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< Back PENNSYLVANIA CASSP COORDINATOR LIST January 2020 COUNTY CASSP AND CHILDREN’S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONTACT PERSONS Address, Phone, Fax and E-Mail List (alphabetically by county) January 8, 2020 ALLEGHENY COUNTY MH/ID RUTH ANN KOSS RENEE PATTEN HUMAN SERVICES BUILDING 3RD FL ONE SMITHFIELD ST PITTSBURGH PA 15222 Phone: (412) 350-3374 Fax: (412) 350-7256 Email: ruthann.koss@alleghenycounty.us renee.patten@alleghenycounty.us ARMSTRONG/ INDIANA BEH/DEV HEALTH PROGRAM KAREN WINNING 120 S. GRANT AVENUE SUITE 3 KITTANNING PA 16201 Phone: (724) 548-3451 x640 Fax: (724) 548-3454 Email: kwinning@aimhmr.net BEAVER COUNTY MH/ID PROGRAM HERTA MADDER 1040 8th Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010 Phone: (724) 847-6225 Fax: (724)-847-6229 Email: hmadder@bcbh.org BEDFORD/SOMERSET MH/ID GEORGIANN BLAZIN (Somerset County) 245 WEST RACE STREET SOMERSET PA 15501 Phone: (814) 443-4891 x4104 Fax: (814) 443-3154 Email: georgiannb@dbhs.co BEDFORD/SOMERSET DBHS JULIE HUFFMAN (Bedford County) 1243 SHED RD BEDFORD PA 15522 Phone: (814) 623-5166 X2237 Fax: (814) 623-1298 Email: julie.huffman@dbhs.co BERKS CO MH/ID PROGRAM SHEILA BRESSLER 633 COURT ST, 8TH FLOOR READING PA 19601 Phone: (610) 478-3271 x6584 Fax: (610) 478-4980 Email sbressler@countyofberks.com BLAIR CO MH/MR/D&A PROGRAM CINDY JAMES 423 ALLEGHENY STREET, SUITE 441B HOLLIDAYSBURG PA 16648 Phone: (814) 693-3023 Fax: (814) 693-3052 Email: cjames@blairco.org BRADFORD/SULLIVAN MH/ID Talia Booth, Amy Evans 220 MAIN ST UNIT #1 TOWANDA PA 18848 Phone: (570) 265-1760 x 2955; (800) 588-1828 Fax: (570) 265-1774 Email: bootht@bradfordco.org evansam@bradfordco.org BUCKS COUNTY MH/ID PROGRAM BARB MILLER 600 LOUIS DRIVE SUITE 101 WARMINSTER PA 18974 Phone: (215) 444-2885 Fax: (215) 672-3924 Email: bjmiller@BucksCounty.org BUTLER CO MH/ID PROGRAM LESLIE JOHNSON P.O BOX 1208 BUTLER PA 16003 Phone: (724) 284-5114 Fax: (724) 284-5128 Email: ljohnson@co.butler.pa.us CAMBRIA COUNTY MH/ID KIMBERLY PFEIL 110 FRANKLIN ST SUITE 300 JOHNSTOWN PA 15901 Phone: (814) 534-2757 Fax: (814) 539-8440 Email: kpfeil@co.cambria.pa.us CAMERON/ELK MH/ID KIM ZELINSKI 270 Court St. RIDGWAY PA 15853 Phone: (814) 772-8016 x147 Fax: (814) 772-8337 Email: kzelinski@cemhmr.com CAMERON/ELK MH/ID NANCY OSGOOD 270 Court St. RIDGWAY PA 15853 Phone: (814) 772-8016 X146 Fax: (814) 772-8337 Email: nosgood@cemhmr.org CARBON/MONROE/PIKE MH/DS ERIN STROYAN (Pike County) 10 BUIST RD SUITE 404 MILFORD PA 18337 Phone: (570) 296-6484 Fax: (570) 296-6344 Email: estroyan@cmpmhds.org CARBON/MONROE/PIKE MH/DS JACLYN KRESHOCK (Monroe County) 732 PHILLIPS STREET STROUDSBURG PA 18360-2239 Phone: (570) 421-2901, x3429 Fax: (570) 517-5429 Email: jkreshock@cmpmhds.org CARBON/MONROE/PIKE MH/DS ASHLEY HIGHLAND (Carbon County) 428 SOUTH 7th ST SUITE 2 LEHIGHTON PA 18235 Phone: (610) 377-0773 X 3621 Fax: (610) 377-5003 Email: ahighland@cmpmhds.org CENTRE COUNTY MH/ID/EI/D&A PROGRAM JENN CHESSIE 3500 E COLLEGE AVE SUITE 1200 STATE COLLEGE PA 16801 Phone: (814) 355-6786 x1411 Fax: (814) 355-6985 Email: jachessie@centrecountypa.gov CHESTER CO MH/ID PROGRAM JENN BRION GOV SERV CTR SUITE 601 WESTTOWN ROAD WEST CHESTER PA 19382-4524 Phone: (610) 344-5747 Fax: (610) 344-5997 Email: j brion@chesco.org CLARION MH/ID BRYAN WRHEN 214 S. SEVENTH AVENUE CLARION PA 16214 Phone: (814) 226-6252 x1349 Fax: (814) 226-1085 Email: bwrhen @ccrinfo.org CLEARFIELD/JEFFERSON MH/ID CHRISTINE WERNER P O BOX 268 375 BEAVER DR, SUITE 100 DUBOIS PA 15801 Phone: (814) 371-5100 Fax: (814) 371-5102 Email: cwerner@ccc-j.com CMSU COUNTIES JENNIFER JONES 507 EAST MARKET ST DANVILLE PA 17821 Phone: (570) 275-4962 Fax: (570) 275-5754 Email: jgasperetti@cmsu.org CRAWFORD CO MH/ID PROGRAM MICKEY ZELASCO 18282 TECHNOLOGY DR, SUITE 101 MEADVILLE PA 16335 Phone: (814) 373-7300 x 3647 Fax: (814) 333-2377 Email: mzelasco@co.crawford.pa.us CUMBERLAND/PERRY CO MH/ID PROGRAM MEGAN JOHNSTON HUMAN SERVICES BUILDING 16 W HIGH STREET, SUITE 301 CARLISLE PA 17013 Phone: (717) 240-6450 Fax: (717) 240-6415 Email: mjohnston@ccpa.net DAUPHIN COUNTY MH/ID PROGRAM LYNN PASCOA 100 CHESTNUT STREET HARRISBURG PA 17101-2025 Phone: (717) 780-7052 Fax: (717) 780-7061 Email: lpascoa@dauphinc.org DELAWARE CO OFFICE OF BEH HEALTH SHANNON THOMAS 20 S 69TH STREET UPPER DARBY PA 19082 Phone: (610) 713-2479 Fax: (610) 713-2378 Email: thomassf@delcohsa.org ERIE COUNTY MH/ID PROGRAM MELISSA BIBLE 154 W 9TH STREET, 4TH FLOOR ERIE PA 16501-1303 Phone: (814) 451-6863 Fax: (814) 451-6868 Email: mrbible @eriecountypa.gov FAYETTE COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION KELLIE GAVRAN 215 JACOB MURPHY LANE UNIONTOWN PA 15401 Phone: (724) 425 -2438 Fax: (724)-425-2438 Email: kelliegavran@fcbha.org FOREST/WARREN HUMAN SERVICES KAYLONI L. MCQUILLAN FOREST/WARREN HUMAN SERVICES 285 HOSPITAL DRIVE NORTH WARREN PA 16365 Phone: (814) 726-8434 Fax: (814) 723-9544 Email: mcquillank @wc-hs.org FRANKLIN/FULTON MH/ID KIMBERLY LUCAS 425 FRANKLIN FARM LANE CHAMBERSBURG PA 17202 Phone: (717) 709-2307 Fax: (717) 263-0469 Email: kmlucas@franklincountypa.gov GREENE COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES MH PROGRAM MELANIE TRAUTH FORT JACKSON BUILDING, 3RD FLOOR 19 S WASHINGTON STREET WAYNESBURG PA 15370 Phone: (724) 852-5276 Fax: (724) 627-0785 Email: metrauth@co.greene.pa.us HUNT/MIFF/JUN MH/ID MEGAN NEUGEBAUER JUNIATA BEHAVIORAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES 399 GREEN AVE LEWISTOWN PA 17047 Phone: (717) 242-6467 x115 Fax: (717) 242-6471 Email: mneugebauer@jvbds.org LACKAWANNA/SUSQUEHANNA BHIDEI SERVICES JESSICA CHELIK 123 Wyoming Ave. 4th FLOOR SCRANTON PA 18503 Phone: (570) 346-5741 x1562. Fax: (570) 963-6435 Email: chelikj@lsbhidei.org LANCASTER CO BH/DS ERICA SCANLON 275 Hess Blvd. Suite 101 LANCASTER PA 17601 Phone: (717) 735-8949 Fax: (717) 735-8949 Email: ScanlonE@co.lancaster.pa.us LAWRENCE COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES CENTER DEE WELKER 130 W NORTH ST NEW CASTLE PA 16101 Phone: (724) 510-3293 Fax: (724) 652-8516 Email: dwelker@humanservicescenter.net LEBANON CO MH/ID PROGRAM JANINE MAUSER 220 E. LEHMAN STREET LEBANON PA 17042 Phone: (717) 274-3415 Fax: (717) 274-0317 Email: jmauser@lebcnty.org LEHIGH COUNTY MH/ID PROGRAM CORINNA LABISH CASSP Coordinator SUE LETTERA CASSP Coordinator 17 S SEVENTH ST ALLENTOWN PA 18101 Phone: (610) 782-3502 (610) 871-1986 Fax: (610) 820-3289 Email: corinnalabish@lehighcounty.org , susanlettera@lehighcounty.org LUZERNE/WYOMING MH/ID CHERYL FARKALY CASSP Coordinator OFFICE MENTAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SVCS 111 N PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE WILKES-BARRE PA 18701 Phone: (570) 408-1302 Fax: (570) 825-6820 Email: cheryl.farkaly @luzernecounty.org LYCOMING/CLINTON MH/ID PROGRAM KYLE H. GALER CASSP Coordinator THE SHARWELL BUILDING 200 EAST STREET WILLIAMSPORT PA 17701-6613 Phone: (570) 326-7895 Fax: (570) 326-1348 Email: shittle@joinder.org MCKEAN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES MANDY REESE Director of Children's Resources and Programs 17155 ROUTE 6 SMETHPORT PA 16749 Phone: (814) 887-3461 or 887-3350 Fax: (814) 887-3228 Email: arreese@mckeancountypa.org MERCER COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COMMISSION DEREK STOTSKY COLLEEN DEJULIA MERCER CO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COMM 8406 SHARON-MERCER RD MERCER PA 16137 Phone: (724) 662-2230 Fax: (724) 662-1557 Email: colleen.dejulia@mcbhc.org, Derek.Stotsky@mcbhc.org MONTGOMERY CO MH/ID/D&A CLAUDINE SCHULL HUMAN SERVICES CENTER 1430 DEKALB STREET NORRISTOWN PA 19404 Phone: (610) 292-5039 Fax: (610) 278-3683 Email: cschull@montcopa.org NORTHAMPTON CO DIVISION/HUMAN SERVICES DOMINIQUE GRAY 2801 EMRICK BLVD BETHLEHEM PA 18020 Phone: (610) 829-4788 Fax: (610) 559-3753 Email: dgray @northamptoncounty.org NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY BH/IDS BILL BRECKER CASSP Coordinator JENIFER WILLARD-MILLER SOC Coordinator 217 N CENTER ST SUNBURY PA 17801 Phone: (570) 495-2040 Fax: (570) 988-4444 Email: wbrecker@norrycopa.net jenwillard@naorrycopa.net PHILADELPHIA DEPARTMENT OF BH/ID MELODIE JACKSON 801 MARKET ST, 7th FLOOR PHILADELPHIA PA 19107 Phone: (267) 602-2294 Fax: (215)-413-7115 Email: melodie.jackson@phila.gov POTTER COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES BRYONNA L. SWEDE P.O. BOX 241, 62 NORTH STREET ROULETTE PA 16746 Phone: (814) 544-7315 Fax: (814) 544-9062 Email: bswede@pottercountyhumansvcs.org SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MH/ID PROGRAM CARA TRAN CASSP Coordinator 108S CLAUDE A LORD BLVD POTTSVILLE PA 17901 Phone: (570) 621-2894 Fax: (570) 621-2893 Email: ctran@co.schuylkill.pa.us TIOGA COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES LLOYD PEFFER CASSP Coordinator 1873 SHUMWAY HILL RD WELLSBORO PA 16901 Phone: (570) 724-5766 Cell: (570) 404-5332 Fax: (570) 724-675 Email: lpeffer@tiogahsa.org VENANGO COUNTY MH/DS TRACI KAUFMAN 1 DALE AVE FRANKLIN PA 16323 Phone: (814) 432-9168 Fax: (814) 432-9728 Email: tkaufman@co.venango.pa.us WASHINGTON CO BHDS SARA SICHI, CASSP Coordinator 100 W BEAU STREET, SUITE 302 WASHINGTON PA 15301 Phone: (724) 228-6669 Fax: (724) 250-4146 Email: sara.sichi @co.washington.pa.us WAYNE COUNTY OFFICE OF BEHAVIORAL & DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMS & EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES TAYLOR BRITTON, CASSP Coordinator 648 PARK ST HONESDALE PA 18431 Phone: (570) 253-9200 Fax: (570) 647-0268 Email: tbritton@waynecountypa.gov WESTMORELAND COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVEOPMENTAL SERVICES RENEE DADEY 40 N PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE COURTHOUSE SQ EXT GREENSBURG PA 15601 Phone: (724) 830-3617 Fax: (724) 830-3571 Email: dadeyr@westmoreland.swsix.com YORK COUNTY Family Engagement Unit 100 W Market St York PA 17401 717-771-9095 humanservices@yorkcountypa.gov Note: This list is maintained and updated by the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Bureau of Children’s Behavioral Health Services. The most recent edition is also always available online at http://www.parecovery.org/principles_cassp.shtml. Please notify Doris Arena at darena@pa.gov of any corrections or changes. Thank you! Go to the website for the most current list. Please notify Doris Arena at darena@pa.gov of any corrections or changes. Thank you! http://www.parecovery.org/principles_cassp.shtml.

< Back The National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services The National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services will support States, Tribes, and territories (STTs) in building bridges between child welfare systems and state mental health systems, which is key to bringing about systemic change to improve the mental health outcomes for children in care and families impacted by the child welfare system. https://bridges4mentalhealth.org/

