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Crisis Assistance Launched Statewide
Thursday, July 5, 2007

One of the critical areas identified out of the planned closure of Silvercrest Children’s Developmental Center is the need for a statewide crisis assistance program that would help families, children and adults with disabilities before an institutional placement is seen as the only option. With perhaps record speed, FSSA has announced that effective July 15, 2007 a new statewide crisis assistance program will be launched to reach over 2,100 people throughout the state.

Two providers, AWS and Meridian Services, will provide comprehensive coverage throughout the state - including a 24-hour a day crisis support line, on site support in the event it is needed, and out of home supports in the most immediate needs. Every case will be treated individually with trained personnel. The service will be available to children and adults living at home, in supported living, in a group home, or through their school programs. The total cost of this statewide effort is approximately $7.5 million - about equal to the annual cost of serving the 60 children per year at Silvercrest. An official announcement of the Crisis Assistance program, along with contact information, will be made in Mid-July.