Butler County Human Service System Guide - 2017

Butler County
Human Service
System Guide

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Table of Contents

For a clickable table of contents look for this symbol in
the menu bar at the bottom of the screen:

I. Welcome/System Vision

II. Service Expectations

III. Finding Resources in Butler County

IV. Aging
a. Aging Resources

V. Children and Youth Services (CYS)
a. CYS Resources

VI. Community Action
a. Community Action Resources

VII. Drug and Alcohol (D&A)
a. D&A Resources

VIII. Early Intervention (EI)
a. EI Resources

IX. Intellectual Disabilities (ID)
a. ID Resources

X. Juvenile Justice (JJ)
a. JJ Resources

XI. Mental Health (MH)
a. MH Resources

XII. Victims of Violence
a. Victims of Violence Resources

XIII. System Partner Resources
a. Housing
b. Food
c. Clothing
d. Health Care
e. Education
f. Legal
g. Transportation
h. Child Care
i. Financial Stability

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Welcome to the
Butler County Human Service System Guide

This Guide was developed to provide stakeholders with an overview of the many
components of Butler County’s Human Service System and a better understanding of
how to navigate the system and access necessary resources, whether for themselves,
their family members, or the individuals and/or families they serve. The Guide is
intended to be used by individuals working within the system, as well as community
members who may be receiving services.

The Butler County Human Service System Guide will help you learn about the following:
 The various components of the Human Service System.
 The rights and responsibilities of everyone involved with the System.
 Words and phrases that are commonly used in the System.
 Special programs available in Butler County.
 Other helpful resources relating to each part of the System.
o Some resources apply more to individuals working within the system while
others are intended for individuals/families receiving services. The
resources are included in order to be shared with anybody who might
benefit from them, so please make copies and distribute when
appropriate.

The Guide is intended to be used as tool for promoting the Human Service System
Vision:

Butler County is a safe and thriving place to live and work, where individuals and
families reach their highest possible potential and are educated, productive, self-
sufficient, vested members of the community.

Human Services in Butler County support this vision through a system that:
 Is person and family-centered;
 Is easily navigated;
 Is accountable to its stakeholders;
 Fosters independence, responsibility, recovery, and self-sufficiency; and,
 Embraces collaboration and open communication to work toward the
common goal of strengthening individuals and families.

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Service Expectations

The list of Services Expectations was developed to communicate “how” services are intended to be delivered in
Butler County. They explain the way in which contracted agencies are required to interact with the people they
serve, other organizations within the community, and with Butler County Human Services as the funding agent.
The list of Service Expectations was developed by collecting input directly from various stakeholder groups,
including families, individuals, and youth who have utilized services, as well as contracted providers and other
organizations that work directly with Butler County Human Services.

The following Service Expectations apply to all Providers of Service:

1) Welcoming- Staff at all levels of the service system are welcoming and engaging when speaking/working
with a program participant or person in need. It is our job as a system to meet people where they are
and instill hope where it may be lacking.

2) Choices are respected- Program participants are provided with adequate information and assistance to
make informed choices relating to the services they receive. In addition, these choices are respected
and upheld by the Provider of Service.

3) Eliminate Discrimination and Stigma- As professionals in the field of human services, it is everybody’s
responsibility to work toward the elimination of discrimination and stigma for the populations we serve.
This is accomplished by modeling appropriate behavior in all settings.

4) Professionalism- Staff are courteous, accountable for their actions, dedicated to delivering effective
services, and committed to continuously enhancing their competency level.

5) Integrity- Staff are trustworthy, honest and genuine.

6) Respect- Staff treat program participants, coworkers, and employees of other organizations with
consideration.

7) Empathy- Staff have the ability to comprehend what people are feeling and what they are going through
and use this understanding to guide their attitudes and actions.

8) Recovery Focused- Provider of Service will operate with the expectation that individuals/families can
and do overcome their hardships and will support people in reaching their fullest potential. This will
consist of delivering services in a person-centered, holistic, trauma-informed manner which focuses on

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the complex needs of individuals. Provider of Service will also participate in initiatives to facilitate
system-wide transformation on an on-going basis whenever possible.

9) Customer Satisfaction- Program participants are viewed as our customers and their satisfaction with
services is measured on a regular basis. Reasonable adjustments are made to the services based upon
customer feedback.

10) Participant Involvement- Program participants/members of the target population are actively engaged
in program planning and development.

11) Outcome Based- Intended outcomes are identified in cooperation with individual program participants
and service plans, including plans for discharge, document the path that will be taken to reach these
outcomes.

