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Abstract: 

This article outlines a process designed and put into operation in Oneida County, New York, to enhance intersystem collaboration and improve outcomes for families with children and youth diagnosed as having a serious emotional disturbance or behavioral disorder. As the newer systems of care demonstrate, outcomes can be improved where service provided by a child-serving system is well coordinated, culturally responsive, family centered, child focused, and supported by best-practices research. Oneida County has made its services more responsive to the unique needs and risks facing youths. Using the Single Point of Access and Accountability (SPOA/A) system and the Children and Adolescents Needs and Strengths (CANS) measure, together with Total Clinical Outcomes Management (TCOM) methodology, researchers and providers have discovered more successful protective practices and have improved coordination of services. This article also highlights some of the changes in structure and financing mechanisms Oneida County has implemented to fully operationalize these individualized approaches.

Keywords: 

Affiliations:  1: Victor Community Support Services; 2: Erie County Department of Mental Health.