Author: Bethany Stewart

ON CARE

Access to services for children & youth

A System of Care for Onondaga County

CALL ACCESS: 315-463-1100

What Is ACCESS?
ACCESS is the assessment and planning process for children and youth in Onondaga County with emotional and behavioral challenges. Services are family-driven and youth-guided and are grounded in the belief that families and youth are experts regarding their lives.
ACCESS is a multi-agency, cross-systems team with staff from Child Welfare, Juvenile Justice, Mental Health and Parent Partners. A dedicated 24-7 phone line (315-463-1100) allows families and youth to call and be connected with appropriate services from the start. This process is family-initiated and creates one point of entry/access and the team responds to meet the youth/family’s need(s).
Goals & Outcomes
The main goal of ACCESS is better outcomes for children/youth who have emotional or behavioral challenges. The right service is provided at the right time and at the right intensity, which will result in better outcomes. In addition, ACCESS:
Creates a coordinated system that makes it easier for families and youth to get the services they need in a timely manner;
Pools community resources, services and expertise for increased access and availability;
Encourages creative planning and customized services in an innovative way;
Provides increased supports to families and youth if they are on a wait list;
Decreases lengths of stay in intensive services; and
Increases the level of satisfaction reported by families and youth
Your Role As A Provider
We know how much you care about the children, youth and families you serve. Providers occupy a supporting role in the ACCESS process while families take the lead. Your role is to encourage, support and help educate families and youth regarding ACCESS and emotional and behavioral health.
When To Encourage Families To Contact ACCESS
There are concerns about a child/youth with emotional or behavioral challenges
The child/youth has “high” needs and is at-risk of needing out-of-home placement
Multiple systems are involved or coordination of care is desired
The child’s/youth’s current plan is not working or there are barriers to implementing the plan

ACCESS Administrators

Nancy Kuss, ACCESS Coordinator
E: nancy.kuss@dfa.state.ny.us
P: 435-3739, ext. 113
John Cook, ACCESS Manager
E: john.cook2@dfa.state.ny.us
P: 435-3739, ext. 116
jcook@ocmsinc.org

ON CARE is a federally funded system of care grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
For more information, visit: www.tapartnership.org

John H. Mulroy Civic Center, 10th Floor
421 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202

ACCESS Line: 315-463-1100