< Back OCYF Questions, Answers /Tips and Hints December 22, 2023 Are there different names for the Office of Children, Youth and Families OCYF? Yes, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania uses the name Office of Children, Youth and Families. However, depending on which of the 67 counties you live in your county department may have a different name. Some of the counties use names such as: Children and Youth Services (CYS), Children, Youth and Family (CYF), Department of Children, Youth and Family (DCYF), Department of Children Youth and Family Services (DYFS). For the purposes of this document, we will use the term Children, Youth and Family (CYF). What happens during the investigation? CYF has a case worker conduct an investigation to gather as much information as possible. The investigation is time-limited to 60 days. During the investigation, the caseworker interviews everyone living in the household including all children, parents/ caregivers and others. The caseworker also interviews medical, educational, and other service providers. The goals of the investigation are to determine if any maltreatment occurred and what it was, whether the children are safe, if any child is at risk in the household, and if formal child welfare services should be offered to the family. What if the caseworker assigned to us knows our family and does not like us and it is clear in regards to how we are being treated? What recourse do we have? You can ask to speak to the supervisor of that case worker. Are there any psychological testing done on case workers prior to being hired or during their employment with CYF? Not that we can find in PA Does someone question my children? Is it video-taped? Will they have an attorney present? Typically, this is not taped. Sometimes there is an attorney. How long will the investigation take? (CYF) agency has 24 hours to begin its investigation and see the child. If they cannot determine from the report that the child is safe, they must immediately begin the investigation and immediately see the child. The investigation is completed typically within 30 days and the results are submitted to ChildLine. If the investigation cannot be completed within 30 days, CYF must document the reasons and complete the investigation within 60 days. Are lie detectors used/accepted in this system? We do not know of this being used. What happens after the investigation? The resulting information is used to determine whether your case will be opened, closed with recommendations for services or closed without recommendations for services. Are there parent advocates in PA that help parents involved in this system? PA does not have any dedicated advocates for this system. Will my child be removed from my home? (CYF) must provide services that will keep a family together whenever possible. Most families who are involved with CYF continue to live together under the same roof. While children remain in the home, the parents are receiving services from CYF. The services will help the family work through problems and improve family life. (Allegheny County Parent Handbook) chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/file:///C:/Users/diann/Downloads/Parents%20Handbook_2022.pdf The county agency is to remove children from their homes ONLY when there is serious concern about their safety. Most often, this concern stems from neglect (where a child's basic needs are not being met) or abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional). But emergencies like sickness, injury, or death of the child's parents or caregivers may also require that a child be placed outside the home. The county agency is required by law to: Investigate all reports of child abuse and neglect. Provide services that will keep a family together whenever possible. Remove a child from his or her home ONLY when it is absolutely necessary to protect the child's welfare, safety, or health. (DHS Philadelphia Parent Handbook) chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/ https://www.phila.gov/media/20170926145328/DHS-Parent-Handbook-Final.pdf What if I don’t agree with the decisions of the investigation? You may appeal a “founded” or “substantiated” ChildLine report if you don’t think your child was abused or neglected. Ask your Caseworker or attorney for more information or you may also go to a website for information to make this appeal. If you and your family are going through a ChildLine investigation, you're undoubtedly concerned about how one agency, without any real due process, can so drastically affect your life and the lives of your children. Your county Child, Youth, and Family Services (CYS) agency must investigate any reported child abuse or neglect allegations. Your children may be pulled out of class and interviewed, and your family, neighbors, and home may face intense scrutiny. So many people in your lives, from your child's teacher to their coaches and pediatricians, will know that you or someone in your family is under investigation for alleged child abuse or neglect. Beyond the hit to your reputation during an investigation, your career can also take a blow. During the investigation, or after a substantiated report, your name will appear on Pennsylvania's Child Abuse Registry, an open database available to the public, and for employment and criminal background checks. You can find yourself unable to work in your chosen profession, volunteer, or work with children in any capacity. Much of this can happen without any due process. However, if your local CYS agency issues a substantiated report of child abuse against you, you can challenge the findings and your listing in the child abuse registry. Once CYS completes its investigation, the agency must notify you in writing of its findings, including whether they found that the abuse report was substantiated or not. If the report wasn't substantiated, the agency didn't find enough evidence of abuse or neglect to support the child abuse or neglect allegations. If CYS notifies you that they did substantiate the child abuse report, the report will be either “indicated” or “founded.” Child Abuse Report Indicated If the agency finds that a report is “indicated,” it means it found “substantial evidence” of abuse based on their investigation, the perpetrator's admission, or medical evidence. This report “indicates” that abuse or neglect occurred. If you receive notification that the report of abuse or neglect against you is “indicated,” you need to inform your attorney immediately. While you can appeal this decision, you have limited time to do so. Child Abuse Report Founded If DHS notifies you that a report is “founded,” it is more serious than an “indicated” report, and you should contact your attorney immediately. A “founded” report means that: A court found that a child who is the subject of the abuse report was abused, and the court's adjudication involves “the same factual circumstances involved in the allegation of child abuse,” A court admitted the perpetrator into an accelerated rehabilitative program for a charge connected to the allegation of child abuse or neglect, A judge entered a decree in a juvenile court proceeding that a juvenile perpetrator, who is the subject of the child abuse complaint, committed the reported behavior, or A judge issued a final Protection from Abuse (PFA) meeting one of the above criteria. If you receive notice that a report of child abuse or neglect against you is substantiated, meaning DHS found that it is “indicated” or “founded,” you have the right to appeal. However, the appellate process for ChildLine findings is complex and bureaucratic. Once you receive your notification letter from Pennsylvania DHS, you will have only 90 days to request an appeal of the findings against you. While a DHS investigation is pending, and after DHS resolves it with a finding that the report is substantiated, you will be listed in Pennsylvania's Child Abuse Registry. Once DHS resolves a report against you as “unsubstantiated,” they have 120 days to remove you from the registry. However, if you receive services as part of DHS's investigation, your name will stay on the list, even if DHS finds the report unfounded. The Child Abuse Registry is open for criminal background checks, meaning you could face serious professional and personal consequences while your name is on the list. DHS can place you on this list without substantiated findings or criminal convictions. Pennsylvania law allows you to appeal the findings against you and your listing in the Child Abuse Registry under several different paths. However, navigating this labyrinth can be nearly impossible for people without experience handling ChildLine investigations and appeals. This information is from the website below. https://www.pafamilylawllc.com/appealing-a-childline-finding-in-pennsylvania#:~:text=Once%20you%20receive%20your%20notification,in%20Pennsylvania's%20Child%20Abuse%20Registry . https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/055/chapter3130/s3130.62.html&d=reduce chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/ https://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/Resources/CPSL%20Resources/AppealsFlowChart_3.2.15.pdf chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/ https://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/elearn/cpsllinks/mod7/Mod7_Review_Slides.pdf Having an attorney may be helpful. Family plan – You may appeal the family plan within 15 calendar days of receiving it. You may appeal even if you signed the family plan. Where will my child(ren) be going if removed from the home? Children are only removed from their homes when DHS gets an emergency order for placement from Family Court. When your child is removed by an emergency order for placement, the next thing you will need to do is attend a Shelter Care Hearing. You will also need to stay in regular contact with the county agency for a series of meetings to plan for your child's safe return home. (DHS Philadelphia Parent Handbook) chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/ https://www.phila.gov/media/20170926145328/DHS-Parent-Handbook-Final.pdf What are parents to do when the judge will NOT let the parents, or their attorney speak at the court hearings? chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/ http://www.acbfparentadvocates.org/publications/JCP_07_Parent_Guide.pdf https://ocfcpacourts.us/parents-and-families/child-dependency-system/court-processes/ Do children have an attorney in hearings? chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/ https://www.paproviders.