The LIFE/Incredible Years (IY) Program

Description of service provided:
The LIFE/IY Program is a preventative school-based mental health program that provides goal-oriented services to at-risk students and their families. This is an individualized program that addresses the needs/areas of concern of each identified student. LIFE/IY caseworkers work cooperatively with students, their families and school personnel on the development specific goals for each student. These goals, along with the methods that will be used to assist each child in reaching their goals, are put into a Support Plan; no two support plans are the same. LIFE/IY caseworkers work either directly with the students in the classroom or on a one to one basis; depending on the age and needs of each student. LIFE caseworkers also assist with/provide services to school personnel in various groups such as a homework group or mentoring group. LIFE caseworkers participate with their school’s Instructional Support Teams and can offer assistance to other teachers who have questions or concerns about their students.

Children’s Prevention Services supports the Incredible Years Program and has incorporated its curriculum into the LIFE Program for students in Kindergarten through second grade.  Incredible Years is an evidence-based program endorsed by the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency.  Research has shown that Incredible Years facilitation to young children decreases risky behaviors later in life such as delinquency, violence and substance abuse.  Incredible Years curriculum can be incorporated into participating student’s support plans as well as being implemented in group settings with age appropriate students.

LIFE/IY also offers a summer component in the Johnsonburg Elementary School for students in grades Kindergarten through six; along with a Kindergarten Readiness Program.

Geographical area of service:
The LIFE/Incredible Years Program is offered in the following schools throughout Elk and Cameron counties:
Bennetts Valley Elementary – St. Marys Area School District
Fox Township Elementary – St. Marys Area School District
Johnsonburg Elementary – Johnsonburg Area School District
South St. Marys St. Elementary – St. Marys Area School District
St. Marys Catholic Elementary School
St. Marys Area Middle School – St. Marys Area School District
Woodland Elementary School – Cameron County School District

Admission Criteria:
Students are referred to LIFE/IY because they are experiencing academic, behavioral and/or emotional difficulties at school.
Parents may also be noting the same or similar difficulties in the home.

How to access service:
Students are referred to the program generally through the Instructional Support Team or through the school guidance counselor. Parents may also request assistance through their school’s administration, or by contacting a LIFE/IY caseworker on their own.

Address and hours of operation:
The LIFE/Incredible Years Program is part of DMHC’s Children’s Prevention Services which is located at:
The Community Education Council Building
Suite 302
4 Erie Avenue
P.O. Box 599
St. Marys, PA 15857
Hours of operation are from 8:00am – 4:00pm.
The LIFE/IY Program is available during the regular school year.

How consumers pay for service:
The LIFE/IY Program is funded through our local Cameron/Elk Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program, the participating school districts and other outside grants. This enables the program to be offered to the students and their families at no charge to them.

Name of program director, main office phone number and fax:
Elk County
Ms. Shelly Meier
Program Supervisor
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

Cameron County
Ms. Tana Funair
Program Supervisor
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

Ms. Jennifer Dippold
Director of Children's Prevention Services
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

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The Student Assistance Program

Description of service provided:
The Student Assistance Program provides prevention services to students who are experiencing any type of difficulty, concern or behavior that is making it difficult for them to succeed in school. The Student Assistance Program offers a screening to referred students which gathers background in the areas of school, medical and, family history, peer relations, drug or alcohol use/history, past/current mental health history, suicidal and homicidal ideation, self injurious behavior along with the student’s own impressions about what their situation is currently. Following the screening, a recommendation is made for students to be referred back to the SAP team for monitoring, three to five supportive counseling sessions with the mental health liaison in school, or for an outside referral. Outside referrals can include but are not limited to, full mental health evaluation, outpatient counseling, family counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, family doctor or referral to crisis intervention.

Student Assistance Program mental health liaisons are also available to assist schools with students who are in a crisis situation. These students may be suicidal, homicidal or have had something happen that has left them upset enough that they are requesting to speak to someone as soon as possible. Following a Crisis Screening, recommendations are made. Again, the recommendation could be three to five supportive counseling sessions, referral to a hospital for a face to face evaluation or assisting the student/family with pursuing outpatient services.

Student Assistance Program mental health liaisons are also ready to assist their school’s faculty and/or students in the event of a school-wide crisis such as an accident or death of a student or faculty member.

Geographical area of service:
The Student Assistance Program is offered in the following schools throughout Elk and Cameron counties:
Elk County Catholic High School
Cameron County Middle/High School
Johnsonburg Area Middle/High School
Ridgway Area Middle/High School
St. Marys Area Middle School
St. Marys Area High School
St. Marys Catholic Middle School
Coudersport Area High School
Austin Area High School
Oswayo Valley High School
Galeton Area High School

The Student Assistance Program is also being offered on an elementary level. An elementary-friendly screening is used in these schools and the recommendations remain the same as in the middle and high schools. These participating schools are:
Francis S. Grandinetti Elementary School – Ridgway Area School District
Johnsonburg Elementary School – Johnsonburg Area School District


Admission Criteria:
Students are referred to the Student Assistance Program because they are experiencing an academic, behavioral and/or emotional difficulty that is making it difficult for them to succeed in school.  Potter County assists students grades 5-12.

