HomeMy WebLinkAboutMHIDDEI-403 MHIDDEI Advisory Board Program Evaluation1
FRANKLIN/FULTON COUNTY
MENTAL HEALTH/INTELLECTUAL & DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES/EARLY INTERVENTION
425 Franklin Farm Lane
Chambersburg, PA 17202
(717) 264-5387
MH/IDD/EI PROCEDURE STATEMENT
PROCEDURE SUBJECT: MH/IDD/EI Advisory Board Program Evaluation
PROCEDURE NUMBER: MHIDDEI-403
Effective Date: December 3, 2003
Date Revised: September 27, 2023
Reference: Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities Act of 1966, Section 303
DHS Regulations, Chapter 4200.24, County Board and Program Administration
MH/IDD/EI Advisory Board Bylaws Article II, A & D
DHS Regulations, Chapter 4210.181, Description of Services and Service Areas
Intellectual Disabilities Bulletin No. 6000-89-01
INTRODUCTION:
Pennsylvania Code Regulation 4200.24, County Board and Program Administration, states that
the powers and duties of the Advisory Board shall include “review(ing) and evaluat(ing) mental
health and intellectual & developmental disabilities facilities and programs, …assess(ing)
performance and …mak(ing) recommendations to the county concerning programming.” This
procedure has been created to formulate a process by which this shall be accomplished. To meet
the requirements in this procedure statement, a Board member, in consultation with MH/IDD/EI
staff, will conduct on-site reviews of provider agencies according to the following guidelines.
PROCEDURE:
Part I – Description of Program Assessment Mechanics:
Assessors:
A member (or members) of the MH/IDD/EI Advisory Board and a member of the MH/IDD/EI
administrative staff will comprise the assessment team.
Scheduling:
A list of programs that need to be assessed during the current fiscal year will be presented to the
Advisory Board at the first scheduled Advisory Board meeting of each fiscal year. Volunteers
from the Board will be asked to consult with MH/IDD/EI staff in assessing each provider agency
scheduled during the fiscal year. MH/IDD/EI assessments may be scheduled and completed at
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any time during the appropriate fiscal year. The assessment process must include an initial
contact between the Board member(s) and the appropriate MH/IDD/EI staff, a site visit to the
provider agency and a post assessment contact to review the findings between the Board
member(s) and MH/IDD/EI staff.
Materials:
Prior to the site visit, the MH/IDD/EI team member will provide the Advisory Board team
member(s) with general materials containing information for the specific provider that they will
be assessing (see attachments). The materials will include, but are not limited to, the provider
agency information form, the MH/IDD/EI Philosophy Information Sheet, the provider’s
Mission/Vision Statement, a program assessment tool and a sample question list.
Part II – Program Assessment Process:
Program assessments will be scheduled in advance with the provider agency whenever possible.
However, the Board reserves the right to complete an assessment without advanced notice
(reference attached schedule). MH/IDD/EI system is on a four (4)-year Board program
assessment cycle. This means service programs can be expected to have a program Board
assessment conducted within the time span of every four (4) years. The exception to this general
rule is if: A provider or the MH/IDD/EI Advisory Board requests an additional assessment
during the scheduled cycle.
The team, when assessing the provider agency, will ask various questions of the program staff as
if they were a prospective user of the service. The team will also meet with individuals utilizing
the provider agency whenever possible to assess individual satisfaction with the provider agency.
Program Assessment Narrative Reports:
A concise written report will be prepared by each assessment team for each provider agency
assessed. The report will include recommendations and commendations for the provider agency
based on the team's assessment. The report will be completed and submitted to the MH/IDD/EI
Advisory Board for approval at the next scheduled meeting.
Provider agencies will be given the opportunity to submit a written response to the program
assessment report and addressing the team's findings and recommendations. The provider agency
will submit its response within 30 days of receipt of the report. If MH/IDD/EI receives no
response from the provider agency within the allowed time frame, concurrence with the program
assessment findings will be assumed. If approved, the report will be distributed to the provider
agency for review and response.
