Service Coordination (SC) is face-to-face and person-oriented.  Services are provided in the least restrictive environment to children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances and mental illnesses who are at risk for out-of-home placement.  This service assists families with gaining access to needed medical, social, educational and mental health services.  The goal of this service is to empower and support the child and family in accessing appropriate services, and to assist the families to become more effective advocates for their children and family.

These services are provided in the home, school, and community.  Services are voluntary.  There is a 24-hour / 7-day availability.  The Service Coordinator, a mental health professional under the supervision of a Master's level mental health professional, is primarily responsible for managing and coordinating the individual’s services.  Each Service Coordinator is trained and knowledgeable of cross-system resources.

Eligibility Criteria:

• have a mental health diagnosis and meet one of the following criteria
  • children who, with families, are receiving services from two or more funded programs such as Medical Assistance, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Special Education, etc.
  • children who are returning from state a mental hospital, community inpatient unit, or other out-of-home placement, including foster home and juvenile court placement
  • children who are recommended as needing mental health services by a local interagency team which shall include county agency representatives.
  • children who have Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score of 60 and below, or have a history of aggressive or violent behaviors
  • families of eligible children who are receiving these services.