How to access service:
Students are referred to SAP through several different ways. A teacher, other school faculty member, parent, relative or friend can let their school know about a student with whom they are concerned. A student can refer themselves to the program by talking to a member of their school’s SAP team, guidance counselor or other school faculty. The school must receive parental permission before a screening can be done on a student.

Address and hours of operation:
Elk and Cameron Counties
The Community Education Council Building
Suite 302
4 Erie Avenue
P.O. Box 599
St. Marys, PA 15857
Hours of operation are from 8:00am – 4:00pm.
The Student Assistance Program is available during the regular school year.

Potter County
Gunzburger Annex Building
3rd Floor
1 North Main St.
Coudersport, PA  16915
Hours of operation are from 8:00am - 5:00pm

How consumers pay for service:
This program is offered at no charge for students and their families. The Student Assistance Program receives funding from the Department of Public Welfare. Dickinson Mental Health Center holds the contract with Cameron Elk Mental Health/Mental Retardation Services to provide this program in Elk and Cameron counties. On the elementary level, schools can utilize funding for Elementary Student Assistance Program services (as they are needed/requested).*

Name of program director, main office phone number and fax:
Elk County
Ms. Shelly Meier
Program Supervisor
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

Cameron County
Ms. Tana Funair
Program Supervisor
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

Ms. Jennifer Dippold
Director of Children's Prevention Services
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

Potter County
Deborah Hamilton
Program Supervisor
Phone: (814) 274-8651
Fax: (814) 274-8652

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The Signs of Suicide^® Prevention Program

Description of service provided:
The Signs of Suicide (SOS) Prevention Program offers middle and high school students curriculum aimed at teaching them the warning signs and symptoms of depression and suicide. The curriculum, delivered by SOS staff and Student Assistance Program staff, is presented first through a video (there is a video designed for middle school students and a video designed for high school students). Each video teaches symptoms of depression and warning signs for suicide as well as what students should do if they or someone they know (friend or family member) is telling them they are feeling depressed or suicidal. Students are taught the acronym ACT which stands for Acknowledge, Care and Tell (acknowledge the problem, respond with care and tell a trusted adult). Additionally, it is explained to students that at no time should they ever keep secret someone’s plan to hurt themselves or another person nor is it their job to try to fix the problem alone; along with trying to help them understand that suicide is a permanent solution to a treatable problem, usually depression. Following the video, a response card is given to each student which provides them with the opportunity to speak to someone about the information that has just been presented.

For high school students, following the video, a Brief Screen for Adolescent Depression screening is administered. Students are instructed to answer the screening questions honestly. Two questions on the screening are directly related to suicidal thoughts and attempts. After the screenings have been completed and collected, they are reviewed by the SOS/SAP staff. Students who score high are met with to see if further services are needed. Students who answer “yes” to the suicide-related questions are met with immediately and referrals/recommendations are made.

For the middle school students, there are two follow-up games that staff can offer which reinforces the information they just learned regarding signs and symptoms of depression and suicide as well as what to do if they find themselves in a situation where they or someone they know are at risk.

Geographical area of service:
The Signs of Suicide Prevention Program is offered to students in an identified grade in the following schools throughout Elk and Cameron counties:
Elk County Catholic High School
Cameron County Middle/High School – Cameron County School District
Johnsonburg Area Middle/High School – Johnsonburg Area School District
Ridgway Area Middle/High School – Ridgway Area School District
St. Marys Area Middle School – St. Marys Area School District
St. Marys Area High School – St. Marys Area School District
St. Marys Catholic Middle School

Admission Criteria:
Each school identifies a grade and those students will participate in the SOS curriculum; provided the school has first received parental permission.

How to access service:
School personnel send home a consent explaining the program for parental permission. Schools use either a passive or active consent form. Only those students whose parents have given their permission can participate in the Signs of Suicide Prevention Program.

Address and hours of operation:
The Signs of Suicide Prevention Program is part of DMHC’s Children’s Prevention Services which is located at:
The Community Education Council Building
Suite 302
4 Erie Avenue
P.O. Box 599
St. Marys, PA 15857
Hours of operation are from 8:00am – 4:00pm.
The Signs of Suicide Prevention Program is available during the regular school year.

