For Adults

Cross System Supportive Counseling Services for Adults are provided by Family Services of NW PA through a contract with Erie County Child Protective Services. The program provides in-home counseling support as well as a broad array of other services to parents with symptoms of mental illness who are at risk of abusing or neglecting their children. The program's service orientation, based largely on family based intervention practice models, features integrated comprehensive services designed to address the mental health problems faced by clients. The overall goal of the program is to prevent unnecessary placement and to assist in reunification when appropriate.

Three master's level clinicians staff Cross System Supportive Counseling Services for Adults. The frequency of sessions is once a week; the maximum length of services is twelve months. Staff members have caseloads of up to twelve clients.

Eligibility Criteria

Adults in families active with Child Protective Services are eligible for Cross System Supportive Counseling Services for Adults. Symptoms similar to or associated with mental health problems must be apparent in at least one of the parents or guardians. The client's caseworker or other professionals working with the client may identify these symptoms.

For Children and Adolescents

Cross System Supportive Counseling for Child and Adolescent provides supportive services to children with developmental disabilities, mental health concerns, or adjustment issues who are in a foster home placement as well as to the children of parents with developmental disabilities or mental illness. Service goals include increasing stability for children and adolescents in placement, preventing unnecessary changes of placement, assisting with adjustment issues related to entry into foster care or return home from foster care, and preventing entry or re-entry to foster care. Most children served in this program are between the ages of eight and sixteen.

Eligibility Criteria

Children and adolescents in foster care with developmental disabilities, mental health concerns, or adjustment issues as well as children whose parents are developmentally disabled or have mental health concerns and are active with the Office of Children and Youth are eligible for this service.