12) Person and Family Guided Planning- Program participants are directly involved with the creation of
their service plans, which builds on their strengths and natural supports, and are given easy access to
these plans.

13) Trauma informed Services – Services will be delivered in a trauma informed manner. Provider of Service
will work diligently to not exacerbate or add to the trauma histories of the people seeking services.

14) Collaboration- Staff work in partnership with program participants, colleagues, and other service
providers to reach common goals. Staff take the initiative to connect with other service providers, to
the extent permitted by the program participant, in order to coordinate efforts in the best interest of
the participant.

15) Educators- It is the responsibility of the Provider of Service to ensure that their staff is knowledgeable
about the services and resources available within the community. Staff take the time to actively listen to
people regarding their needs and educate them about the services and resources that are available. If
the Provider of Service does not provide the service being sought, the expectation is that staff will take
the time to gather information about the service and follow-up with the individual/family in a timely
manner.

Last revised Jan. 2017

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Finding Resources in Butler County

PA 2-1-1 Southwest – www.pa211sw.org OR dial 2-1-1 to speak with a Resource
Navigator

PA 2-1-1 Southwest is FREE resource and information hub that connects people with community
resources, health and human services, and disaster services in 11 counties through a free, 24/7
confidential phone service and website. 2-1-1 can be used by people seeking services or by people who
are assisting others to find appropriate resources.

Butler First Step – www.butlerfirststep.com

Whether you’re looking for help related to substance abuse issues for yourself, a friend, employee, or
loved one – your First Step starts with information.
This site is all about information: Articles, Contact Points, Links, Events, etc. organized by local help
providers to let you find what you need quickly and easily.

Last Updated - March 2017

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Aging
Services

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Aging

In 1965, Congress enacted the Older Americans Act (reauthorized in 2011) in response
to the challenges a burgeoning older population imposed upon our nation’s system of
health care, housing, employment, and social and community services. The Act
prescribed structures at the federal, state, and local levels to administer and plan
essential service programs to enable the nation’s elderly to “age in place” – maintaining
their dignity, health and independence in their homes and communities.

Within Pennsylvania, 52 Area Agencies on Aging serve as the outreach arm for the PA
Department of Aging in reaching the elderly population and furnishing a single point of
entry into a service network that provides unbiased access to comprehensive resources
and assistance. The Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve as community focal points
to coordinate services for older people and to responsibly represent the issues and
concerns of aging. As such, they assure three (3) key services to persons aged 60
years and over - advocacy, assessment of need, and development of comprehensive
community-based long-term care service plans to meet needs as identified. The
ultimate goal of the AAAs is to provide the least restrictive services and environment to
maximize an older person’s independence.

The Butler County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) was established July 1, 1984 as a
unit of the county government. It is governed by the Butler County Board of
Commissioners. The agency’s volunteer Advisory Board consists of senior citizens
and professionals in aging-related fields. The board advises the agency on matters
relating to the development and administration of the agency.

The mission of the AAA is to provide support to Butler County residents over the age of
60 (and their families) to help seniors remain independent in the community and out of
skilled facilities. Support from this Agency may be in the form of service or information.
Some services and programs are provided directly through the agency, and other
services are subcontracted with various community agencies.

What Services are Provided?

The AAoA currently provides services to approximately 11,000 senior citizens a year in
Butler County. Services are supportive in nature. Butler County Area Agency on Aging
operates eight senior centers where active and vital older adults enjoy a full range of
activities that include health programs, Life Lecture Series, trips and traditional crafts
and games. Eligible older adults experiencing health or frailty challenges, may be
provided a range of in-home services - geared to their specific needs - from light

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housekeeping and home delivered meals, up to and including intensive health
monitoring services. In-home services require an assessment in your home by a
caseworker to determine your eligibility. Other AAoA services are available simply by
request.

Butler County Area Agency on Aging is funded by several programs.

Services provided by the PA Department of Aging Waiver Program are available free
of charge for eligible consumers. These services are provided in accordance with the
guidelines established by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services with
significant oversight by the PA Department of Aging and Office of Long Term Living.

Aging Waiver Services are provided through a network of providers who have enrolled
and been qualified by the Department of Public Welfare and the PA Department of
Aging.

Options Services are funded by the PA State Lottery, Older Americans Act, fees, and
donations. Consumers eligible for Options services may have a cost-share fee ranging
from 0-100% of the cost of services. The cost share fee is determined by a sliding scale,
based on income less eligible deductions.

