Transitional Residential Enhanced Care Coordination (TRECC)

Transitional Residential Enhanced Care Coordination (TRECC)
A family of three walks down a trail in the woods, ready to go camping. A young child looks back at the photographer

What Is Transitional Residential Enhanced Care Coordination (TRECC)?

Transitional Residential Enhanced Care Coordination (TRECC) is care coordination for children, youth, and families who need or are receiving residential treatment services (Tier 4). TRECC is a planning model designed to guide families through the process of helping a youth or child come back into the community or a lower level of care if they are in a residential treatment program, or to find and receive an episode of residential treatment when needed. The process is designed to help a family and child through what can be very stressful transitions from home into residential treatment and from residential treatment to home or into a lower level of care. TRECC services are consistent with NH’s System of Care values and principles and are provided by a coordinator who has been trained in NH’s Wraparound model and TRECC model protocols. Families and youth in TRECC may also receive family peer support and youth peer support (peer support may be available for youth ages 12–21).

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Who Is TRECC For?

TRECC is intended to support a child or youth age 5 up to age 21 who has received a comprehensive assessment that indicates the need for an episode of residential treatment. This may include acute psychiatric treatment or a short-term residential episode of treatment. No matter the setting, the goal is to coordinate care and work collaboratively with the child and family and their treatment team to successfully transition them back to their home and community.

Why Do We Need TRECC?

Families may need intensive support when their child or youth is experiencing an acute mental health or substance misuse episode. Sometimes out-of-home care is necessary because the child’s own safety or the safety of others is at risk if they remain in the home. If the child or youth is already in residential care, they and their family can benefit from a well-planned return so the crisis or issue that necessitated the intensive care is addressed and an episode of out-of-home care is not repeated.

Is TRECC Effective?

NH’s Transitional Residential Enhanced Care Coordination (TRECC) model is unique and has not been evaluated through rigorous research methods, however, elements of the model that have been implemented in different contexts have been proven effective in keeping people in the community and connected to the services and supports they need.

What Can I Expect if I Am Enrolled in TRECC?

The first step in obtaining Transitional Residential Enhanced Care Coordination (TRECC) services is to contact the NH Bureau for Children’s Behavioral Health. The staff at the Bureau will ask a few questions to see if the family has tried other community-based options or details about the provider and situation if the child or youth is already in residential care.

Every youth and family who seeks intensive supports will be part of an assessment process called the Comprehensive Assessment for Treatment (CAT). The family will receive the results of the Comprehensive Assessment for Treatment within a few weeks and a recommended level of care for the youth.

If the child or youth is eligible for Transitional Residential Enhanced Care Coordination (TRECC), the Bureau will link the child/youth and family to one of the Care Management Entities (CMEs) that provide TRECC. A CME staff member will reach out to the family within days of referral to explain the TRECC service and assess if there is an immediate safety need. The CME TRECC Coordinator will begin to create a Transitional Service Plan, in collaboration with the youth and family. If the child or youth is already in residential treatment or acute hospital care, the TRECC Coordinator will talk with the residential or hospital staff in addition to meeting with the child, youth, and family. TRECC services are highly individualized – every family’s situation is unique, so the TRECC Coordinator builds the plan based on the expressed goals of the youth and family.

As with FAST Forward wraparound services, Transitional Residential Enhanced Care Coordination (TRECC) is a team-based planning model. The TRECC Coordinator builds a team around each child or youth to help them achieve their treatment goals and goals for transitioning to less intensive care or to their chosen community setting. The TRECC Coordinator works in partnership with the child/youth and family to build supports in the new setting, such as school supports, linking to mental health or substance use treatment, as well as informal supports such as family, friends, neighbors, and others so that the child or youth is successful in the community setting.

In addition to providing care coordination throughout the process of transitioning into and out of residential treatment, TRECC Coordinators will follow up with the child or youth and family for several months after to ensure they are stable and have a network of supports.

Who Provides TRECC?

Transitional Residential Enhanced Care Coordination (TRECC) is provided by NFI North and Connected Families NH, the same two agencies that provide FAST Forward.

How Can I Refer Myself, a Youth, or a Family to TRECC?

Inquires or referrals for TRECC can be sent to the Bureau for Children’s Behavioral Health. 

You can also complete a NH TRECC Needs and Eligibility Referral form and return to the Bureau for Children’s Behavioral Health (BCBH) at your convenience. This can be sent back via email, fax to (603-271-5040), or mail to:

105 Pleasant St,
Concord, NH 03301
Attn: TRECC Program.

How can I learn more about training and technical assistance for the TRECC model?

Training in TRECC is currently restricted to designated staff at the two Care Management Entities, family support providers from NAMI NH, and youth peer supporters from Youth MOVE NH.