How consumers pay for service:
This program is offered at no charge for students and their families. This program is made possible through the funding of the A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust.*

Name of program director, main office phone number and fax:
Elk County
Ms. Shelly Meier
Program Supervisor
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

Cameron County
Ms. Tana Funair
Program Supervisor
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

Ms. Jennifer Dippold
Director of Children's Prevention Services
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

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PARENTS AS TEACHERS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Parents As Teachers (PAT)

Description of service provided:
Parents As Teachers is an early childhood parent education and family support program serving families until their child enters Kindergarten, usually age 5.  The program model consists of four components: Personal visits offer parents age-appropriate child development information, help them to observe their child, address parenting concerns and engage the family in activities that provide meaningful parent-child interaction.  Group meetings provide opportunities for families to share information about parenting issues and observe their children in a social setting.  Screenings are conducted to provide early identification of developmental delays and health, vision, and hearing problems and increase parents' understanding of their child's development.  A resource network helps families identify and connect with needed resources, and overcome barriers to accessing services.

Parents as Teachers Children's Center located in the Community Education Council, 4 Erie Avenue, First Floor

Geographic area of service:
Elk County

Admission criteria:
Elk County family with children from birth through Kindergarten entry.

PAT Referral Form
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

How to access service:
Contact 834-2602

Address and hours of operation:
The Community Education Council Building
Suite 302
4 Erie Avenue
P.O. Box 599
St. Marys, PA 15857
Hours of operation are from 8:00am – 4:00pm.
Home visits are scheduled at the convenience of the family.

How consumers pay for service:
There is no charge for this service.  The program is funded by Elk County Children & Youth Services, St. Marys United Way, Harrison & Muriel Dauer Stackpole Fund, and the Elk County Development Fund.

Name of program director, main office phone number and fax:
Ms. Lianne Schneider
Program Supervisor
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

Ms. Jennifer Dippold
Director of Children's Prevention Services
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

((( PARENTS AS TEACHERS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER )))

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Staying Connected with your Teen (SCT)

Description of service provided:
Five session parenting series teaches parents and teens the skills they need to improve family communication and family bonding.  It draws on extensive research that demonstrates the critical importance of parent involvement in reducing or inhibiting adolescent participation in antisocial behaviors.

Geographic area of service:
Elk County

Admission criteria:
Elk County families with children 12-18

SCT Referral Form
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

How to access service:
Contact 834-2602

Address and hours of operation:
The Community Education Council Building
Suite 302
4 Erie Avenue
P.O. Box 599
St. Marys, PA 15857
Hours of operation are from 8:00am – 4:00pm.
Workshop available at times and locations that meet participants' needs

How consumers pay for service:
There is no charge for this service.  The program is funded by Elk County Children and Youth Services.

Name of program director, main office phone number and fax:
Ms. Lianne Schneider
Program Supervisor
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

Ms. Jennifer Dippold
Director of Children's Prevention Services
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

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The Incredible Years

Description of service provided:
Twelve session parenting workshop that focuses on learning to play with your child to develop a positive parent-child relationship, how to use praise and incentives to build your child's social confidence, establishing effective limit setting and increasing your child's willingness to cooperate, how to ignore negative behaviors and redirect behavior and use time out effectively.

Geographic area of service:
Elk County

Admission criteria:
Elk County families with children ages 2-10

Incredible Years Referral Form
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

How to access service:
Contact 834-2602

Address and hours of operation:
The Community Education Council Building
Suite 302
4 Erie Avenue
P.O. Box 599
St. Marys, PA 15857
Hours of operation are from 8:00am – 4:00pm.
Workshop available at times and locations that meet participants' needs

How consumers pay for service:
There is no charge for this service.  The program is funded by Elk County Children & Youth Services and the Children’s Trust Fund.

Name of program director, main office phone number and fax:
Ms. Lianne Schneider
Program Supervisor
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

Ms. Jennifer Dippold
Director of Children's Prevention Services
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

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The Wellness Program

Description of service provided:
The priority of the Wellness Program is to promote healthy lifestyles in Elk County. The Wellness nurse will take a holistic approach in providing nursing services that will impact the physical, emotional and nutritional status of our youth.

Geographic area of service:
Elk County

Admission criteria:
The Wellness program has prioritized children birth to 18 years of age that are currently enrolled with Children's Prevention services. This program will also provide services to the community and schools of Elk County, where efforts are focused on the wellness of our children. Referrals should reflect our target age group of birth to 18 years of age.

How to access service:
The Wellness nurse is referral based. A referral form must be completed and may be obtained by contacting Children's Prevention Services.

Address and hours of operation:
The Community Education Council Building
Suite 302, 4 Erie Avenue
St. Marys, PA  15857
Hours: 8AM to 4PM Monday thru Friday

How consumers pay for service:
The Wellness Program has been developed and is maintained by a grant awarded by Stackpole Hall Foundation. At this time, there is not a fee for service.

Name of program director, main office phone number and fax:
Adair Rohr, RN
Program Coordinator
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

Ms. Jennifer Dippold
Director of Children's Prevention Services
Phone: (814) 834-2602
Fax: (814) 834-1173

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