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/OCYF-Bulletin-3130-21-01-Appointment-of-Legal-Counsel-for-a-Child-in-a-Contested-Termination-of-Parental-Rights-Hearing_REISSUED030421.pdf How does the county agency decide where to place my child? You have an important role in helping the county agency decide where to place your child. The county agency must try to place your child with a family member or good friend who knows your child and family well. This is kinship care and the federal government requires this should be tried for the children first. You will want to talk to your child's Caseworker about potential living arrangements with friends or family members. The case manager will need the names, addresses and phone numbers of friends or family members who are willing to be evaluated as placement possibilities. It may not always be possible for your child to be placed with someone he or she knows. If not ask why they will not do this. You may want to file a complaint/grievance with the CYF Regional Office. If that can’t happen, your child will most likely be living with a foster family (also known as a resource home). In some cases, though, a child’s special needs may require a more structured environment, such as a treatment foster home, group home or residential treatment center. (DHS Philadelphia Parent Handbook) What are the benefits of kinship care? Research shows that when children are placed with relatives or kin, outcomes are better in the following areas: Placement stability. School stability and positive educational outcomes. Reduced re-entry into the child welfare system. Permanency through reunification, adoption or guardianship. Better physical, behavioral and mental health outcomes. Increased likelihood of living with or staying connected to siblings. Greater preservation of race and cultural identity, including community connections. See article below from The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Roundtable’s Kinship Care Taskforce Report 2023 Kinship Care Placement with Family or Friends is Focus of Pa. Dependency Court Attorney Educational Session https://www.pacourts.us/news-and-statistics/news/news-detail/1146/kinship-care-placement-with-family-or-friends-is-focus-of-pa-dependency-court-attorney-educational-session What can be done when the CYF county agency refuses to consider kinship care or will not offer it? Even when paperwork etc. has all been approved? File a complaint with the CYF Regional Office Are family members permitted some time to get their affairs changed and arrangements made to bring in new members to their home? You will need to ask your county agency what the rules are for this request as it seems to be difficult to receive an answer sometimes. If necessary, file a complaint/grievance with the CYF Regional Office. Can my child(ren) stay together if removed from the home? In an effort to improve outcomes for children and their siblings that are placed in foster care, your (CYF) agency is required to make a “reasonable effort” to place siblings in the same foster care, kinship home, or adoptive placement. If the siblings are removed from their home and not placed together, the CYF agency must make a “reasonable effort” for frequent visitation (required by law to have at least two visits per month) or other ongoing interaction between the siblings. The CYF agency does not have to make a “reasonable effort” if they can prove to the judge that it would not be in the best interest of the siblings, for their safety or well-being, to have visitation or interaction. (Fostering connections to Success Act of 2008) https://nche.ed.gov/legislation/fostering-connections/#:~:text=The%20Fostering%20Connections%20to%20Success,care%2C%20and%20supporting%20educational%20stability . Whenever possible, CYF will try very hard to place your child somewhere that is close to your home, his or her school, medical providers, and other significant community ties. They will also always try to place siblings together. (DHS Philadelphia Parent Handbook) Can my child(ren) stay with a family member or friend? (CYF) must make reasonable efforts to place your child(ren) with a family member or good friend who knows your child(ren) well. Children do best when living with people they know. It is important to make sure to give your agency Caseworkers the names, addresses and phone numbers of family members and /or close family friends who might be willing to care for your child(ren). These can be the same people you would want your children to be with if anything ever happened to you or if you were in the hospital. (Westmoreland County Parent Handbook) chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/ https://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/DocumentCenter/View/341/ABA-Parent-Handbook?bidId= Will my child(ren) be able to attend the same school? In accordance with the Fostering Connections Act, a child in foster care should remain in the same school district unless it is not in their best interest. CYF agencies have also been strongly encouraged to make placements that are close to the child’s home school, when possible, to promote school stability. (The Education of children in Foster Care or Awaiting Foster Care Placement FAQ’s PA Department of Education) https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/emergencyplanning/COVID-19/Pages/Youth-in-Foster-Care.aspx When will I see my child(ren) again? Your rights and responsibilities if your child is in an out-of-home placement, you have the right to: have your child return home when all the conditions required by the court and your family plan have been met. (Note: A return home must be in the best interest of the child. This decision is made by a judge at a hearing.) contact with your child and information about their whereabouts (unless denied by the court). * visit at least every two weeks (unless denied by the court) send mail to your child and receive phone calls from your child (unless denied by the court). go with your child to medical or dental appointments (unless denied by the court). be told that CYF will make every effort to place your child in a foster home that is accepting of their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. be told of any change in your child’s placement. (Allegheny County Parent Handbook) * Visits are required by law unless the judge orders no visits allowed. You have the right and responsibility to visit your child(ren) at least every other week. These scheduled visits are important to you and your child. Work with your caseworker and lawyer to find a visitation schedule that works for you. Once a visit schedule is arranged, it is important that you make your visits, follow the guidelines and practice what you are learning. If you do not visit as scheduled, it will be harder to get your child(ren) back. You have the right to visit at minimum every other week. You can request more frequent visitation. Research supports more frequent visitation where there are no safety concerns. Daily visitation should be honored for younger children. Visitation should be offered in the least restrictive setting such as the home of a relative, foster home, or other places where families can have more natural interactions. Both maternal and paternal family members have the right to visitation. How will I get to the visits? If you have problems with transportation, talk to your Caseworker or attorney. There are ways that the agency and perhaps your support network can help you make it to your visits. (Allegheny County Parent Handbook, 10/2011) Can talk to my children by phone? Children should be allowed regular opportunities to telephone significant people in their lives. There should never be removal of phone calls as punishment by anyone. (Know Your Rights, Juvenile Law Center, 2010) What steps do I need to take to get my child(ren) back? Parents must successfully complete any treatment and overall parent functioning that was outlined in their Family Service Plan (FSP). You the parent should be a part of creating your FSP with your caseworker. It is a document specifically for you, that outlines the steps you will need to take to have your children returned to you. When you participate fully in this process, you have more say in what services are most beneficial to you and your child. Some typical FSP objectives that may or may not be included are: The completion of parenting classes, and the ability to demonstrate what you learn during visitation. Anger Management Classes; Mental health or emotional therapy, either by yourself or along with your child;. Drug and Alcohol Treatment; Classes or therapy to help you manage your children. (Allegheny County Parent Handbook, 10/2011) How long will it take to get my child(ren) back? Depends on how long it takes for you to complete your Family Service Plan (FSP) and to be able to provide a safe home for your child(ren). You must make positive changes within 12 months. If the Judge finds that you are not making progress, s/he may decide that your child(ren) cannot return home. During your dealings with your case worker, the caseworker will be checking in with you. He/she will ask you questions and require documentation about what you have completed on your FSP. Remember, their goal is to keep your child(ren) safe, and to work with you, so that your child(ren) can be returned to you. (Allegheny County Parent Handbook, 10/2011) What can be done when a caseworker keeps adding more goals and it is clear that there is no end in sight? Ask your caseworker why this keeps happening and you may ask the supervisor as well. You may always file a complaint or grievance with the OCYF Regional Office. When is the court? Not all families have to go to court. However, if you are scheduled to go to court for a hearing – it is important that you go. Don’t miss a hearing. You can get court dates from your case worker or your lawyer. If neither tell you then call the courthouse for the date/time. If the court grants an emergency order to remove your child from your home, the next thing you will need to do is go to an emergency Shelter Care Hearing.This hearing must be held within 72 hours (3 days) of the emergency order. At this hearing, the court will decide whether your child needs to remain in placement until the next hearing or if your child can go home with you. (Westmoreland County Parent Handbook, 2011) What is to be done when you cannot get court date information as your caseworker does not call you back and neither does your attorney? You can ask your local CYF agency for the dates and if they do not tell you then call the courthouse for the date/time.nYou may always file a complaint