Options Services are provided by established and experienced providers who have
entered into a contract with the County of Butler through the Area Agency on Aging. The
Agency has contracts with multiple providers for each Options Service. Consumers can
select a contracted provider for each service for which they are eligible.

The Family Caregiver Support Program provides services to meet the needs of family
caregivers. This program may reimburse consumers and/or caregivers for expenses
such as medical supplies or respite care to provide the caregiver a break.
Reimbursement is provided on a cost-sharing basis determined through a sliding fee
scale.

How may we help you?

 Community Services for Older Adults and their families
 Home and Community Based Services
 PDA Waiver Services

Access to Services

 Information and Referral
 Assessment
 Care Management

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Who is Eligible for Services and How Do They Access
Them?

All Pennsylvanians over the age of 60 are eligible for services from their local Area
Agency on Aging although specific guidelines imposed by PA Department of Aging,
Medicaid Waiver and local funding limitations may apply to individual services such as
the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Medicaid Waiver. AAAs generally give priority of
services to persons that have the greatest need and least resources. Factors used to
gauge priority include functional disability, absence of related adults in the home, low
income, minority status if underrepresented, inadequate housing, and lack of access to
socialization opportunities.

Given the broad array of services furnished by AAAs, Pennsylvania’s 400,000
consumers run the gamut from active, working seniors to persons who are disabled or
frail and, in the absence of agency in-home services, would require institutional care.
Today’s typical AAA consumer is considerably more frail/ill than that of 10-20 years ago.

The Butler County AAA currently provides services to approximately 11,000 senior
citizens a year. Services are supportive in nature and range from activities for healthy,
active seniors to intensive home health services for homebound older adults. Home
health services require an assessment by a caseworker in the senior’s home to
determine eligibility. Other AAA services are available simply by request. Most services
are available on a cost-share basis using a sliding fee scale based on the consumer's
income.

Anyone can request services for themselves or a loved one. Information and Referral
(I&R) is the department that will most likely talk with a caller first. I&R staff answer
questions over the phone and may mail or email information about available resources
for an individual. To request services, call 724-282-3008, or toll free 1-888-FOR-AGE-
INFO (1-888-367-2434) during regular office hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday. Calls made after working hours and on weekends are recorded and
answered as soon as possible. If calling after regular office hours, callers are asked to
leave their complete name and telephone number for a return call. In addition to calling
the office for services, individuals can also send an email to [email protected].

Seniors in need of assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing,
home delivered meals, etc., or caregivers who need support are evaluated by AAA staff
to best match their needs to services. The consumer in need must always agree to a
referral and evaluation through the AAA. Consumer choice is very much respected by
all AAA staff.

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How is the System Funded?

Federal funds are allocated in the Aging system based upon the age 60 and over
population in each state. Pennsylvania applies its own formula for allocation of both
federal and PA lottery dollars among the AAAs. AAAs plan, coordinate, monitor and
evaluate service within their own area, and via contract with local providers, expand and
assure quality services within the community. The Butler County AAA receives funding
for services from the Federal Older Americans Act, PA Department of Aging Grant, the
PA Lottery, Medical Assistance, the Butler County General Fund, donations, and
service fees.

Who’s Who in the System?

There are many people that you may interact with as part of the Aging system, including
the following:

Assessor
A person who will meet with a consumer and family to measure the level of need for
care and financial resources available in an effort to match funding and care
management services to each individual.

APPRISE Coordinator
This is a staff person who is knowledgeable about insurance options for older adults,
including Prescription, Medical and Long-term Care Insurances. The coordinator meets
with older consumers to provide them with information and objective counseling
regarding their individual options for insurance benefits.

Case Manager
A person who works with consumers and their family to coordinate the services they
need. This involves coordinating formal and informal support systems.

Ombudsman
A person who investigates and helps resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, older
persons in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and personal care homes.

Department of Aging
The PA Department of Aging oversees Aging Services across the Commonwealth of
PA.

Protective Services
This is the arm of the Aging system that investigates alleged abuse to older consumers
to prevent or stem abuse and exploitation. Older consumers are vulnerable to such
things as intimidation, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect, self-neglect, emotional

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abuse, and physical abuse. All Protective Services office have a 24/7 telephone
number on which they receive reports of potential abuse.

What are the Rights and Responsibilities relating to
the System?

