The Cattaraugus County Department of Community Services uses the Single Point of Access (SPOA) model for assessment of referrals for children and adolescents who meet the following criteria:
- Age 18 and under;
- Carry a diagnosis indicating serious emotional disability;
- Involved with other service providers such as School, Committee on Special Education, Child Welfare or Child Protection Services, and Juvenile Justice/Probation.
Children referred from hospitals are given high priority for utilization of the SPOA model.
Children age 7 and under can also be assessed and followed by the SPOA process.
The SPOA model ensures that a strong collaboration will be developed between parents and service providers and that services will be delivered in a coordinated way between home-school-and community.
The SPOA process involves:
- Partnership between the parent/caregivers with the service providers working with the child and family
- Emphasis is placed on working with the whole family.
- The parent may choose to invite providers from all agencies to meet together to discuss the strengths and concerns of the child.
- After assessment by the intake staff, a team SPOA meeting is scheduled for goals to be identified.
- The team consists of parent(s)/guardian(s) and involved staff from other agencies who meet to determine the strengths and needs of the child and family.
- Future SPOA meetings will be set up to monitor progress and identify ways to sustain improvements.
- A crisis plan is also part of each SPOA review.
Conventional Mental Health Services vs. SPOA
Difference Between Conventional Mental Health Services and Single Point of Access Children's Mental Health Collaborative
| Traditional Mental Health System | Collaborative Mental Health Process |
|---|---|
| Individual Approach | Team Approach |
| Focus on client deficit/pathology | Focus on youth & family strengths |
| Parents are clients | Parents are partners |
| Parents are part of the problem | Parents are part of the solution |
| Office and residential-based services | Home and community-based services |
| Agency needs | Child and family needs |
| Different systems / different advice | Comprehensive plan |
| Parent / youth on their own | Family receives wrap-around services |
| Stand alone service | Part of a larger network of care |
| Orthodox approach | Flexible plan based on youth / family needs |
| "Color Blind" | Culturally competent (appropriate) |
Children & Youth SPOA Meeting Schedule
Usually meet the Second and Fourth Monday of each month; Except October and December, due to Holidays.
Meetings are at 9:30AM in the Administrative Conference Room of the County Office Building in Olean.
Children & Youth SPOA Packet:
Referral Packet Completed packets can be returned to the fax or email address below.
For more information, please contact:
Melissa Ball, MSEd, LMHC, NCC
SPOA Coordinator for Cattaraugus County
(o) 716-373-0980 ext 5401
(f) 716-372-2965