or grievance with the OCYF Regional Office. How does a parent maintain a good working relationship with the foster parents? What if you feel the foster parents are working against you? You will need to speak to your caseworker or the supervisor or talk to the Foster Agency who employs the foster parents. You may also file a complaint or grievance with the CYF Regional Office. If I am sent to a facility for addiction/MH treatment in some fashion and am working hard to get back to where I may parent my children are there any issues that could exist (medication prescriptions) etc. that will stop me from bringing my children home in the CYF system in PA? And if so what are they? Ask your caseworker or the supervisor. Also you can also ask your treatment center what challenges you may face. If no one answers you then call the county Drug and Alcohol Commission. Use the first website for information about substance abuse and the next for mental health questions. https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Get%20Help%20Now/Pages/County-Drug-and-Alcohol-Offices.aspx https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/ODP-County-MH-ID-Office-Contacts.aspx Will my child be adopted? In accordance with the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), the Children, Youth and Family (CYF) agency must start court proceedings to place children for adoption once a child has been waiting in foster care for at least 15 of the most recent 22 months, unless there is an exception, such as it's not in the best interest of the child or the child is with a relative. In extreme cases a child may be made available for adoption earlier. They use a process called “Concurrent Planning”. While the county agency is working hard to return your children to you, they must also be working on a “plan B.” Children do not do well if they are in foster care for a long time. If by the 15th month, you are unable to complete your goals in your Family Service Plan (FSP), caseworkers must recommend to the judge an alternative permanency plan for your child(ren). The judge may then decide to continue with steps to return the child(ren) to your care or to grant a goal change. Achieving permanency is central to helping a youth develop as a youth to adulthood and beyond. The hierarchy of permanency goals for children and youth: Reunification (Return to parent) - The first goal is to reunify each family. The county children and youth agency should provide your family with all the services you need so that your child can safely return home. Such services could include: help getting appropriate housing; counseling for the parent, family, or child; parenting classes; and mental health or drug and alcohol treatment. People’s situations change over time. A parent who was not able to take care of their child previously may have gotten himself or herself together and may now be able to care for them. Adoption - If your parental rights have been terminated, the child can be adopted. When a court terminates parents’ rights, it means they no longer have a right to see the child nor do they have an obligation to provide any support. When the child is adopted, the case with the county child welfare agency is closed and the child is discharged to a family who will raise and provide for them. The adoptive parents have all the rights of a parent who gave birth. The adoptive parents can chose to allow the child to see his / her biological parents and relatives if they want to. Children can be adopted by a family member or by someone they are not related to. Permanent Legal Custodianship - A permanent legal custodian (PLC) is someone who agrees to care for your child and assume legal and physical custody of the child until he / she becomes an adult. The PLC can be a foster parent, relative, or another person approved by the county child welfare agency. In this case, your child would be discharged from the system to the PLC. Your rights as the biological parents do not need to be terminated for custodianship to be granted. In most cases, a visitation plan with the parents can be agreed to when custodianship is awarded. Permanent Placement with a Fit and Willing Relative (placement with relatives) - Placement with a fit and willing relative is another permanency plan. Often this is referred to as kinship care. If the kinship care provider meets all the same licensing requirements as a foster care provider, they can receive financial help to take care of your child. If the relative is receiving kinship care payments, the case will stay open. The case could stay open until the child reaches the age of 21 if he / she is in a program of instruction—such as school, college, or training—or are in treatment. Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA) – This is the least favorite and is only used when the court determines that compelling reasons exist to rule out the more favored options and select APPLA. Compelling reasons include: The case of an older teen who specifically requests that emancipation be the permanency plan; The case of a parent and child who have a significant bond but the parent is unable to care for the child because of an emotional or physical disability and the child's foster parents have committed to raising him / her to the age of majority and to facilitate visitation with the disabled parent; or, Another planned permanent living arrangement has been identified for the child. (Permanency for Older Youth, Juvenile Law Center) (Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), 1997) This may seem very overwhelming and scary for you. Do not worry, you have professionals and a support network that will be there to support you every step of the way. Remember until a judge says yes to a goal change, you will receive services that will help your child(ren) return to you to live in a safe environment. This is a lot of information, so be sure to ask your caseworker, judge and/or lawyer any questions you may have! (Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), 1997) What do I tell my kids? This is a very difficult conversation to have with your children. You may also be struggling to help all of your children to understand because of their different ages, and the uncertainty of the situation. The important thing to remember is that children will be using you as a reference for how they are going to react. No matter how difficult it may be - it is important to stay as calm as possible. Below are some tips to help you talk to your children about some difficult things: Tell the children only what you know. Be sensitively honest with your children. “You are going to live at another person’s house for a little while.” “I do not know this person but it will be a safe place for you until I can get it sorted out.” Or “You will be staying with grandma for a little while.” Reassure the children that they will be safe. It is ok to cry. Let the children know that you are sad and they can be sad too. If you are uncontrollably crying this may not be a good time to speak with your children. Try to breathe and calm down before talking with them. Make sure to remind your children that this is not something they caused. Children often feel that situations like this happen because they were “being bad. Remind them how much you love them and tell them often. You are the most important person in your child’s life. Send them with a photo or reminder of you. While things are getting sorted out children can find comfort in a personal item such as a photo, a bracelet, a t-shirt or something that reminds them that you are there without having to be there physically. If your child is going to a home that is unfamiliar to them and to you, help the new caretakers be prepared. Send along a child’s favorite book or let them know what foods they like to eat. Note special instructions such as possible allergies and nap/ bedtimes. This helps to create consistency in routines. You know your child the best. You can give the case worker and new caregiver advice on how to best care for your child. What is the best way to make them feel comfortable? What is their daily schedule? By taking the extra steps to talk with your children about difficult situations, you are easing the transition for both them, and you. Your relationship is very important and helping your children work through difficult times can strengthen your relationship. (Erin Troup) Can I call OCYF and ask for my child to be removed from my home? Yes, there are times a parent may feel their child is too dangerous to have in the home. A parent can contact OCYF to have their child removed from the home for the child's safety, the parent’s safety and the sibling’s safety. No parent wants to give their child up but sometimes it is necessary. When you do this you give up physical and legal custody but retain parental rights which include approving of his/her placement, education, medication, and therapy etc. A parent will then have to pay the county child support. Permanency placement in court occurs 30, 90, days ongoing in duration or shorter term depending on the judge's recommendations. A parent can be asked to have a psychological exam done but does not have to do this; it is their right to decide what is best for themselves as well. As a parent you still have the right to be extremely involved in your child's day-to-day life even though they are not living in your home. A parent can ask the court to return custody to them once the child is not a threat to themselves and to others.

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< Back IDD/ODP Funding Base and Waiver What is Base Funding? Base Funding comes from State and County dollars . Most of the funding comes from the State and is contingent on the Governor's budget . What is Waiver Funding? Waivers pay for funding that individuals need to live in the community . Waiver funding can be used to support people living in their own homes , family homes and licensed or unlicensed community settings . An individual can only be enrolled in one Waiver at a time . Waiver funds are part State funds and part Federal funds . There are two Waivers : The Consolidated and Person / Family Directed Support Waiver ( P /FDS ) . The difference between the two Waivers is the ( P / FDS ) has a funding limit . NOTE : There may be other Waivers available through the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health . Waiver programs are Medicaid-funded . An individual must be eligible for Medicaid to receive a Waiver . Financial eligibility is determined by the County Assistance Office . An individual's assets cannot exceed 2,000 . Once waiver eligibility is established, financial eligibility is reviewed annually for compliance .