Completed Advisory Board program assessments will remain on file at the County MH/IDD/EI
Administrative Office for seven (7) years.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Provider Agency Information Form
2. Assessment Tool with Sample Questions
3. Four Year Evaluation Cycle List
4. MH, IDD, EI Program Philosophies
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FRANKLIN/FULTON MH/IDD/EI
PROVIDER AGENCY INFORMATION FORM
Agency Name: _______________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________________________________
Hours of Office Operation: ______________________________________________
Hours of Program Operation: ____________________________________________
Service being assessed: ________________________________________________
Address where assessment will take place:
__________________________________________________________________
Location of program tour(s) if different from the address above:
1. _______________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________
Best date(s) and time(s) to conduct assessment: _____________________________
Names and titles of agency personnel who will be participating in an interview with the
assessment team:
1. ________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________
Program Specialist Completing Form:
____________________________________________
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Franklin/Fulton County MH/IDD/EI
Program Assessment Tool & Sample Questions
The program: Dis-
Agree
Somewhat
Disagree
Somewhat
Agree Agree Not
Assessed
1. Promotes & accommodates differences (i.e.,
culture, ethnicity, race, gender, religion, etc.). 1 2 3 4 5
2. Ensures individual rights without stigma. 1 2 3 4 5
3. Environment is clean, organized & safe. 1 2 3 4 5
4. Activities are age appropriate. 1 2 3 4 5
5. Services promote mental health, intellectual &
developmental disabilities and early intervention
philosophies.
1 2 3 4 5
6. Schedule of activities is readily available and
easy to understand. 1 2 3 4 5
7. Hours of operation are posted & feasible. 1 2 3 4 5
8. Staff coverage is adequate. 1 2 3 4 5
9. Goals are clear, relevant & measurable. 1 2 3 4 5
10. Meets client needs & desires (educational,
social, employment, housing, transportation). 1 2 3 4 5
11. Encourages shared decision making &
program planning. 1 2 3 4 5
12. Includes a mechanism for individuals/families
to voice concerns about aspects of the program. 1 2 3 4 5
13. Has a clear process for crisis intervention or
resolution. 1 2 3 4 5
14. Has a protocol for assisting individuals with
overall health and wellbeing. 1 2 3 4 5
15. Promotes & coordinates linkages with other
community resources. 1 2 3 4 5
16. I would utilize this program if I were in need
of these particular services. 1` 2 3 4 5
Commendations:
Recommendations:
Comments:
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Sample Questions for the Advisory Board Review
A. Communication with program staff:
1. What is the mission and philosophy of this program?
2. What are the program goals for this year? How are you working toward
meeting them? What are the goals or plan for next year?
3. Does the program Board include individuals in recovery from mental
illness, persons with developmental disabilities or family members of
individuals in early intervention? If so, how does that work? If not, is
there a future plan for doing so?
4. Does the program utilize peer specialists? (MH) If so, how is that
working? If not, is there a plan for utilizing them in the future?
5. How are the rights of individuals acknowledged and respected in your
program?
6. What is it about the program that helps individuals move forward in
meeting their goals?
7. How are daily protocols and activities communicated to the individuals
using the services?
8. How do individuals and their families participate in program planning?
9. What is the process for voicing concerns/complaints for the individuals
that you serve?
10. How do individuals and their families make suggestions for changes?
11. How is individual/family satisfaction measured?
12. How does the community hear of the program’s services?
13. How does the program link to the Franklin/Fulton County MH/IDD/EI?
14. What do you see as the strengths of the program? What needs to
improve?
B. Communication with individuals in the programs:
- How did you learn of this program and become involved?
- Did you have a choice about becoming involved in this program?
- How do you become informed of the new services and activities
being offered?
- What do you like about the program? How does it help you?
- What needs to improve here? How do you make suggestions for
improvements?
- What could the staff do differently to make the program better?
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MH/IDD/EI Advisory Board Program Evaluation Schedule:
Year and
Fiscal Year Agency & Service Program
Year One –
FY 22-23
Healthy Communities Partnership: Student Assistance Program
Moving Mountains Pediatric Therapy
Pediatric Therapy Specialists of South Central PA
The ARC: Respite & Family Aid
True North: Supported Living
*Family Based Provider
MH
EI
EI
IDD
MH
MH
Year Two –
FY 23-24
Aspirations
Family Care Services: Respite
MHA: CSP, CPS, IFST & IM4Q
New Visions: Social Rehabilitation & Group Home (CRR)
UCP of Central PA
*Family Based Provider
EI
EI
MH
MH & IDD
MH
EI
MH
Year Three –
FY 24-25
Keystone Health Center: Crisis
Inspire Health & Education
OSI: Voc Rehab, Transitional Employment, SITES & Community
Participation Supports
True North: Outpatient, Crisis and BSU
PennCares Support Services
*Family Based Provider
MH
EI
MH & IDD
MH
EI
MH
Year Four –
FY 25-26
AHEDD: Supported Employment
Invo HealthCare Associates
Keystone: SCR & Forensic SCR
PA Counseling: Outpatient
Service Access & Management: Case Management, Supports
Coordination, Service Coordination
*Family Based Provider
MH & IDD
EI
MH
MH
MH, IDD &
EI
MH
~ As the family-based provider changes each year that provider should be monitored. If the
family-based provider remains the same each year, they would not be evaluated each time. For
example: if the FY 22-23 family-based provider remains the same throughout the four (4) year
cycle, they would not be evaluated again until FY 26-27.
