School. Friends. Family. Emotional and physical health. These are just a few of the issues that trouble today’s young people. Stairways Child and Adolescent Services staff members understand these concerns and, through vast educational and work experiences, are equipped and impassioned to affect positive change in the lives of youth.

The staff of Stairways Behavioral Health Child and Adolescent Services believes in …

• Listening carefully with caring and for understanding
• Creating comprehensive, individualized treatment plans as unique as each
  youth served
• Delivering services professionally and expediently
• The power of partnering and maintaining open communication with, parents,
  teachers, friends, medical professionals and community support persons
• Remaining innovative, flexible and committed, so we can accomplish our
  treatment goals together
• The importance of continuity of care and doing whatever it takes to ensure
  all clients receive the services they need to live a healthy, productive life.

Stairways currently provides comprehensive services to youth who qualify for wraparound services. If you would like to discuss your child’s needs and/or program qualifications privately, please contact Heidi Fette at 814-878-2098 or Hfette@stairwaysbh.org, or call Erie County Care Management at 814-528-0600. You may also learn more by downloading the complete Stairways Child and Adolescent Services program brochure now.

What is Wraparound?

Who Benefits from the Stairways Behavioral Health Wraparound Program?

Does My Child Qualify for Wraparound Services?

What is Child and Adolescent Targeted Case Management?

My Child Does not Qualify for Wraparound or Targeted Case Management – Where Can I Get Help?

What is Wraparound?

The term “wraparound” is used to describe a variety of services designed for at-risk youth with mental health care needs. Services are carried out in the home, school and wherever the child or adolescent may be involved the community. Services are coordinated in a manner that is the most convenient and least disruptive to the youth and his or her family. Treatment may include one-on-one time with the child; group meetings with psychologists, therapists, parents and teachers, and perhaps most importantly, time spent interacting in day-to-day activities including school. These
“real life” situations often provide staff opportunities to offer highly valuable suggestions for modifications in behavior.

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Who Benefits From the Stairways Behavioral Health Wraparound Program?

With a specialty in transitioning youth from childhood to adulthood, Stairways’ staff assists children aged 14 and younger with building a solid foundation for mental, emotional and physical development. Young adults ages 15-21 receive services ranging from locating and securing permanent housing to connecting with community services needed for further development to job hunting and placement.

The Stairways Behavioral Health Wraparound Program can assist children and adolescents who:

• Have difficulty learning
• Display hyperactivity, impulsiveness, aggression or self-injurious behavior
• Have difficulty building and maintaining relationships with peers and teachers
• Exhibit a pervasive mood of unhappiness or depression
• Display inappropriate types of behavior including excessive fear or anxiety
• Withdraw from others to have abnormal mood swings

To be part of the Stairways Behavioral Health Wraparound Program, children and adolescents must qualify for services according to the medical assistance criteria listed here.

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Does My Child Qualify for Wraparound Services?

Wraparound services are available to children and adolescents from birth to 21 years. If two or more of the following statements are true for your child, he or she may be eligible to receive wraparound services. Contact Heidi Fette at Hfette@stairwaysbh.org or 814-878-2098 to privately discuss your child.

• My child is currently receiving or has received outpatient therapy.
• My child receives special education services through his or her school.
• My child has been admitted into the hospital for behavioral health issues.
• My child is currently involved or has been involved with the Office of Children
  and Youth.
• My child is currently involved or has been with juvenile probation.
• My child has a mental health or developmental disability diagnosis from a
  primary care doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist.
• My child is currently receiving or has received drug and/or alcohol counseling.
• My child is at risk of being placed out of my home.
• My child is being discharged from an out-of-home placement.
• My child has received wraparound services in the past.

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What is Child and Adolescent Targeted Case Management?

Targeted Case Management is a community based program providing direct care to people with special, complex needs. The aim of the Child, Adolescent and Transitional Youth Services division of TCM is to assure that children and adolescents who have or are at risk for developing a serious mental illness or emotional disorder get proper treatment and the supports necessary to help them succeed in the home, school and community. Contact Christine Colao-Nickson at 814-878-3461 or Ccolao@stairwaysbh.org to privately discuss your child.

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My Child Does not Qualify for Wraparound or Targeted Case Management – Where can I get Help?

Stairways Behavioral Health Child and Adolescent Services staff members will gladly provide assistance and guidance for parents with questions regarding their child’s mental or emotional wellbeing. Contact Heidi Fette at 814-878-2098 or Hfette@stairwaysbh.org to privately discuss your child. You may also contact Erie County Care Management at 814-528-0600 for assistance or visit one of the additional resources listed below.

Crawford County Crisis Hotline, 814-724-2732 – 24 hours a day/7 days a week

Erie County Crisis Hotline, 814-456-2014 – 24 hours a day/7 days a week

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK– 24 hours a day/7 days a week

American Psychiatric Association

Gannon University Social Work Department resource guide

Highmark Caring Place

National Alliance on Mental Illness

National Institute on Mental Health

The Center for Mental Health Services

The Mental Health Association of Erie County, Inc.

The mental health recovery works of Mary Ellen Copeland

Reach Out

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