For referring agencies

You have a youth who needs a home. We can help.

This page is for DSS workers, case managers, court services staff, and clinicians. Here's what UCSI serves, how to refer, and how quickly we respond.

Referrals we accept

Youth ages 7 to 17 whose plan calls for a family-based therapeutic setting.

UCSI is licensed by DBHDS to provide Mental Health Sponsored Residential Services for children and adolescents. Our program is best suited to youth whose treatment team has determined that a family-style, professionally supported residence is the appropriate level of care.

Common referral scenarios:

  • Step-down from higher-acuity residential or PRTF placement
  • Youth awaiting reunification or permanency plan in a therapeutic setting
  • Sibling groups needing to remain together
  • Adolescents preparing for independent living or aging out
  • Youth with behavioral or mental-health needs exceeding standard foster care
  • Cross-system cases (DSS + CSB + court services) needing a coordinated setting
A stable family setting for therapeutic residential care
Funding

Authorized funding sources.

Placement requires an authorized funding stream. UCSI accepts referrals with the following common funding paths.

Local placing agency funding
Placements coordinated through local placing agency authorization
DSS custody
Youth in local DSS custody with an authorized placement plan
Court services
Court-referred placements with proper legal and funding authorization
Combination / cross-system
We routinely work with multi-agency teams and can coordinate documentation across DSS, CSB, and court services

UCSI operates on a single flat rate for all Sponsored Residential placements. Rate details are shared during the intake conversation.

Referral process

From first call to placement, step by step.

  1. Initial contact. Call or email our team with a brief case summary. We can screen for basic fit in one conversation and tell you honestly whether we're the right level of care.
  2. Referral packet submitted. Send the completed Referral & Admission Application (linked below) along with clinical history, IEP/504, ISP, and funding authorization.
  3. Clinical review. Our team reviews the packet within 1–2 business days. We may request additional information or clarification.
  4. Match proposal. Once accepted, we propose a specific Sponsor Parent home. You receive information about the home, family composition, location, and Sponsor Parent background.
  5. Pre-placement. Youth and Sponsor Parent meet before move-in whenever possible. ISP is finalized. Move-in logistics are coordinated with the placing worker.
  6. Placement and ongoing coordination. Coordinator visits weekly. Documentation flows to the placing worker. Team meetings, ISP reviews, and any incident notifications happen per plan.
Referral packet

Download the admission application.

The Referral & Admission Application collects the demographic, clinical, and funding information we need to review a case. It can be completed digitally or printed.

Referral & Admission Application

Fillable PDF · Complete and return to admin@ucsiglobal.org along with clinical history and funding authorization.

Download PDF
What placing workers receive

Documentation and coordination you can rely on.

ISP and reviews

Signed Individualized Service Plan on file, reviewed at scheduled intervals with your team invited to participate.

Progress notes

Monthly progress documentation summarizing behavioral, educational, and clinical progress against ISP goals.

Incident reporting

Serious incidents reported to DBHDS, the placing agency, and legal representatives per required timelines.

Team meetings

Attendance at FAPT, CFT, IEP, and court-related meetings as requested.

Discharge planning

Coordinated step-down, reunification, or permanency transition planning that begins on day one, not at the end.

One point of contact

You will have one named Coordinator for each youth placed. No phone tree, no runaround.

Start a referral

Send us the case summary.

Email works best for initial referrals. Send what you have and we'll respond within one business day.