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Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
EVERYDAY LIVES
RECOMMENDATIONS, STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The foundation of Everyday Lives: Values in Action is:
1. We value what is important to people with disabilities and their families, who are striving
for an everyday life.
2. People with disabilities have a right to an everyday life; a life that is no different than that
of all other citizens.
Everyday Lives: Values in Action will be a guide to the Office of Developmental Programs
(ODP) as it develops policy and designs programs. Providers of services will use these
recommendations to support individuals and their families to achieve everyday lives.
1) Assure Effective Communication
Every person has an effective way to communicate in order to express choice and ensure his or
her health and safety. All forms of communication should consider and include the individual’s
language preferences and use of current technology.
2) Promote Self-Direction, Choice, and Control
Personal choice and control over all aspects of life must be supported for every person. Choice
about where to live, whom to live with, what to do for a living, and how to have fun all are key
choices in life, as are seemingly small choices: such as what to eat, what to wear, when to wake
up in the morning, and when to go to bed. It is important to be able to trust the people who
provide assistance, to feel confident that they respect you and your right to manage your life, and
to enjoy each other’s company.
3) Increase Employment
Employment is a centerpiece of adulthood and must be available for every person. The benefits
of employment for people with disabilities are significant and are the same as for people without
disabilities.
4) Support Families throughout the Lifespan
The vast majority of people with disabilities in Pennsylvania live with their families. Families
need support in order make an everyday life possible throughout the person’s lifetime. Families
need information, resources, and training. They need connections with other families and support
services. Listening to people with disabilities and their families is key to providing supports that
help them achieve an everyday life.
5) Promote Health, Wellness, and Safety
Promote physical and mental health, wellness, and personal safety for every individual and his or
her family. Promoting physical and mental health means providing information about health and
wellness, emotional support, and encouragement. Tools that help every individual adopt a
healthy lifestyle — including good nutrition, healthy diets, physical activity, and strategies to
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reduce and manage stress and protect oneself from all types of abuse and exploitation — must be
provided.
6) Support People with Complex Needs
People with disabilities who have both physical and behavioral health needs receive the medical
treatment and supports needed throughout their lifespans. People are more able to live an
everyday life when individuals, families, and providers plan and prepare to provide and modify
supports as needs and challenges change. Opportunities for a full community life are dependent
on adequate supports and the commitment to build capacity within the larger human service
delivery system.
7) Develop and Support Qualified Staff
People with disabilities receiving services benefit when staff who support them are well trained.
Values, ethics, and person-centered decision-making can be learned and used in daily practice
through mentorship and training. Providing professional training that strengthens relationships
and partnerships between individuals, families, and direct support professionals will improve the
quality of support.
8) Simplify the System
The system of supports and funding of those supports must be as straightforward and
uncomplicated as possible. This will allow for greater understanding and use of the system by
everyone — most importantly the individual needing and receiving supports.
9) Improve Quality
Together we must plan and deliver services and supports that adhere to our values, measure
person-centered outcomes, and continuously improve an individual’s quality of life. All
stakeholders must be engaged in the process of measuring how well services assist people in
achieving an everyday life.
10) Expand Options for Community Living
Expand the range of housing options in the community so all people can live where and with
whom they want to live. Listening to people with disabilities and their families, providers, and
Support Coordinators will help people locate affordable and accessible housing, find house
mates, and identify housing resources/supports and other government benefits that, when
blended with natural supports, will promote an everyday life.
11) Increase Community Participation
Being involved in community life creates opportunities for new experiences and interests, the
potential to develop friendships, and the ability to make a contribution to the community. An
inter-dependent life, where people with and without disabilities are connected, enriches all of our
lives.