The Older Adult Protective Services Act protects Pennsylvanians 60 years of age and
older against physical, emotional, or financial abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
Reporting of abuse is mandatory for employees and administrators of nursing homes,
personal care homes, domiciliary care homes, adult day care centers, and home health
care providers. For all others, reporting of abuse is voluntary. The law protects all
reporters from retaliation and civil or criminal liability. Under this law, the AAAs receive
reports 24 hours a day and begin all investigations within 72 hours. Reports of elderly
abuse in Butler County can be made (anonymously, if necessary) 24 hours a day,
seven days a week, by calling the Elderly Abuse Report Line at 724-283-6955. Collect
calls are accepted and all reports are investigated by a trained caseworker.

Adult consumers of all ages have the right to make informed choices and decisions.
The older population often experience challenges to this right in even subtle ways. The
Area Agency on Aging is the single best resource for older consumers and their families
to assure that the consumer is afforded the opportunity to make their own decisions.
Choices and decisions are made on several levels and include but are not limited to:
living arrangements, financial decisions, and care decisions

Who are the Local Contacts in Butler County?

Beth Herold, Administrator
Butler County Area Agency on Aging
Sunnyview Complex
111 Sunnyview Circle - Suite 101
Butler, PA 16001
724-282-3008
1-888-367-2434

http://www.co.butler.pa.us/Area-Agency-on-Aging

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Words to Know in the Aging System

The following are words and phrases that are used in the Aging system.

ABANDONMENT - In the dictionary, one will find this to be defined as "to give up;
discontinue; withdraw from." Under Elder Abuse, this would be defined by actions such as
a caregiver deserting a care recipient who needs help with daily living activities and would
then be at risk without such help. This can happen within a family unit or a long term care
facility.

ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (ADLs) - Basic personal activities which include
bathing, eating, dressing, mobility, transferring from bed to chair, and using the toilet.
ADLs are used to measure how dependent a person may be on requiring assistance in
performing any or all of these activities.

ADULT CARE HOME (Also called board and care home or group home.) -
Residence which offers housing and personal care services for 3 to 16 residents.
Services (such as meals, supervision, and transportation) are usually provided by the
owner or manager. May be single family home. (Licensed as adult family home or adult
group home.)

ADULT DAY CARE - A daytime community-based program for functionally impaired
adults that provides a variety of health, social, and related support services in a
protective setting.

APPRISE -A health insurance counseling and assistance program for all Medicare
beneficiaries in Pennsylvania that provides free one-on-one or telephoneassistance
with understanding Medicare and Medicaid eligibility and benefits, Medicare
supplemental insurance, HMOs, and long-term care insurance.

AREA AGENCY ON AGING (AAA) - A local (city or county) agency, funded under the
federal Older Americans Act, that plans and coordinates various social and health
service programs for persons 60 years of age or more. The national network of AAA
offices consists of more than 600 approved agencies.

ASSISTED LIVING - Residences that provide a "home with services" and that emphasize
residents' privacy and choice. Residents typically have private locking rooms (only shared
by choice) and bathrooms. Personal care services are available on a 24- hour-a-day
basis. (Licensed as residential care facilities or as rest homes.)

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CARE PLAN (Also called service plan or treatment plan.) - Written document which
outlines the types and frequency of the long-term care services that a consumer
receives. It may include treatment goc1ls for him or her for a specified time period.

CAREGIVER - Person who provides support and assistance with various activities to a
family member, friend, or neighbor. May provide emotional or financial support, as well
as hands-on help with different tasks. Caregiving may also be done from long distance.

CARE/CASE MANAGEMENT - Offers a single point of entry to the aging services
network. Care/case managers assess clients' needs, create service plans, and
coordinate and monitor services; they may operate privately or may be employed by
social service agencies or public programs. Typically case managers are nurses or
social workers.

CHORE SERVICES - Help with chores such as home repairs, yard work, and heavy
housecleaning.

COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT - Deterioration or loss of intellectual capacity which requires
continual supervision to protect the insured or others, as measured by clinical evidence
and standardized tests that reliably measure impairment in the area of (1) short or long-
term memory, (2) orientation as to person, place and time, or (3) deductive or abstract
reasoning. Such loss in intellectual capacity can result from Alzheimer's disease or similar
forms of senility or Irreversible Dementia.

COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES - Services designed to help older people remain
independent and in their own homes. These can include senior centers, transportation,
delivered meals or congregate meals site, visiting nurses or home health aides, adult
day care, and homemaker services.

CONGREGATE HOUSING - Individual apartments in which residents may receive
some services, such as a daily meal with other tenants. (Other services may be included
as well.) Buildings usually have some common areas such as a dining room and lounge
as well as additional safety measures such as emergency call buttons. May be rent-
subsidized (known as Section 8 housing).

