HCSS provides a variety of services to ensure the health and development of youths of Western New York.

Children and Family Treatment and Support Services

Children and youth (under age 21) who are covered by Medicaid and have mental health needs are eligible to receive Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) at no additional cost. These services meet the individual needs of children and their families/caregivers by identifying needs early and providing support in the home and community so that the need for emergency room visits, hospital stays, or out-of-home placements is prevented. CFTSS offers mental health assessment and counseling, emotional and behavioral support services, and family peer support. The intention of these services is to give youth and their families the power to improve their health, well-being and quality of life.

Clients learn to incorporate therapy goals into everyday life, receive extra support managing medication, work on building relationships and learn to communicate more effectively with others.  The youth learns self-care and coping skills to manage emotions, while caregivers can learn to raise a youth with mental health challenges from a Credentialed Family Peer Advocate who has had similar experiences. Caregivers can get assistance with locating information and resources available to meet the needs of the youth and family, making informed decisions, and building and strengthening natural supports.

Home and Community Based Services

Children’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) are for children and youth who are enrolled in Medicaid* and have a Health Home Care Manager. The Care Manager completes paperwork to determine eligibility for HCBS. The HCBS Service provider and Health Home Care Manager then work together as a team with children, their families and service providers to make sure they receive the care and services they need to stay healthy.  HCBS offers personal, flexible services to meet needs of each youth. 

Caregivers and families can receive support to make informed and empowered choices for their children in order to maintain and strengthen the child’s independence. Youths aged 14 and older can learn skills to help get ready for paid work, or volunteer work that matches their interests. Skills learned include how to communicate effectively with others at work, workplace problem solving, career planning, and workplace safety. Youths aged 14 and older can also learn how to stay in a steady job that pays wages and receive ongoing support while working. Services include help with finding a job matching a youth’s skills and interests, job coaching, benefits support, planning for career advancement and other forms of workplace support. In addition, planned respite services provide short-term relief for families/caregivers and support the child’s mental health, substance use and health care goals.

*Note: Some children may be eligible for Medicaid if they are eligible for HCBS.