What services does the MH/MR department offer our children?
I just recently went through an update with the MH/MR case worker. She basically took information and offered nothing. I basically have no clue what is the value of having Isabelle registered for MH/MR. Is there something I should be asking for? Does anyone work with any other agency that does the same work? Our case worker alluded to the fact there were other “approved agencies” that do the work of MH/MR – but wouldn’t give me the names of those agencies. What are the names of those agencies? How do you like them? Any information on your experience with and what I should be doing would be greatly appreciated.
Great question! I have wondered the same thing!!
Once you are enrolled in the Intellectual Disabilities System you are only “entitled” to a Support Coordinator. You may apply for a Waiver, which is a funding source to fund services, but right now, no new Waivers are available in PA. Most counties have several agencies providing Support Coordination, so technically you have some choice. Without a Waiver, the only other source of funding is county Base Funds, which are shrinking every year, so that most families no longer receive any FSS or Base Funds. For additional info please email me at TDiBiaso@VisionForEquality.org
In recent years, the MH/MR office has split into 2 separate entities, the Office of Behavioral Health and The Office of Developmental Programs. To receive services through The Office of Developmental Programs, a child needs the diagnosis of a developmental disability. For an intake into either office, you can contact the program in your County of residence.
Within The Office of Developmental Programs, there are services designed to assist your child to function as independently as possible. Services are provided based on the level of need and are designed to be provided within the home and community. Most services are funded through Waivers. These services include: therapies (occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral therapy), nursing services, habilitation staffing in the home, community integration staffing in the community, residential placements, and day supports.
There is a waiting list for services offered by The Office of Developmental Programs. Who get priority are those individuals in the most need. A PUNS assessment should be done and based on the result you child will be appropriately prioritized for services.
To access services, upon intake into The Office of Developmental Programs, you will have the choice of Supports Coordinator. Your Supports Coordinator is a caseworker who assists you to locate the services available in your area, apply for funding to pay for those services, and then will continue to work with you to monitor that the services are appropriate.
You have a right to choose the agency that provides services and there are several. You can ask your service coordinator or go on line to get a list of agencies that provide service coordination.
You can change agency that provide service coordination at any time.
The Arc Alliance Advocacy Services is currently providing Supports Coordination in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. For more information, please contact Jill Zielinski at 484-868-0707.