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY (CCRC) - Communities which offer
multiple levels of care (independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care) housed in
different areas of the same community or campus and which give residents the
opportunity to remain in the same community if their needs change. Provide residential
services (meals, housekeeping, laundry), social and recreational services, health care
services, personal care, and nursing care. Require payment of a monthly fee and possibly
a large lump-sum entrance fee. (Licensed as nursing homes/residential care facilities or
as homes for the aging.)

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DEMENTIA - Term which describes a group of diseases (including Alzheimer's
Disease) which are characterized by memory loss and other declines in mental
functioning.

ELDER ABUSE - Elder abuse and crimes targeting older people are real issues that
come in many forms, including neglect, physical, financial and sexual abuse.

Signs of elder abuse - Although these signs do not always mean elder abuse, it is
important to be aware that elder abuse can occur at any time to anyone:

• Bruises or broken bones
• Weight loss
• Dementia may be blamed on "old age" when the real cause is malnutrition

or drug interactions or side effects
• The older person never goes outside or never sees visitors
• Withdrawing large sums of money from a savings account without

apparent reason
• Signing over his or her home to a relative

ESTATE RECOVERY - By law states are required to recover funds from certain
deceased Medicaid recipients' estates up to the amount spent by the state for all
Medicaid services (e.g., nursing facility, home and community-based services,
hospital, and prescription costs).

( EXPLOITATION - In the dictionary, one will find this to be defined as "to use selfishly
for one's own ends." Under Elder Abuse, this would be defined by actions such as:
, Co-signing for loans for family members and then being stuck with the full
payment.
• An older consumer's bank account dwindles for no apparent reason and
the Power of Attorney has the checkbook.
• Family members withhold love, attention, or care for financial gains - like
money or having the house signed over to them.

FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT - Through AAAs, eligible families may receive
financial support in caring for an older person in their home. In addition to one-time
grants for renovations, ongoing support to caregivers providing hands-on care is
available.

FUNCTIONALLY DISABLED - A person with a physical or mental impairment that
limits the individual's capacity for independent living.

GERIATRICIAN - Physician who is certified in the care of older people.

HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED WAIVERS -Section 2176 of the Omnibus
Reconciliation Act permits states to offer, under a waiver, a wide array of home and
community-based services that an individual may need to avoid institutionalization.
Regulations to implement the act list the following services as community and home-

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based services which may be offered under the waiver program: case management,
homemaker, home health aide, personal care, adult day health care, habilitation, respite
care and other services.

HOME HEALTH AGENCY (HHA) - A public or private organization that provides home
health services supervised by a licensed health professional in the patient's home either
directly or through arrangements with other organizations.

HOME HEALTH AIDE - A person who, under the supervision of a home health or social
service agency, assists elderly, ill or disabled person with household chores, bathing,
personal care, and other daily living needs. Social service agency personnel are sometimes
called personal care aides.

HOME HEALTH CARE - Includes a wide range of health-related services such as
. assistance with medications, wound care, intravenous (IV) therapy, and help with basic

needs such as bathing, dressing, mobility, etc., which are delivered at a person's home.

HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (Also called durable medical equipment.) - Equipment
such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, and prosthetics used at home. May be covered by
Medicaid and in part by Medicare or private insurance.

HOMEBOUND - One of the requirements to qualify for Medicare home health care. Means
that someone is generally unable to leave the house, and if they do leave home,
it is only for a short time (e.g., for a medical appointment) and requires much effort.

HOMEMAKER SERVICES - In-home help with meal preparation, shopping, light
housekeeping, money management, personal hygiene and grooming, and laundry.

HOSPICE - A program which provides palliative and supportive care for terminally ill
patients and their families, either directly or on a consulting be sis with the patient's
physician or another community agency. The whole family is considered the unit of care,
and care extends through their period of mourning.

IMPAIRMENT - Any loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical
function.
INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILTIY - Rental units in which services are not included as
part of the rent, although services may be available on site and may be purchased by
residents for an additional fee.

INSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (IADLs) - Household/independent
living tasks which include using the telephone, taking medications, money management,
housework, meal preparation, laundry, and grocery shopping.

INTERMEDIATE CARE - Occasional nursing and rehabilitative care ordered by a
doctor and performed or supervised by skilled medical personnel.

