CASSP

The Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) came to Potter County in 1992. The Potter County CASSP Interagency Team meets as needed. The Team consists of representatives from Children & Youth, Mental Health, Juvenile Probation, Intermediate Unit 9, Drug and Alcohol, CCBH, Family Based and BHAU. The parent and child/adolescent are also included at these meetings. A representative from the school (principal or guidance counselor) is also invited, particularly if the child or adolescent is displaying behaviors at school that are problematic. Other agencies or individuals are invited if deemed necessary to deliver the appropriate services to that family.

To be eligible for CASSP a child or adolescent (under the age of 21) must meet the following criteria:

-- be at risk for out-of-home placement

-- have had a recent psychiatric hospitalization

-- be involved in more than one child-serving system

-- have a mental health diagnosis that is impacting on his ability to function at home, school or in the community.

If a child does not have a mental health diagnosis, he/she will still be reviewed by the CASSP Team who will then make a recommendation that a psychiatrist or psychologist assess the child for a possible mental health diagnosis.

Coordination of service provision

Services are voluntary and free

Emphasis is on consumer choice

Services are child/adolescent centered, family focused, and community based and sensitive to cultural differences and promote the least restrictive, intrusive approach.