“FACT is larger and probably the program more people are familiar with, “ Barnes said. “It is an integrated entry point for care for high-risk kids (who are not on probation) and their families.”
The FACT program is for short-term support, acting as an immediate intake, assessment, and triage hub to evaluate risk and connect families to resources.
“We were seeing a lot of PINS petitions and CPS referrals, which led to placing kids in residential facilities and foster care,” said Barnes, who previously worked for probation and Hillside Children’s Center and was a partner in the collaboration that formed FACT.
Parents or guardians can call FACT if they need support with their school-aged children who are exhibiting a pattern or challenges with the following behaviors: truancy, drug or alcohol use, vandalism, mental health struggles, aggression, gang involvement, sex trafficking, or other family conflicts that result in running away from home.
“The program can help get a child back on track,” she said, “but families need to be willing to work with us, as it’s all voluntary. We work with over 700 families per year, who are in the program for 3-6 months at a time.”
Barnes explained that most parents are afraid for their kids who are dealing with emotional or behavioral challenges. A difficult situation in the home can lead a parent to consider residential treatment just to get their child off the streets.
“For a lot of parents, removal from the home is what happened to them, so the culture is hard to break,” she said. “But kids do best in their homes. They are happier, more stable, and more likely to succeed at home with supports in place catered to their individual needs.”
Families can access FACT directly as an entry point for pre-PINS diversion services. Self-referrals can be made through an online form, information line, or QR code (see Resources section below).
School districts can also make referrals or encourage families to call. FACT is available to consult with districts and families regarding student needs and assist them in implementing a plan to address school related concerns, like truancy.
“FACT is all about engagement,” said Barnes. “We want families to understand that these are voluntary services, and not make them feel like something is being done to them.”
FACT is also the designated agency to provide services to children who have exhibited behaviors that would have constituted a misdemeanor or felony level offense prior to a change in law (Family Court Act 12/29/2022) that raised the lower age of juvenile delinquents from 7 to 12.
Law Enforcement or others impacted may make a Differential Response (DR) referral to FACT to have the matter screened for eligibility. In 2023 there were 12 DR referrals, nine in 2024, 12 in 2025, and one to date in 2026.
“While the situations leading to a DR referral can be serious in nature,” she said, “FACT relies heavily on being able to successfully engage with families to benefit the children.”