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INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITY (ICF) - A nursing home, recognized under the
Medicaid program, which provides health-related care and services to individuals who do
not require acute or skilled nursing care, but who, because of their mental or physical
condition, require care and services above the level of room and board available only
through facility placement. Specific requirements for ICF's vary by state. Institutions for
care of the mentally retarded or people with related conditions (ICF/MR) are also
included. The distinction between "health-related care and services" and "room and
board" is important since ICF's are subject to different regulations and coverage
requirements than institutions which do not provide health-related care and services.

LEVEL OF CARE (LOC) - Amount of assistance required by consumers which may
determine their eligibility for programs and services. Levels include: protective,
intermediate, and skilled.

LONG-TERM CARE (LTC) - Range of medical and/or social services designed to help
people who have disabilities or chronic care needs. Services may be short- or long-term
and may be provided in a person's home, in the community, or in residential facilities
(e.g., nursing homes or assisted living facilities).

MEDICARE (Title XVIII) - Federal health insurance program for persons age 65 c1nd over
(and certain disabled persons under age 65). Consists of 2 parts: Part A (hospital insurance)
and Part B (optional medical insurance which covers physicians' services and outpatient
care in part and which requires beneficiaries to pay a monthly premium).

MEDICARE HMOs - Under Medicare HMOs (health maintenance organizations),
members pay their regular monthly premiums to Medicare, and Medicare pays the HMO
a fixed sum of money each month to provide Medicare benefits (e.g., hospitalization,
doctor's visits, and more). Medicare HMOs may provide extra benefits over and above
regular Medicare benefits (such as prescription drug coverage, eyeglasses, and more).
Members do not pay Medicare deductibles and co-payments; however, the HMO may
require them to pay an additional monthly premium and co-payments for some services.
If members use providers outside the HMO's network, they pay the entire bill themselves
unless the plan has a point of service option.

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE (MedSupp) (Also called Medigap.) -
Insurance supplement to Medicare that is designed to fill in the "gaps" left by Medicare
(such as co-payments). May pay for some limited long-term care expenses, depending
on thebenefits package purchased.

NURSING HOME - Facility licensed by the state to offer residents personal care as well
as skilled nursing care on a 24 hour a day basis. Provides nursing care, personal care,
room and board, supervision, medication, therapies and rehabilitation. Rooms are often
shared, and communal dining is common. (Licensed as nursing homes, county homes,
or nursing homes/residential care facilities.)

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OLDER AMERICANS ACT (OAA) - Federal legislation that specifically addresses the ·
needs of older adults in the United States. Provides some funding for aging services
(such as home-delivered meals, congregate meals, senior center, employment
programs). Creates the structure of federal, state, and local agencies that oversee aging
services programs. (See also Title Ill services.)

OMBUDSMAN - A representative of a public agency or a private nonprofit organization
who investigates and resolves complaints made by or on behalf of older individuals who
are residents of long-term care facilities.

PERSONAL CARE (Also called custodial care.) - Assistance with activities of daily living
as well as with self-administration of medications and preparing special diets.

POWER OF ATTORNEY - A written document where a principal, the individual making the
Power of Attorney, designates an agent to transact powers and duties on the principal's
behalf, if the principal becomes unable to act for himself/hers<elf or under specified
circumstances. The agent should be someone that the principal trusts to handle his/her
finances and make important decisions.

PRE-ADMISSION CERTIFICATION - A process under which admission to a health
institution is reviewed in advance to determine need and appropriateness and to
authorize a length of stay consistent with norms for the evaluation.

PRIMETIME HEALTH PROGRAM- PrimeTime Health is Pennsylvania's health
promotion and education program and focuses on eight priority areas: exercise, nutrition,
chronic conditions, incontinence, mental health, injury prevention, medication
management, and alcohol. A variety of health promotion and disease prevention
activities are available through the AAAs and senior community centers.

REHABILITATION SERVICES - Services designed to improve/restore a person's
functioning. Includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy.
May be provided at home or in long-term care facilities. May be covered in part by
Medicare.

RESIDENTIAL CARE - The provision of room, board and personal care. Residential
care falls between the nursing care delivered in skilled and intermediate care facilities
and the assistance provided through social services. It can be broadly defined as the
provision of 24-hour supervision of individuals who, because of old age or impairments,
necessarily need assistance with the activities of daily living.

RESPITE CARE - Service in which trained professionals or volunteers come into the
home to provide short-term care (from a few hours to a few days) for an older person to
allow caregivers some time away from their caregiving role.

SENILITY - The generalized characterization of progressive decline in mental
functioning as a condition of the aging process. Within geriatric medicine, this term has

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(Note: You do not automatically have an attorney. You must hire an attorney. Or
if you meet income guidelines, you may apply for a parent advocate.

