Toward a Conceptual Framework for Critical and Time-Sensitive Interventions

Abstract

Abstract Since the original development of Critical Time Intervention (CTI), thinking evolved as further experience and knowledge about the timing of interventions accrued. Together with others, the authors have sought to develop a more general conceptual framework about time-specific interventions. In this chapter, they put forth a tentative schema that represents their current thinking. First, they briefly consider the complexity of seemingly simple concepts of developmental stages and sensitive windows for development and their implications for social interventions. They also differentiate CTIs from time-sensitive interventions. Next, they argue that current trends in human services systems have greatly increased the need for time-sensitive interventions. Finally, they present an organizational context for time-sensitive interventions based upon issues of coordinated care and discuss the use of CTI and other time-sensitive and sequenced interventions in a range of human service contexts.