Monday, February 16, 2009

New Respite Opportunities

This is a reminder about the new respite program being offered through the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Services. Please note that any family wanting to take advantage of the respite service must have the family member registered with DBH.

For further information, please read the enclosed carefully and/or follow up directly with DBH.

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Department of Behavioral Health

Children’s Respite Registration Form

1101 Market St. 7th fl. Phila. Pa 19107 Fax 215-685-4756

Contact 215-685-4734 or 215-685-5400


Child’s last name _________________________First name ___________________________________

DOB _______________Gender (M/F) __________Race ____________SS# ______________________

Is the above child currently residing in an out-of-home placement such as residential, foster care or in DHS custody? Yes____ No_____

If yes what type of placement? ___________________________________________________________

Primary Parent/guardian name ____________________________Relationship to child_______________

Home Address________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone # _____________________________ Cell Phone #________________________________

E-mail address_________________________________________________________________________

Person’s authorized to deliver / pick up ______________________________________________________

Emergency Contact Name_________________________________ Relationship to child_______________

Home Address__________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone #_____________________________ Cell Phone#___________________________________


The signature of the parent/guardian verifies that the information provided is accurate and truthful, also that you have read, understand and agree to follow the attached guidelines for the respite program.


Parent Signature_____________________________________________ Date ______________________


The Section Below Must Be Completed by the Behavioral HealthTX Professional.


Behavioral Health Provider ________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________Office phone#_____________________________

Name of TX Professional _______________________________________Phone #____________________

Behavioral Health Services currently receiving:

OP Therapy ___ Family Therapy ___TCM___ Family Based/Focused___ BHRS_____D&A_____

DSM Diagnosis (Please spell out diagnosis & include all Axes.)

Axis I _________________________________________________________________________________


Axis II ________________________________________________________________________________


Axis III _______________________________________________________________________________


Axis IV ______________________________________________________________________________


Axis V ______________________________________________________________________________


The signature of the behavioral health TX professional verifies that the information provided is accurate and truthful and is required for respite registration.


BH Providers Signature_____________________________________________ Date_______________




Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health

Description, Eligibility Criteria & Instructions for Respite Services

The Department of Behavioral Health is providing three unique styles of Respite Services in an effort to offer families caring for a child with behavioral health needs an opportunity for a much needed break. The three Respite Services being offered by the DBH are the Boy’s and Girls Club Saturday Afternoon Respite, Wordsworth Weekend Residential Respite & Silver Springs Weekend Overnight Residential Respite. All of the DBH Respite Programs are FREE. The DBH Respite Services are not an entitlement and availability is limited and on a first come first serve bases until June 28th 2009 or until funding is exhausted.

The DBH Respite Services are a recreational support and NOT treatment. The DBH Respite Services are not designed to be an alternative for crisis intervention, emergency evaluation, inpatient care or any other form of Behavioral Health treatment. The DBH Respite Services are NOT designed for children, who are verbally/physically aggressive, sexually inappropriate, chronic runaways, medication non-compliant, suicidal/homicidal or non-compliant towards authority figures on the day of respite. If your child present with any of the above he/she WOULD NOT be appropriate for the DBH Respite Services at this time. However, respite services can be considered once your child’s behavior improves. In addition, the DBH Respite Services CANNOT accommodate children who are sick i.e., fever, vomiting, diarrhea, contagious - pink eye, impetigo, lice or ringworm etc. If children are brought to respite sick or contagious their parents will be called to immediately pick them up.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • You MUST register your child with the Department of Behavioral health to determine eligibility.

  • You MUST submit a separate registration form for each child that you wish to register.

  • Your child MUST have a Mental Health Diagnosis provided by a Behavioral Health provider.

  • Your child MUST currently receive Behavioral Health services.

  • Your child MUST currently reside in Philadelphia County.

  • Your child CANNOT reside in any placement at the time respite is being requested. i.e., residential placement, juvenile placement, foster care or group home

  • Only children who are eligible and registered can utilize any of the respite services i.e., siblings, friends who are not eligible cannot attend respite.

  • The agency providing respite services MUST be notified 24 hours prior if the services are no longer required. Failure to do so may result in you no longer being considered for future respite services

  • The registration form MUST be signed by appropriate persons your child WILL NOT be registered if the registration form is not completed and signed.

  • If your child receives TSS services the TSS may be able to accompany your child to the respite program.

  • We recommend that you register with the Department of Behavioral Health as soon as possible to make sure your child is approved for respite services and that you get on the list.

  • We recommend that you not wait until just before needing respite services to register.

  • We recommend that valuables not be brought to respite. No one is responsible for any items loss or damage.