< Back OMHSAS Mental Health PA REGIONAL OFFICE CONTACTS Regional Mental Health/Substance Abuse Field Offices Central Field Office: 717-705-8395 717-705-8386 (fax) Northeast Field Office: 570-963-4335 570-963-3050 (fax) Southeast Field Office: 610-313-5844 610-313-5845 (fax) Southwest Field Office: 412-565-5226 412-565-5393 (fax) https://www.dhs.pa.gov/contact/Pages/Regional-OMHSAS-Contacts.aspx For homes in mental health that is the link to your regional offices. They receive complaints.

< Back IDD/ODP Supports Coordinator Support Coordinator https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities- Aging / Pages / Meeting % 20with % 20your % 20Supports % 20Coordinator.aspx spx The county MH / ID office determines if a person is eligible for the funding required to obtain services in this system . If found eligible a person will receive a Supports Coordinator . Your Supports Coordinator is your primary link to the Intellectual Disability ( ID ) system . The Supports Coordinator will : Talk with you about what kinds of supports and services would be helpful to you . Get to know you and your family ! Help you apply for Medical Assistance ( MA ) if you do not have one Complete the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services form ( PUNS ) with you Help you develop an Individual Support Plan ( ISP ) to get the services you need Help you complete an application for the Medicaid Home and Community Based Waiver or Intermediate Care Facility ( ICF ) Program . Fill out the Application and Service Delivery Preference form Enroll you in services that require completing applications . Get further information that you need or want Help you talk with individuals or agencies in the community that could support you . Coordinate and monitor supports and services . The Department of Human Services , the Office of Development Programs toll-free Intellectual Disabilities Customer Service Line : 1-888-565-9435 . Toll-Free TTY Number ( Telephone for Hearing Impaired Only ) 1-866-388-1114 . A Customer Service member will answer calls during normal business hours , which are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ( Eastern Time ) , Monday through Friday .

< Back Mental Health Glossary of Terms Child and Adolescent Mental Health This glossary contains terms frequently used when referring to the mental health needs of children and adolescents. The list is alphabetical. A Accessible Services: Services that are affordable, located nearby, and open during evenings and weekends. Staff is sensitive to barriers that may keep a person from getting help such as language. An accessible service can handle consumer demand without placing people on a long waiting list. Acute Care: Medical treatment rendered to individuals whose illnesses or health problems are of short-term or short episodes. Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders cause intense feelings of anxiety and tension when there is no real danger. Anxiety disorders are often accompanied by the symptoms of depression and can lead to chronic anxiety. The symptoms cause significant distress and interfere with daily activities. People usually take extreme measures to avoid situations that provoke anxiety. The physical signs of anxiety are restlessness, irritability, disturbed sleep, muscle aches and pains, gastrointestinal distress, difficulty concentrating, etc. Appropriate Services: Designed to meet the specific needs of each individual child and family. Assessment: A professional review of child and family needs. The assessment of the child includes a review of physical and mental health, intelligence, school performance, family situation, and behavior in the community. The assessment identifies the strengths of the child and family. Together, the caregiver and family decide what kind of treatment and support, if any, are needed. B Base Service Units BSU /Service Coordination Unit (SCU): They provide the evaluations for county services. Behavioral Disorder: A disorder characterized by behaviors that are significantly different, over a long period of time, from the socially acceptable behaviors of others of the same age and situation. Behavioral Health Services: Both mental health and drug and alcohol rehabilitation services. Behavioral Specialist Consultant (BSC): A mental health professional who writes the treatment plan and supervises the team that provides Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services Child and Adolescents (BHRSCA) in the home. Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services (BHRS): Services that are available to a family if the child has a valid medical assistance card in the state of Pennsylvania. Another name for this service is wraparound services. If a child/youth meets the criteria for medical necessity, a case manager meets with the family, facilitates a discussion exploring the strengths of the family, assists the family in creating reachable goals, and develops options to meet those goals. Behavioral Specialist Consultant (BSC): Must have a Master’s Degree or higher and also have experience in behavioral interventions and treatment of children with developmental delays and serious emotional disturbance. The BSC writes the treatment plan and develops the program to be implemented in the child’s home, school, or other community settings. C Caregiver: A person who may or may not have special training to help people with mental health/behavioral/emotional challenges. Examples include family members, foster and adoptive parents, mentors, and those identified by the family and /or youth. Case manager: An individual who organizes and coordinates services and supports for children with mental health problems and their families. (Alternate terms: service coordinator, advocate, and facilitator.) Case management: A service that helps people arrange for appropriate services and support. A case manager coordinates mental health, social, educational, health, vocational, transportation, advocacy, respite care, and recreational services, as needed. The case manager makes sure that the changing needs of the child and family are met. (This definition does not apply to managed care (MCO). Child and Adolescent Services System Program (CASSP): Created in 1984 by Congress, this program assists all states (through grants, technical assistance, and training) in the development of community-based, coordinated service systems to deal with the mental health needs of children and their families. Child Protective Services: Designed to safeguard the child when abuse, neglect, or abandonment is suspected, or when there is no family to take care of the child. Examples of help delivered in the home include financial assistance, vocational training, homemaker services, and daycare. If in-home supports are insufficient, the child may be removed from the home on a temporary or permanent basis. Ideally, the goal is to keep the child with the family whenever possible. Children and Youth at Risk for Mental Health Problems: Children are at greater risk for developing mental health problems when certain factors occur in their lives or environments. Factors include physical abuse, emotional abuse or neglect, harmful stress, discrimination, poverty, loss of a loved one, frequent relocation, alcohol and other drug use, trauma, and exposure to violence. Commitments: Mental Health Procedures Act 77 (the Mental Health Procedures Act-Omnibus Amendments Act of Jul. 2, 1996, P.L. 481) amended the Mental Health Procedures Act of 1976. It requires all counties to submit to the Pennsylvania State Police the names of all individuals who have been involuntarily committed to in-patient treatment. This Act prohibits anyone committed under Sections 302, 303, or 304 to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell, or transfer firearms. A person has the right to appeal this process. The Pennsylvania law pertaining to mental health voluntary and involuntary commitments may be found at 055 Pa. Code § 5100.7190a. https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/055/chapter5100/chap5100toc.html&d=reduce 302 Commitment: An involuntary commitment is an application for emergency evaluation and treatment for persons who are a danger to themselves or others due to a mental illness. A person applying for a 302 because they are concerned about another is referred to as a petitioner. 303 Commitment: If additional in-patient days are not needed, the individual will be discharged from the hospital within 120 hours. A 303 hearing is held at the treating hospital to determine if further treatment beyond the initial 120 hours is necessary. 304 Commitment: Longer-Term Inpatient Treatment (304b) When a doctor determines that the individual is in need of continued involuntary in-patient treatment beyond the 20 days authorized by the 303, a 304b, Longer-Term Inpatient Treatment, is considered. The hospital must file a petition and request another hearing. Testimony is provided by the treating psychiatrist stating that the patient is still suffering from a severe mental illness and needs further treatment. The mental health review officer can order further treatment for a period not to exceed an additional 90 days. Extended Long-Term Treatment (305) When treatment beyond the additional 90 days authorized by the 304b seems necessary, a 305, Extended Long-Term Treatment, is considered. A 305 hearing also requires the treating psychiatrist to testify about the consumer’s mental health status, at which time the mental health review officer can order treatment for a period not to exceed an additional 180 days. https://eriecountypa.gov/departments/human-services/mental-health/voluntary-and-involuntary-commitment/#:~:text=Extended%20Emergency%20Involuntary%20Treatment%20(303)&text=If%20additional%20in%2Dpatient%20days,initial%20120%20hours%20is%20necessary . Community Residential Rehabilitation Host Home (CRR): Community Residential Rehabilitation (CRR) Host Homes are child treatment programs that are licensed under Chapters 5310, 3860, and 3130 of the Pennsylvania Code and certified by the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and the Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF). CRR host homes are family dwellings that provide 24-hour living arrangements and mental health treatment for children and adolescents whose psychiatric and/or behavioral health needs are such that they cannot be treated effectively within their own home, but can benefit from treatment in a natural home-like environment within a community. It is an important level of care within the continuum of child and adolescent mental health treatment. Carelon PDF for complete PDF see the website below chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/file:///C:/Users/diann/Downloads/Community_Residential_Rehabilitation_CRR_Host_Home.pdf Community Treatment Team (CTT): This treatment option is intended for adolescents (age 16 to 25 years) who have not achieved and maintained mental health stability in the community. A treatment team of mental health professionals provides comprehensive and intensive services to the adolescents in the community where they live in order to prevent hospitalization and/or incarceration. Confidential: All information provided by the family or child will be private and will not be shared with anyone unless written permission is given by the family or child. Consumer/Client: Anyone using services provided by the Department of Human Services or one or more of its contracted providers. Continuum of Care: A term that implies a progression of services that a child moves through, usually one service at a time. More recently, it has come to mean comprehensive services. Also, see the system of care and wraparound services. Coordinated Services: Child-serving agencies talk with the family and agree upon a plan of care that meets the child's needs. These agencies can include mental health, education, juvenile justice, CYF, etc. Case management is necessary to coordinate services. COMPLAINT: A complaint is an unresolved dispute or objection filed with the CHC-MCO regarding a participating healthcare provider or the coverage, operations, or management of the CHC-MCO. For example, a complaint may be filed about the following: A denial because the requested service or item is not a covered servic. The failure of the CHC-MCO to provide a service or item in a timely manner, as defined by the Department of Human Services (department). Cultural Competence: Help that is sensitive and responsive to cultural differences. Caregivers are aware of the impact of culture and possess skills to help provide services that respond appropriately to a person's unique cultural differences, including race and ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or physical disability and language. They also adapt their skills to fit a family's values and customs. D Day Treatment: Day treatment includes special education, counseling, parent training, vocational training, skill building, crisis intervention, and recreational therapy. It lasts at least 4 hours a day. Day treatment programs work in conjunction with mental health, recreation, and education organizations and may even be provided by them. Day Treatment/Partial Hospitalization Programs: Children/youth with mental illness participate in an intensive non-residential program. They commute to the program every day (hospital or community agency) for some part of the day. Sometimes, the school component is within the day treatment program. Other day treatment programs commence after school hours. Department of Human Services DHS: The Pa. state agency that oversees numerous program areas including OCYF, OMHSAS, ODP, OCDEL, Income Maintenance, Long Term Living, Medical Assistance Programs, and social program issues in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania such as Burial/Cremation Services, Refugee Resettlement, Homeless Issues etc. Drug and Alcohol DDAP: Designation often used for services/programs designed to aid in the recovery of persons with substance use disorders in PA. DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition): An official manual of mental health problems developed by the American Psychiatric Association. Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other health and mental health care providers use this reference book to understand and diagnose mental health problems. Insurance companies and health care providers also use the terms and explanations in this book when discussing mental health problems. ICD International Classification of Diseases Classifications, Codes Used in the USA as well as DSM-V World Health Organization (WHO) authorized the publication of the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10), which was implemented for mortality coding and classification from death certificates in the U.S. in 1999. The U.S. developed a Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) for medical diagnoses based on WHO’s ICD-10 and CMS developed a new Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) for inpatient procedures. ICD-10-CM replaces ICD-9-CM, volumes 1 and 2, and ICD-10-PCS replaces ICD-9-CM, volume 3. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/icd/icd10cm_pcs_background.htm E Early Intervention (EI): A process for ages 0-3yrs. of age used to recognize warning signs for developmental or behavioral/mental health challenges and to take early action against factors that put individuals at risk. Early intervention can help children get better in less time and can prevent problems from becoming worse. EI is part of OCDEL. Emergency and Crisis Services: A group of services that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help during a mental health emergency. Examples include telephone crisis hotlines, suicide hotlines, crisis counseling, crisis outreach teams, etc. Emotional Disorder (ED): Emotional impairment exhibited by a child or adolescent that disrupts his or her academic, family, or interpersonal relationships. Empowerment: Empowerment is the practice of motivating yourself or others to accomplish important goals or objectives. It helps enable people to take initiative, make decisions for themselves, and solve complex problems. F Family-based Mental Health (FBMH): Comprehensive services designed to assist families in caring for their child or adolescent at home. Services may include treatment for the child and other family members, service coordination, and family support services. Family-focus: Focusing on the strengths and capabilities of each individual family. Family-Centered Services: Help designed to meet the specific needs of each individual child and family. Children and families should not be expected to fit into services that do not meet their needs. Family Driven: Family-driven means families have a decision-making role in the care of their own children as well as in the policies and procedures governing care for all children in the community, state, and nation. This includes choosing supports, services; and providers; setting goals; designing and implementing programs; monitoring outcomes; and determining the effectiveness of all efforts to promote the mental health of children and youth. Family Support Services: Help designed to keep the family together, while coping with mental health problems that affect them. These services may include consumer information workshops, in-home support, family therapy, parenting training, crisis services, and respite care. G GRIEVANCES A grievance is a request to reconsider a plan’s decision that a service or item is not medically necessary. A grievance may be filed regarding the CHC-MCO’s decision to: Deny, in whole or in part, payment for a service or item; Deny or issue a limited authorization of a requested service or item, including a determination based on the type or level of service or item; Reduce, suspend, or terminate a previously authorized service or item; Deny the requested service or item, but approve an alternative service or item; Deny a request for a Benefit Limit Exception. H High-Fidelity Wraparound (HFW): (HFW) is a youth-guided and family-driven planning process that follows a series of steps to help youth and their families realize their hopes and dreams. It is a process that allows more youth to grow up in their homes and communities. It is a planning process that brings people together (natural supports and providers) from various parts of the youth and family’s lives. More information can be found at www.yftipa.org . A set of ten statements that define the HFW philosophy and guide the activities of the process. Home-Based Services: Help provided in a family's home either for a defined period of time or for as long as it takes to deal with a mental health problem. Examples include parent training, counseling, and working with family members to identify, find, or provide other necessary help. The goal is to prevent the child from being placed outside of the home. (Alternate term: in-home supports.) I Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS): supports children, youth, and young adults with mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs. IBHS offers a wide array of services that meet the needs of these individuals in their homes, schools, and communities. IBHS has three categories of service: 1) Individual services which provide services to one child; 2) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which is a specific behavioral approach to services; and 3) Group services which are most often provided to multiple children at a specific place. Evidence-based treatment (EBT) can be delivered through individual services, ABA services, and group services. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): On November 19, 1975, Congress enacted Public Law 94-192, known as “The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975” which guaranteed the right of all handicapped children to be entitled to a free and appropriate education. Congress amended this Act several times over the years. On June 4, 1997, this act was amended again and renamed “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997” (IDEA). The amended statute, followed by federal regulation guided the states to write their own statute and regulations. These state statutes and regulations cannot diminish or reduce the rights of special education students and their families that are provided in the federal statute but may provide children and caretakers with more rights and protections. If there is a conflict, the federal law is always followed. https://sites.ed.gov/idea/ https://www.pealcenter.org/idea/ Independent Living Services: Support for a young person living on his or her own. These services include therapeutic group homes, supervised apartment living, and job placement. Services teach youth how to handle financial, medical, housing, transportation, and other daily living needs, as well as how to get along with others. Individual Education Plan (IEP): An educational plan that outlines the programs and services that a child may need in order to remove barriers to learning. The IEP includes goals, objectives, types of special help that a child will receive in the classroom, and how the child’s progress will be measured. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act is civil rights law. Section 504 protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination that arises because of their disability. A 504 Service Agreement is considered when a child has a disability such as anxiety that can limit at least one major life activity, which can include walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, writing, performing math calculations, remembering, taking care of oneself or performing simple manual tasks. If your child does not meet the criteria for special education, he/she may be eligible for a 504 Service Agreement. A 504 Service Agreement often contains a list of accommodations and modifications that can assist the child with disabilities in the classroom. https://www.pealcenter.org/idea/ Individualized Services: Services designed to meet the unique needs of each child and family. Services are individualized when they all pay attention to the needs and strengths, ages, and stages of development of the child and individual family members. Also, see appropriate services and family-centered services. Inpatient Hospitalization: Mental health treatment is provided in a hospital setting 24 hours a day. Inpatient hospitalization provides (1) short-term treatment in cases where a child is in crisis and possibly a danger to his/herself or others. The most intensive and restrictive treatment setting, provides acute treatment interventions, diagnostic evaluations, stabilization, and treatment planning. InterAgency Team (IAT): A group of people (including the family, the child, and representatives from providers and/or agencies) who work together to make sure that services are planned, coordinated, and implemented. J Juvenile Justice System (JJ): The system that deals with children or adolescents who break the law and are arrested. L Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): High-quality treatment and support services are provided in the most natural environment that is available and appropriate. These are settings that are the most appropriate and natural for the child and family. These are the least intrusive settings possible that serve as the environment where the needs of the youth and family can still be met. Legal Guardian: A person who is court-appointed to make decisions for another person who has been deemed incompetent to make decisions (financial or personal). Liaison: A professional who is specifically trained to work in partnership with children and families, outside agencies, and mental health providers. M Managed Care: This is a way to supervise the delivery of health care services. Managed care may specify which providers the insured family can see and may also limit the number of visits and kinds of services that are covered by insurance. Managed Care Organization (MCOs) – An entity/insurance company/corporation that provides health care to individuals under agreement with a particular managed care plan. The company differs depending on the county you live in. Companies that agree to provide Medicaid benefits for people in exchange for a monthly payment from the state. Medical Assistance (MA) – The federal program that provides, within restriction, medical (and certain medically supervised) care to those in need. In Pennsylvania, this is administered by the Department of Human Services. Medical Necessity: Clinical determinations to establish a service or benefit which will, or is reasonably expected to: Prevent the onset of an illness, condition, or disability; Reduce or ameliorate the physical, mental, behavioral, or developmental effects of an illness, condition, injury, or disability; Assist the individual to achieve or maintain maximum functional capacity in performing daily activities, taking into account both the functional capacity of the individual and those functional capacities appropriate for individuals of the same age.” Measurable Objectives: Measurable objectives are short-term goals that will be set for each of the prioritized needs. MH/ IDD/EI County Administrator: Supervises a comprehensive service delivery system in each county, or in combined counties which provides a full array of treatment and rehabilitation services in both institutional and community settings. The term may differ depending on the county of Pennsylvania. https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/ODP-County-MH-ID-Office-Contacts.aspx Mental Health: How a person thinks, feels, and acts when faced with life's situations. Mental health is how people look at themselves, their lives, and the other people in their lives; evaluate their challenges and problems; and explore choices. This includes handling stress, relating to other people, and making decisions. Mental Health Challenges/Illness (Issues): Mental health issues are real. They affect one's thoughts, body, feelings, and behavior. Mental health challenges are not just a passing phase. They can be severe, seriously interfere with a person's life, and even cause a person to become disabled. Mental health challenges may include depression, bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, conduct disorder, etc. Mental Illnesses: This term is usually used by the federal government. Mobile Crisis Services: A crisis intervention team of professionals who, when called, go to the child during a crisis (in the home, at school, or in the community) in order to prevent injury or hospitalization. Mobile Therapist (MT) : A mental health professional who provides counseling services in the home. Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT): A group of clinical staff made up of representatives from different professions, disciplines, or service areas. N Natural Supports: Individuals or organizations in the family’s own community. Natural supports can include kinship, social, or spiritual networks such as friends, extended family members, religious leaders, sports coaches, and neighbors. A natural support can be anyone the family trusts and can depend on in time of need, outside of paid professionals. A natural support is someone who is willing to be a part of the family’s support network. Network of Care: Network of Care is an interactive, single information place where consumers, community-based organizations, and municipal government workers can easily access a wide variety of important information. The resources in this "virtual community" include a fast, comprehensive Service Directory; links to pertinent Websites from across the nation; a comprehensive, easy-to-use Library; a political advocacy tool; community message boards; and many others. Not all counties etc. use this platform. ( http://networkofcare.org/index3.cfm?page=what&pageid=111 ) Neurologist: A neurologist is a specialist who can check brain structure or brain functioning by using a variety of tests. O Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF): Established by federal and state law, CYF exists to protect children from abuse or neglect. Ombudsman: A person who helps to solve problems related to the care a person receives. Outcomes: Child, family, or team goals are stated in a way that can be observed and measured. Outcome-based: A focused treatment approach that allows for clear and measurable results. Out-patient: Services provided in freestanding mental health offices or clinics. These services include medical examination, diagnosis, care and treatment, and community-based services that provide evaluation/diagnosis, treatment planning, medication management, and individual and play therapy. P Partial Hospitalization Services (Often referred to as “Partial”): A non-residential form of intensive treatment provided in a freestanding or school-based program for three to six hours per day. Plan of Care (POC): A treatment plan especially designed for each child and family, based on individual strengths and needs. The caregiver(s) develop(s) the plan with input from the family. The plan establishes goals and details appropriate treatment and services to meet the special needs of the child and family. Primary Care Physician (PCP): A general medicine GP, Family Practice or Internal Medicine physician responsible for overseeing the medical care of an individual. Provider Organization: A practice, clinic, mental health center, hospital, or other organization that is employed by managed health programs to provide treatment services. Probation Officer (PO): An officer of the court responsible for ensuring that a client follows the terms of his or her probation. Provider: Qualified individual or agency that provides services. Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who will use a variety of psychological tests and techniques in order to evaluate your child’s mental health symptoms and can prescribe medicine, if necessary. Psychologist: A clinical psychologist is licensed to diagnose and treat serious emotional disturbances. He/she may use a variety of psychological tests and techniques to evaluate your child, much like a psychiatrist. However, a psychologist cannot prescribe medication. Public Defender (PD) – Provides legal counsel to indigents/without means to pay for counsel, defendants. When appointed by the court, the PD must also furnish legal counsel to persons subject to commitment under the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966. R Recovery: Mental health recovery is a journey of healing and transformation that enables a person with a mental health problem to live a meaningful life in a community of his or her choice while striving to achieve his or her full potential ( www.samhsa.gov ). Resiliency: The ability to recover quickly from illness, change, or misfortune. Being resilient is having the ability to manage adversity without negative repercussions. Residential Treatment Facilities (RTF) : Facilities that provide treatment 24 hours a day and can usually serve more than 12 young people at a time. Children with serious emotional disturbances receive constant supervision and care. Treatment may include individual, group, and family therapy; behavior therapy; special education; recreation therapy; and medical services. Residential treatment is usually more long-term than inpatient hospitalization. Centers are also known as therapeutic group homes. Respite Care: A service that provides a break for parents who have a child with a serious emotional disturbance. Trained parents or counselors take care of the child for a brief period of time to give families relief from the strain of caring for the child. This type of care can be provided in the home or in another location. Many if not most parents may need this help every week. S Self-Efficacy: Achieving self-efficacy is when the youth and family begin to believe in themselves. Self-efficacy is the measure of one's competence to complete tasks and reach goals. Serious Emotional Disturbances or Disorder (SED): A federal term used in documents. An emotional and/or social impairment that seriously disrupts the child or adolescent’s academic, family, or interpersonal relationships. Diagnosable disorders in children and adolescents that severely disrupt their daily functioning in the home, school, or community. These disorders include depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, anxiety disorders, conduct disorder, and eating disorders. A broad descriptive term that indicates that a child may have signs and symptoms that affect how he or she thinks, feels, or reacts to everyday situations. This term is not used in all states. Service: A type of support or clinical intervention designed to address the specific mental health needs of a child and his or her family. A service could be provided only one time or repeated over a course of time, as determined by the child, family, and service provider. Service Coordination: A service that assists the child and family in obtaining and managing services that are needed. A service coordinator is the person who provides this service. Service Coordination Unit (SCU): This may be called Base Service Unit (BSU). They provide the evaluations for county services. Short-Term Inpatient Services: Provides psychiatric service when children/adolescents have acute symptoms. The goal is to stabilize the symptoms so that the child can return to their home and community. Children and adolescents who are a danger to themselves or others may be mandated for a psychiatric evaluation and treatment if necessary. Stakeholder: Individuals or organizations that are directly impacted by a system-wide decision, program, or intervention. Systems of Care (PASOC)PA Care Partnership: A coordinated network of community-based services and supports that are organized to meet the challenges of children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families. Families and youth work in partnership with public and private organizations to design mental health services and support that are effective, that build on the strengths of individuals, and that address each person's cultural and linguistic needs. A SOC helps children, youth and families function better at home, in school, in the community, and throughout life. System of Care is not a program — it is a philosophy of how care should be delivered. SOC ensures that approaches to services recognize the importance of family, school, and community. SOC seeks to promote the full potential of every child and youth by addressing their physical, emotional, intellectual, cultural, and social needs http://www.systemsofcare.samhsa.gov and https://www.pacarepartnership.org/ Specialized Service Coordination Services: Unique service coordination programs that are targeted toward certain children or adolescents based on their diagnosis and their specific needs. Strengths-based: Treatment and support services that reflect the identified strengths and needs of each child and family. Student Assistant Program (SAP): An intervention program designed to identify students who are having school problems due to alcohol or drug use, depression or other serious emotional disturbances, and to intervene and refer these students to appropriate community services, if needed. SAP teams are located in PA high schools, some middle and elementary as well. https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/sap-pbis/SAP/Pages/default.aspx Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A disability program of the Social Security Administration. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/ https://www.ssa.gov/ssi?gclid=CjwKCAiA44OtBhAOEiwAj4gpOfGfxw0n0Rxsv6fd0N_c7LuYCwLHXTZOjMVjaN9e-9bI2Gp6s8TDdhoCKVEQAvD_BwE U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): The mission of SAMHSA is to provide, through the U.S. Public Health Services, a national focus for the Federal effort to promote effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of addictive and mental disorders. SAMHSA is primarily a grant-making organization, promoting knowledge and scientific state-of-the-art practice. SAMHSA strives to reduce barriers to high-quality, effective programs and services for individuals who suffer from or are at risk for, these disorders, as well as for their families and communities. https://www.samhsa.gov/ Supported Living (SL): This initiative is designed to increase housing options available to persons with serious mental illness. Through supported living programs, individuals with psychiatric disabilities may access an array of flexible services and supports to enable them to live in the housing of choice and to become participation members of the community. T Targeted Case Management (TCM): See Service Coordination Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS): A mental health professional who provides behavioral support and guidance to a child in the home, school, and/or community. Treatment plan: A plan that outlines the treatment and support services that are needed to address the serious emotional disturbances of a child and his or her family and is created with the family/youth and social worker. Treatment services: Refers to a variety of therapeutic services designed to change behaviors or other conditions related to a child’s serious emotional disturbances. Treatment services are also designed to help individuals and/or families cope with a child’s behaviors. Y Youth Driven: Youth-Driven is having an authentic youth voice in leadership positions, in county and state government, where youth are trained, supported, valued, and given a seat at state and local policy and program tables. The youth are supported in various ways as they share their experiences and their opinions. Financial support is given as needed through stipends, transportation assistance, hotels, meals, and childcare, with the goal of sustaining their input. Opportunities, like youth voice and leadership, are encouraged and made available to youth at county and state level child-serving systems, through the work of System of Care. Youth are provided with what they need to make informed decisions about their treatment and their future.