12) Provide Community Services to Everyone
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People with disabilities — whether living on their own, with families, or in institutions — are
waiting for community services. The goal is to build a system having the capacity to provide
services in a timely fashion for all people who need supports.
13) Evaluate Future Innovations Based on Everyday Lives Principles
Future consideration of service models and reimbursement strategies must be based on the
principles of person-centered planning, individual choice, control over who provides services
and where, and access to/full engagement in community life. Innovative approaches should be
evaluated based on the recommendations of Everyday Lives, including: employment, recognizing
and supporting the role of families, and meeting the diverse needs of all individuals.
Stakeholders should be fully engaged in designing, implementing and monitoring the outcomes
and effectiveness of innovative service models and service delivery systems.
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Overview of Mental Health Recovery Philosophy
This conceptualization of recovery was fully endorsed by the Pennsylvania Office of Mental
Health Substance Abuse Services in 2005 with recovery being defined as a ‘self-determined &
holistic journey that people undertake to heal & grow’.
Recovery is a process facilitated by relationships & environments that provide hope,
empowerment, choices & opportunities that promote people reaching their full potential as
individuals & community members. Operationalizing the definition of recovery throughout the
Pennsylvania Mental Health System is the vision and the goal. This should include a
comprehensive array of supports & services which unify programs & funding while building on
community resources unique to each individual & family. These resources are to be developed,
monitored & evaluated in partnership with consumers, families & advocates; and represent
collaboration with other agencies (Pa.OMHSAS;2005).
Recovery includes helping mental health consumers resolve acute episodes of illness, distress or
disruption & return to full or partial functioning in most aspects of their lives. This involves
promoting acceptance & adjustment to limitations or losses & and supporting consumers through
the process of regaining a personal sense of safety & comfort. Thus, the assessment tool for the
board members was created using the following principles of recovery: promotion of recovery &
resiliency; focused on prevention & early intervention; recognizes unique strengths & needs of
consumers; respects & accommodates differences (in culture/ ethnicity/race/gender
identity/sexual orientation/religion); and ensures individual rights eliminating discrimination &
stigma.
Below is a list of expected essential services in a caring system with a category description and
outcome expected.
Service /Category Description/ Individual Outcome
• Treatment / Alleviating symptoms / Symptom and distress relief
• Crisis intervention / Resolving critical or dangerous problems / Personal safety assured
• Case management / Obtaining the services individuals need and want /Services accessed
• Co-Occurring/Complex Issues/ More than one condition requiring support/service /
expectation of every individual requesting service.
• Rehabilitation / Providing skills & supports related to individual goals / Developing
individual role functioning
• Enrichment / Engaging one in fulfilling and satisfying activities / Self development
• Rights Protection / Advocating to uphold one’s rights/ Equal opportunity
• Basic support / Providing the people, places, and things people need to survive (e.g.,
shelter, meals, healthcare) / Personal survival assured.
• Self-help/ Exercising a voice and a choice in one’s life / Empowerment
• Welcoming / expectation that all individuals who enter our system of care will be
WELCOMED into care/Everyone is welcoming
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What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention consists of services and supports designed to help families with children who
have developmental delays. While all children grow and change at their own rate, some children
can experience delays in their development. Sometimes this can be cause for concern. Early
Intervention provides supports and services to young children and their families/caregivers to
help the child grow and develop.
Who is eligible?
Infants, toddlers, and preschool children who have special needs due to developmental delays or
disabilities are eligible to receive Early Intervention services. If a child is found eligible, Early
Intervention supports and services are provided at no cost to families.
Early Intervention Supports and Services
There are many effective, research-based approaches to the delivery of Early Intervention
services; all with different names and definitions. Regardless of the names, these approaches
have common core principles that are the foundation of Early Intervention supports and services
in Pennsylvania. These core principles include the following:
Early Intervention provides supports and services to infants/toddlers and preschool age
children with disabilities and their caregivers so that they may help the
child grow and develop.
Early Intervention provides individualized supports and services to infants/toddlers and
preschool age children with disabilities and their families.
Early Intervention supports and services are embedded within learning opportunities that
exist in the child’s typical routines, within the home and community activities and/or
early education programs.
Early Intervention supports and services build on the existing family, community, and
early education resources.
Early Intervention personnel work collaboratively with the family and each other to
provide coordinated, flexible, Early Intervention supports and services.
Early Intervention supports and services focus on the family and child’s transition
between and among early education programs.