Learn About Our 3 Unique Respite Programs:


Boys and Girls Club Saturday Afternoon Respite Program

The Boys and Girls Club Saturday Afternoon Respite Program will begin in January 31, 2009. This program will rotate each Saturday at one of five different Boy’s and Girls Clubs located throughout the City of Philadelphia. The hours of operation are 12 noon- 5:00 p.m. The Boys and Girls Club is a safe child and youth friendly facility, with six trained staff available at all times. The Boys and Girls Club Saturday Afternoon Respite Program can accommodate up to 35 children and youth each Saturday ranging in ages 6 to 15 years old. The children and youth will engage in age appropriate activities and will be grouped accordingly 6-8yrs, 9-11yrs, and 12–15yrs. All children and youth that participate in the Boys & Girls Club Saturday Respite Program will ultimately receive a membership to the Boys & Girls Club which will allow them to participate and utilize the activities in any of the twelve Boys & Girls Clubs in Philadelphia until June 30, 2009. All parents and children who register to participate in the Boys & Girls Club Saturday Respite Program are required to attend a one time only mandatory 1 hour orientation before the child or youth can be admitted to the respite program. Lunch and snacks will be provided however children with special dietary requirements may need to bring their own food and beverages The Boys & Girls Club Saturday Afternoon Respite Program is FREE until 5:00 pm ONLY!

Boys and Girls Club Saturday Afternoon Respite Program Schedule

  • The first Saturday of each month the location will be

Germantown Boys & Girls Club 25 West Penn St. Phila, Pa. 19144 215-844-7771

  • The second Saturday of each month the location will be

Bridgesburg Boys & Girls Club 2901 Bridge St. Phila, Pa. 19137 215-743-7755

  • The third Saturday of each month the location will be

Lauretha Vaird Boys & Girls Club 4800 Whitaker Ave. Phila, Pa. 19124 215-457-8480

  • The fourth Saturday of each month the location will be

Wilson Park Boys & Girls Club 2500 Jackson St. Phila, Pa 19145 215- 684-0014

  • The fifth Saturday’s January 31st & May 30th the location will be

Fairmont Boys & Girls Club 1100 Poplar St. Phila, Pa. 19123 215- 684-2519

Saturday Respite Activities: Arts and Crafts, Sports, Outdoor play (weather permitting), Computers, Video games


Instructions:

  • Parent/Legal Guardian must pre-register in person with the Boys and Girls Club Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. prior to the Saturday they would like their child to attend.

Registration includes: reviewing policies and procedures, signing a membership form.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian MUST submit an updated Child Health Assessment (for membership purposes only not required for the Respite Program).

  • Parent/Legal Guardian MUST notify the Boys and Girls Club in advance if their child will be unable to attend. Failure to do so may result in you no longer being considered for future respite services.

  • The Boys and Girls staff WILL NOT administer medications however they will hold all medication and supervise any child able to self medicate.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian MUST accompany their child into the building and sign them in.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian should bring photo ID when delivering and picking up their child.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian MUST come into the building to sign their child out and show photo ID before they can leave the program.

  • Anyone other then a parent delivering or picking up a child MUST present photo ID. And they must have written permission submitted by the parent in advance.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian are FULLY RESPONSIBLE for paying all LATE FEES if their child is not picked up by 5:00 p.m.



Wordsworth Weekend Respite Residential Program

Wordsworth Weekend Respite Residential Program will begin February 6, 2009. The Wordsworth Respite Program will operate from February 6, 2009 through June 28, 2009 or until funds are exhausted. Wordsworth will provide both treatment foster care and host homes for the respite program. Wordsworth will ensure that all respite providers are trained foster parents and have their required clearance. In order to participate in the respite program children must first be registered with the Department of Behavioral Health and determined to be eligible. Once registered and approved parents can contact Wordsworth directly to arrange for respite services. This is not an emergency program. Wordsworth respite services are available Friday 7:00 p.m. until Sunday 7:00 p.m. only. A respite stay can be a full day, overnight, or a weekend. Wordsworth Weekend Respite Residential Services can be accessed a maximum of 2 calendar days anytime from February 6, 2009 – June 28, 2009 (a 24 hours respite stay that continues into the next day for a total of 4 hours constitutes 2 calendar days) i.e., Saturday 8:00 a.m. until Sunday 12 noon. Wordsworth will be accepting children on a first come first serve basis and will do their best to match the appropriate respite home to the child’s specific needs and personality. There is however no guarantee that every child will be matched for every weekend request. Most of the respite homes are in Philadelphia County, however there are several located in nearby counties. Parents are responsible for delivering and picking up their children. Both the parent and child are subject to follow the intake requirements and the policies and procedures of Wordsworth. Meals will be provided however children with special dietary requirements may need to bring their own food and beverages. The parent/legal guardian must pick up their child on time. Any late fees must be paid in full by the parent at the time of pickup.