< Back IDD/ODP County, Regional, State, Contacts and Terms/ Glossary IDD County, Regional, State, Contacts and Terms/ Glossary What is the term used in Pennsylvania for Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD)? It depends on the county in which you live. In some counties you will see the terms Intellectual Disabilities (ID), Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) The state office has changed its name to Intellectual Developmental Disabilities. County/Administrative Entity/ County Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities (MH/ID) Program https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/ODP-County-MH-ID-Office-Contacts.aspx Supports Coordinator Your Supports Coordinator is your primary link to the Intellectual Disability (ID) system. The Individual Support Plan (ISP) https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/Individual%20Support%20Plan.aspx Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services form (PUNS) Categories of Need www.dhs.pa.gov PUNS chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/ https://www.paproviders.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Attachment-1-FINAL-PUNS-Manual-2019.pdf pgs 15-23 MY ODP https://www.myodp.org/ Everyday Lives https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/Everyday-Lives.aspx Waiver Funding https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/Everyday-Lives.aspx Base Funding Base funding is County and State money and is a limited source of funding. Typically, people who receive base-funded services have needs that do not require a great deal of funding. Transportation in the IDD System https://www.dhs.pa.gov/PA-Community-Care/Pages/Transportation.aspx Call 1-800-753-8827 Early Intervention (EI) https://www.education.pa.gov/Early%20Learning/Early%20Intervention/Pages/default.aspx Person - Centered Planning Process (PCP) www.dhs.pa.gov Person Centered Planning Individual Education Plan (IEP) & 504 Service Agreements https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Homebound%20Instruction/Pages/IEPs-and-504-Service-Agreements.aspx Life Skills Life Skills (LS) classes are designed to meet the needs of students whose intellectual, developmental and academic levels are so delayed that participation in the general education program, even with modifications and accommodations is unfeasible . Transition in PA with Special Needs https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/school/Pages/Transition.aspxhttps://www.pasecondarytransition.com/https://paautism.org/resource/transition-resources/ PATTAN’s Family Support Specialists https://www.pattan.net/Parent-Information Office of Rehabilitation and Vocational Services (OVR) OVR Office/Regional Directory https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/ovr/Pages/OVR-Office-Directory.aspx www.dli.pa.gov Vocational Rehabilitation Home Vocational Facility (Workshops) www.dli.pa.gov Vocational Rehabilitation Home Intermediate Care Facility/Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/ID) https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/Intermediate%20Care%20Facilities.aspx Lifesharing and Everyday Living Options https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/Lifesharing.aspx How to Choose an Intellectual Disabilities/Autism Provider https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/Intellectual-Disabilities-Find-Provider.aspx Assistive Technology Services and Supports Directory https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/HUMAN_SERVICE_PROVIDER_DIRECTORY/ Provider Licensing Directory https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/HUMAN_SERVICE_PROVIDER_DIRECTORY/ State Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) https://www.hcsis.state.pa.us/hcsis-ssd/ServicesSupportDirectory/ServicesSupportHome County/Administrative Entity/ County Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities (MH/ID) Program https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/ODP-County-MH-ID-Office-Contacts.aspx Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) www.dhs.pa.gov Developmental Programs ODP Regional Offices https://www.dhs.pa.gov/contact/Pages/Regional-Developmental-Contacts.aspx Central Regional Program Phone: 717-772-6507 Southeast Regional Program Phone: 215-560-2245 Northeast Regional Program Phone: 570-963-4749 Western Regional Program Phone: 412-565-5144 STATE CENTERS Bureau of State Operated Facilities Phone: 717-425-5686 PA Department of Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) https://www.cms.gov/ Intellectual Disabilities Customer Service Line Toll Free Number For General Information and Concerns: 1-888-565-9435 www.dhs.pa.gov The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Improving the quality of life for Pennsylvania’s individuals and families And Toll-Free TTY Number (Telephone for Hearing Impaired ONLY): 1-866-388-1114 Independent Monitoring for Quality https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/Independent%20Monitoring%20for%20Quality.aspx Fair Hearing and Appeals Bureau of Hearings and Appeals https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/Hearings-and-Appeals.aspx What is the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PDDC)? https://www.dhs.pa.gov/contact/DHS-Offices/Pages/Developmental-Disabilities-Council.aspx#:~:text=The%20Pennsylvania%20Developmental%20Disabilities%20Council,their%20families%20in%20the%20Commonwealth Mental Health/Intellectual Disability Advisory Committee https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/ODP-County-MH-ID-Office-Contacts.aspx The Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966 chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/ https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Mental-Health-In-PA/Documents/Mental%20Health%20and%20Mental%20Retardation%20Act%20of%201966.pdf The County MH/ID Advisory Board is established under the MH/ID Act of 1966 to review and evaluate needs and services, to develop annual plans, and to make recommendations to the County Administration. Representatives from consumers, family members, clergy, medical, attorneys, county commissioners, and community members make up the board. For information about your county board call your local MH/IDD Office at the number listed on this site. https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Disabilities-Aging/Pages/ODP-County-MH-ID-Office-Contacts.aspx Helpful Telephone Numbers https://www.dhs.pa.gov/contact/Pages/Helpful%20Phone%20Numbers.aspx ​

< Back Intake/Referral Services in CYF General Protective Services This is the assessment/investigation of all referrals to a Children and Youth Services agency that do not reach the level of a Child Protective Services report (CPS). Examples of these referrals are truancy, lack of supervision and homes with health and safety concerns. Child Protective Services (CPS) This is the investigation of all reports of child abuse. Once a referral is received a caseworker must make sure the child is immediately safe, and make contact within 24 hours. Any concerned person may make referrals. People who come into contact with children because of their employment are required by law to report suspected child abuse. Ongoing Services Once an assessment/investigation is completed and it is determined that a family would benefit from Children and Youth Services, a Family Service Plan(FSP) is developed with the family and caseworker which identifies changes that need to made by the family, and what services that will help the family make the changes. The goal is to provide supportive casework to the family in order to make sure the home is safe for the child. The goal is to keep the family together and to help the family make that possible by supporting the family in making positive changes. This goal should happen by providing a variety of services that meets the family’s needs. The services your Caseworker will talk to you about will depend on what your family needs, what you ask for, or what a Judge might order. Sometimes services are provided by Children Youth and Families (CYF). Sometimes CYF will refer you to services provided by another agency or program. You may request and/or be asked to go to the following in order to assess your needs or to strengthen your family: psychological assessments (to assess parent and child relationships); parenting classes; counseling and therapy; self-help or support groups; job training; drug screening; drug and alcohol rehabilitation; counseling in homemaking and home budgeting. Some of the services your family may receive could be, but not limited to: family therapy; budget counseling; marriage counseling; individual counseling; parenting education; group counseling. Emergency Services Children and Youth Services has staff on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer emergency calls and high-risk referrals of child abuse and neglect. The Emergency Children and Youth worker will assess the child abuse report and decide if the child is safe staying in the home or should the child be removed from the home to another location to make sure the child is safe. Placement Services This happens when the court decides that it is not safe for the child to be stay in the home. The child would then be removed from their family. When a child is removed from their home it can be extremely traumatic for both the child and the family. Removal of a child from their home is only used as an option when a child’s safety cannot be assured and when there are no suitable relatives able to care for the child. If the child cannot stay at home, or with a relative, the child may end up going to a foster home, group home, residential treatment center or a shelter care facility. When Children and Youth Services look for a place out of the home for the child they must determine which type of placement is the least restrictive for the child, yet able to still meet the needs of the child. Once a child is placed out of their home the goal of Children and Youth Services is permanent planning for the child. This plan can involve a return to the family, adoption or independent living. Together with the family, Children and Youth Services set goals for the family to reach so that the child can return home. This plan is created by the parents, child and caseworker. The plan will have the reasons the child was placed out of home and what changes the family has to make before the child can return home to their family. The court will review the family’s progress every six months or sooner if requested. Involuntary termination of parents rights (TPR) can happen if a family is unable or unwilling to make the changes that are needed for the child to return home, and that are in the child’s best interest. If that happens it could mean the court would move to place the child for adoption. Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect Pennsylvania has by law a Child Protective Service Law that defines abuse intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing non-accidental serious physical or mental abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation, or serious physical neglect caused by acts of omission by the parent or caregiver. Intentionally: on purposeKnowingly: understanding what could happen as a resultRecklessly: carelessly Physical Abuse Any recent act or failure to act by a person that causes non-accidental serious physical harm to a child less than 18 years of age. Serious physical harm is an injury that causes a child severe pain or interferes with a child physical functioning, either temporary or permanently. To make up, fake or cause an illness to a child that result in excessive, unnecessary and possible harmful medical treatment Emotional Abuse Emotional Abuse is an act or failure to act by a parent or caregiver that causes non-accidental serious mental harm to a child who is less than 18 years of age. Serious mental harm is a psychological condition that is diagnosed by a doctor or licensed psychologist. This includes the refusal of treatment that leaves a child continuously and severely anxious, agitated, depressed, socially withdrawn, psychotic, a fear that the child’s life or safety is threatened, or that a the emotional abuse has caused the child to not be able to accomplish age appropriate development and social tasks. Sexual Abuse or Exploitation An act or failure to act by a parent or caregiver that causes sexual abuse or exploitation (to use) of a child who is under 18 years old. Sexual abuse or exploitation is the employment (hiring of) use of, persuasion. Having a child participate or pretend to perform sexually explicit conductNudity, looking at someone’s sexual parts so that the child or other person is sexually arousedParticipating in sexual acts so that the child or other person is sexually aroused. Information adapted from Juniata County Children and Youth Services http://www.co.juniata.pa.us/departments/children-youth-services/ Children’s Rights Every child has the right to be: Safe and protected from danger A permanent home, food, and clothing Age-appropriate supervision and discipline Medical and dental care Services to meet any special needs To go to school or receive an education To practice their religion Receive respectful and courteous treatment (Allegheny County Parent Handbook, 10/2011)

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