 Every parent has the right to complain. To do this, you must follow the steps
below:
 First, talk to your caseworker about your complaint.
 If not resolved, contact your caseworker’s supervisor. When you call
Butler County CYS, ask the receptionist who your caseworker’s’
supervisor is and ask to talk to this person.
 If not resolved, contact the CYS Casework Manager. When you call
Butler County CYS, ask the receptionist to connect you to your CYS
Casework Manager because you have a complaint.
 If not resolved, contact the Butler County CYS Director at 724-284-5174
and tell the receptionist that you have a complaint about CYS.
 If not resolved, contact the Butler County Human Services Director at 724-
284-5114 and tell the receptionist that you have a complaint about CYS.
 If not resolved, contact the Department of Human Services, Office of
Children, Youth, and Families, Western Region Office at 412-565-2339
and tell the receptionist that you are calling to make a complaint.

 Every parent has the right to be treated with respect, which includes:
 No discrimination based on disability, age, race, sex, religion, ethnic
origin, economic status, or sexual orientation.
 Privacy and confidentiality (within limits set by laws and court orders).
(Note: There are exceptions. CYS must tell the proper authorities about any
child abuse, criminal activity, or about any person’s threat to harm themselves
or others.)

 If your child is in out-of-home placement, you have the right to:
 Your child’s return home when all of the conditions required by the court
and your Family Service Plan (FSP) have been met. (Note: A return home
must be in the best interest of the child. This decision is made by a Judge
at a hearing.)
 Contact with your child and information about his/her whereabouts (unless
denied by the court).
 Visit at least every two weeks (unless denied by the court).
 Send mail and receive phone calls (unless denied by the court).
 Go with your child to a medical or dental appointment (unless denied by
the court).
 Be told of any change in the child’s placement (unless denied by the
court).
 Be consulted and make decisions about the following:
o Your child’s religion.
o Your child’s student Individual Educational Plan (IEP). Your
signature is needed to begin important school tasks for your child.

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o Hospitalizations and/or medical and surgical treatment.
o Out-of-state travel.
o Your child’s involvement in contact sports, such as football.
o Giving photos or information about your child for publication or

media purposes.
o Any waiver of liability (usually part of the forms for sports, trips or

camp applications).
o Your child’s marriage or enlistment in the military.
(Note: For some of these situations, a Judge will consent if you are not available
or if your refusal is not in the child’s best interests.)19

The following are your responsibilities as a parent if you are involved with the CYS
system:

 Help pay for your child’s care. When your child is in an “out-of-home” placement,
you contribute to the costs of the placement.
 If you receive public assistance (TANF), you will not receive money for
your child or children while they are in out-of-home placements. When a
child is under the direct care of CYS, the PA Department of Human
Services (DHS) pays CYS and not the parents.
 If you have a job, the court will decide the amount you pay.

 Be present in court for all hearings and follow all court orders.

 Meet the goals of a Family Service Plan (FSP) within the time allowed.

 Identify supports for the family.

 Stay in contact with your child(ren) and participate in planning for them.

 Treat others with courtesy and respect.

 Call if you need to cancel an appointment.

 Obey all court and agency rules about weapons and threatening behavior.

 Provide information to your caseworker.

 Provide information about extended family members.

(Note: Your caseworker needs to know about changes in your life, including changes in
your address or telephone number, your work, your job, your marital status, your
health status, or your household, such as someone moving into or out of your home.)

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Rights and Responsibilities of Children

The following are your rights as a child involved with the CYS system:
 Safety and protection from danger.
 A permanent home, food, and clothing.
 Age-appropriate supervision and discipline.
 Medical and dental care.
 Services to meet any special needs.
 Information about the reasons why you are getting help from CYS, and help
explaining the situation to others.
 Go to school (or receive an education).
 Practice your religion.
 Complain to a CYS Caseworker, Caseworker Manager or CYS Director.
 Respectful and courteous treatment.
 Receive help coping with any separation from family.
 Opportunities to visit with family (unless denied by the court).
 To agree to adoption (at age 14 years or older).
 Guidance before the age of 18 on how to plan for life as an independent adult.
 Keep some personal possessions (Note: In most settings, this may include
money).
 Be represented in court by a lawyer, a “Guardian Ad Litem”.

The following are your responsibilities as a child involved with the CYS system:
 Follow the rules and routines of a placement setting.
 Cooperate with therapeutic treatment.

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 Depending on age, help with the Family Service Plan (FSP).
 If school-age, go to school.