Instructions:

  • Parent/Legal Guardian MUST contact Wordsworth 2 Monday’s prior to the date of the needed respite service by 5:00 p.m. to request Wordsworth Respite Services.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian CANNOT schedule respite care for their child more than 30 days in advance.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian MUST notified Wordsworth 24 hours in advance if their child no longer requires the service. Failure to do so may result in you no longer being considered for future respite services.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian MUST provide Wordsworth with at least one, but preferably two emergency contacts for their child.

  • If medication is needed Parent/Legal Guardian MUST provide medication in the original prescription bottle with enough medication only for the amount of time their child is schedule to be in respite care.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian MUST provide the respite parent with any information regarding allergies, physical limitations, and/or current behavioral health issues that need to be monitored by the respite parent(s).

  • Parent/Legal Guardian are responsible for transportation.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian should bring photo ID when delivering and picking up their child from Wordsworth Respite Care.

  • Anyone other then a parent/legal guardian delivering or picking up a child MUST present photo ID and must have written permission submitted by the parent in advance.

  • Parents are FULLY RESPONSIBLE for paying all LATE FEES if their child is not picked up by the agreed upon time.









Silver Springs Weekend Only Respite Residential Program

Silver Springs Weekend Only Respite Program will operate from January 2009 through June 28, 2009 or until funds are exhausted. Silver Springs will provide treatment foster care homes for the respite program. Silver Springs will ensure that all respite providers are trained foster parents and have their required clearance. In order to participate in the respite program children must first be registered with the Department of Behavioral Health and determined to be eligible. Once registered and approved parents can contact Silver Springs directly to arrange for respite services. Parents can access respite care through Silver Springs during weekend hours only, for a minimum of 2 calendar days or 30 hours (24 hours of one day and at least 6 hours of a second day will be viewed as two calendar days) and a maximum of 48 hours from Friday 7pm through Sunday. Silver Springs Weekend Only Respite Program is not an emergency program. Silver Springs will be accepting children on a first come first serve basis and will do their best to match the appropriate respite home to the child’s specific needs and personality. There is however no guarantee that every child will be matched for every weekend request. Most of the respite homes are in Philadelphia County, however there are several located in nearby counties. Parents are responsible for delivering and picking up their children. Both the parent and child are subject to follow the intake requirements and the policies and procedures of Silver Springs. Meals will be provided however children with special dietary requirements may need to bring their own food and beverages. The parent/legal guardian must pick up their child on time. Any late fees must be paid in full by the parent at the time of pickup.


Instructions:

  • Parent/Legal Guardian MUST contact Silver Springs 2 Monday’s prior to the date of the needed respite service by 5:00 p.m. to request Silver Springs Respite Services.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian CANNOT schedule respite care for their child more than 30 days in advance.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian MUST notified Silver Springs 24 hours in advance if their child no longer requires the service. Failure to do so may result in you no longer being considered for future respite services.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian MUST provide Silver Springs with at least one, but preferably two emergency contacts for their child.

  • If medication is needed Parent/Legal Guardian MUST provide medication in the original prescription bottle with enough medication only for the amount of time their child is schedule to be in respite care.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian MUST provide the respite parent with any information regarding allergies, physical limitations, and/or current behavioral health issues that need to be monitored by the respite parent(s).

  • Parent/Legal Guardian are responsible for transportation.

  • Parent/Legal Guardian should bring photo ID when delivering and picking up their child from Silver Springs Respite Care.

  • Anyone other then a parent/legal guardian delivering or picking up a child MUST present photo ID and must have written permission submitted by the parent in advance.

  • Parents are FULLY RESPONSIBLE for paying all LATE FEES if their child is not picked up by the agreed upon time.

Register w/Department of Behavioral Health by mailing form to

Children’s Respite Care

Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health

1101 Market Street 7th floor

Philadelphia, Pa 19107

Or fax to 215-685-4756

215-65-4734



Friday, February 6, 2009

Autism conference at LaSalle May 1 2009

Autism Conference presented by Green Tree Partnerships and La Salle University

May 1, 2009, La Salle Union Building, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Experience 12 innovative workshops dealing with transition throughout the ASD spectrum. Hear from dynamic speakers in the autism community and network with clinicians, students, caregivers, and educators.

Keynote Speakers:

  • Scott Robertson
  • Anthony Rostain, M.D.
  • Guest: The Hon. Dennis O’Brien, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
To register and learn more about Green Tree Partnerships, visit www.gtpartnerships.org.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Feb 7: Heather Bowditch

Saturday, February 7, 2009

11:00 – 1:00

Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

Speaker: Heather Bowditch

“Stress and the Family”