabling children to reach their full potential by creating an environment that supports their developmental growth.
Our expert team focuses on building resilience and promoting mental well-being through trauma-informed, strength-based approaches that empower each child to thrive.
Mental Health Support for Children and Youth
Why Children's Mental Health Matters:
Mental health is just as important as physical health – yet mental health challenges in children often go unrecognized or untreated. Emotional, social, and behavioral difficulties can significantly impact a child's ability to succeed at home, in school, and in relationships.
Common Mental Health Challenges in Children:
Children and youth may experience anxiety and fear (excessive worry, panic attacks, separation anxiety, social anxiety, or specific phobias), depression and mood disorders (persistent sadness, irritability, loss of interest in activities), behavioral challenges (aggression, defiance, impulsivity, difficulty following rules), trauma and PTSD (responses to abuse, neglect, violence, loss, or other traumatic experiences), attention and focus difficulties (ADHD symptoms affecting school performance), social and relationship problems (difficulty making friends, understanding social cues), or other co-occurring mental health conditions that require specialized support.
The Importance of Early Intervention:
Mental health problems don't go away on their own – they often worsen without treatment. Early mental health intervention helps children develop healthy coping skills, build emotional regulation abilities, improve social relationships, succeed academically, prevent more serious mental health crises, and build resilience for future challenges.
How CFTSS Addresses Mental Health:
CFTSS provides intensive, individualized mental health support in the places where children spend their time. Rather than requiring families to travel to clinic appointments, CFTSS brings services to children – meeting them where they are physically and emotionally.
The Role of Family in Mental Health:
Children don't exist in isolation – family dynamics, parenting approaches, and home environments significantly impact mental health. CFTSS includes family support, education, and coaching to help parents and caregivers create supportive home environments and respond effectively to their child's mental health needs.
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Comprehensive Mental Health Assessment
We conduct a thorough evaluation of your child's emotional, behavioral, and social functioning to understand their needs and strengths.
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Individualized Service Plan
Our team develops a personalized treatment plan with specific goals addressing your child's mental health, family dynamics, and environmental factors.
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Intensive Support & Skill Building
Mental health workers provide regular sessions focused on developing coping skills, emotional regulation, social interaction, and behavioral management.
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Family Collaboration & Progress Review
We work closely with families, monitor progress consistently, and adjust services to support your child's evolving mental health needs.
Under the age of 21 - Children and adolescents through age 20
Medicaid or Managed Care enrolled - Must have Medicaid coverage
Have social, emotional, or behavioral challenges that can be improved or resolved through the CFTSS program
Open to mental health support - Willing to engage in services with a mental health worker
Mental Health Skills
Improved emotional regulation, coping strategies, and behavioral management in daily life
Social Development
Stronger communication, social skills, and healthy relationship building with peers and family
Family Empowerment
Education, support, and tools that help families create supportive home environments
Community Success
Better functioning at home, in school, and in community settings through consistent mental health support
Individual Counseling & Therapy: One-on-one sessions addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, behavioral challenges, and other mental health concerns.
Social Skills Training: Teaching children how to interact with peers, understand social cues, manage conflicts, and build friendships.
Emotional Regulation & Coping Skills: Helping children identify emotions, manage overwhelming feelings, develop calming strategies, and respond to stress effectively.
Behavioral Support & Intervention: Addressing challenging behaviors by teaching positive alternatives and helping children understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Trauma-Informed Care: Supporting children who have experienced abuse, neglect, violence, or other traumatic events using evidence-based trauma treatment approaches.
Families and individuals trust Sunshine Care Network because we combine lived experience with professional excellence.
Certified specialists with personal recovery experience
Trauma-informed, strength-based approach
Flexible meeting locations - home, community, or telehealth
Crisis support available for pre-crisis and crisis situations
Collaborative care that works alongside your existing treatment team
New York
We provide compassionate, personalized services across the entire state of New York - including communities like Ramapo and Brooklyn - helping children, families, and schools thrive every day.
Real experiences, real impact
Families and communities we serve often share stories of growth, confidence, and hope. Discover how Sunshine Care Network makes a difference every day.
Truly care that changed our child’s life
We found Sunshine Care Network when we were feeling overwhelmed with our child’s needs. The team stepped in and provided truly individualised support, meeting us at home and at school. Today our daughter is more confident, engaged and happy. We’re so grateful for the caring staff and clear communication every step of the way.
Laura & Michael R.
A respectful, family-centered experience
From the first intake meeting through ongoing therapy, Sunshine Care Network made everything simple and respectful. The staff took time to listen to our family’s story, set up a schedule that suited our busy lives and shared progress in a way we could understand. It’s been a game-changer for us.
Jessica & Tom S
Warm professionals who focus on real progress
Working with Sunshine Care Network’s ABA and peer-support services has been one of the best decisions we’ve made. The therapists are professional, warm and knowledgeable, and the process is genuinely centred around our child’s strengths. Highly recommend to any family seeking lasting results and strong partnership.
Rebecca K.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you’re a parent, school, or community partner, Sunshine Care Network is here to guide you. Let’s build brighter futures together.
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Sunshine Care Network provides comprehensive support services for children, families, and schools throughout New York State and Texas. Our mission is to empower growth, resilience, and brighter futures.