The CYS Agency’s Responsibilities

The following are responsibilities of the CYS agency to parents:
 Be respectful and courteous.
 Assess your family’s needs.
 Plan for appropriate services that help you and your child.
 Tell you about advocacy services.
 Arrange for your regular visits with your child.
 Involve you in writing the Family Service Plan (FSP) and in making any changes
to the Plan.
 Obey all court orders and report any progress to the court.
 Protect your family’s confidentiality, but report any child abuse to authorities.
 Keep, release, and destroy records as required by law.
 Testify in court about your family (if your family’s case is court-active).

The following are responsibilities of the CYS agency to children:
 Protect children from abuse and neglect.
 Provide for a child’s safety, health, and nurturing.
 Plan for a permanent home.
 Include children over the age of 14 in planning the Family Service Plan (FSP).
 When a child’s placement is needed, CYS must:
 Place children in the most home-like setting possible.
 Review the placement regularly.
 Supervise, visit, and support temporary caregivers.

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 Help with a return to the family or, if age appropriate, a move to
independent living.

The Court’s Responsibilities

If you or your family has a case that is active with the court, a judge will review all
actions taken by the CYS and by you. The judge will make decisions based on the
information provided by everyone, including you, the CYS caseworker, service
providers, and advocates. At court, the judge will decide whether:

 The Judge will review all actions taken by CYS and by you.
 The parent(s) participate in a psychological evaluation and/or an interactional

assessment.
 The child participates in a developmental evaluation and/or an interactional

assessment.
 The parent has worked on goals in the Family Service Plan (FSP).
 CYS made reasonable efforts to prevent a child’s placement.
 CYS made reasonable efforts to reunify a family.
 CYS made a temporary out-of-home placement for a child that was appropriate.
 The child should remain in out-of-home care.
 The time has come to decide on a permanent plan for the child.
 The child should be returned to the parents.
 The child should be placed for adoption.
 The youth, age 16 or older, will participate in an independent living program.

Source: A Parent’s Handbook, Allegheny County Department of Human Services,
August 2008.

46

Community
Action

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COMMUNITY ACTION

Butler County Community Action is an office within County government, operating under the Human
Services Department, that has administered State and Federal program and capital grants that address the
social service needs of low income county residents since 1980. The office works to assure quality
services and supports through system coordination; program evaluation and oversight; data collection
and analysis; and quality assurance and outcome measurements. Like Human Services itself,
Community Action’s are structured differently from County to County

The program funding administered by BCCAD consists of three major areas: shared-ride and Medical
Assistance transportation, housing assistance/emergency shelter, and food. The funding streams
managed by Community Action include the Homeless Assistance Program Grant, Community Services
Block Grant, the Emergency Food and Assistance Program, the State Food Purchase Program, the
Work Ready Grant, Medical Assistance Transportation, Shared Ride Transportation.

Shared-ride transportation is funded through federal, state and local resources. This program gives
Butler County senior citizens access to nutrition centers, social service agencies and medical
appointments; enables low income residents to attend medical appointments and employment; and is
used by physically/mentally handicapped individuals to attend day programs and employment. The
Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services,
is coordinated with the CSBG funding to provide emergency shelter and housing assistance to homeless
persons or those in danger of becoming homeless. State and Federal food commodities are managed by
BCCAD and distributed through a volunteer food cupboard network consisting of 26 individual
cupboards, which include 9 senior citizen high rise apartment buildings. These programs offer
supplemental food to over 4,500 low-income individuals in Butler County.

The Community Action Advisory Board, which is comprised of elected officials, community
representatives, and individuals from our target population, is responsible for determining funding
recommendations for the Community Services Block Grant. Some of the representation on the board
consists of Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, Butler Area Agency on Aging, and The United Way
of Butler County.

Contact Information

Janine Kennedy, Community Action Director
124 West Diamond Street
P.O. Box 1208
Butler, PA 16003-1208
Phone: 724-284-5125
Fax: 724-284-1063
[email protected]

http://www.co.butler.pa.us/community-action

Last updated- June 2015

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COMMUNITY ACTION RESOURCES
Community Action Association of PA- www.thecaap.org
National Community Action Foundation- www.ncaf.org
Homelessness Resource Exchange- www.hudhre.info
One CPD Resource Exchange- www.onecpd.info
Center for Hunger Free Communities- www.centerforhungerfreecommunities.org
Alliance for Nonprofit Resources Transportation Program-
http://www.anrinfo.org/ANR-transportation.php

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Drug &
Alcohol

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