How Long is the Wait List?
Erie County’s Family Voices Network/Care Coordination/Wraparound Process has a limited number of openings available. In order for us to serve the children that need this level of care, referrals that are received are evaluated by Department of Mental Health, Department of Social Services and Juvenile Justice to determine immediacy and assignment.
Families are not referred and placed on an indefinite wait list as some believe. These families are contacted within two weeks and can start receiving advocacy support right away. Families’ Child Advocacy Network (Families’ CAN!) has family advocates available that are knowledgeable about the process and the Erie County Children’s Service System.
We're talking proud
There are many changes occurring within Erie County’s system of care. For the first time we are proud to say, “We no longer have a wait list.” The wait list for families to receive services is eliminated. Erie County has maintained this status since June 2007. Within ten days of receiving a completely filled-out application from a referral agency, families are assigned to a care coordination agency to receive appropriate care.
Families’ CAN! is an independent, non-profit organization, designed, created and directed by family members for the purpose of ensuring access to needed support, information and services to all families in Erie County raising children with emotional, behavioral, and/or social disabilities.
Families’ CAN!
(Families’ Child Advocacy Network)
- Supports and empowers families to be full partners in the evaluation and service planning process for their children.
- Helps to promote culturally and geographically appropriate services for youth and families.
- Assists families in getting prompt access to the services that they need.
- Helps to foster understanding and acceptance of mental health and behavioral issues within families and the community through education, public awareness, and outreach.
- Supports and empowers families to be full partners in the evaluation and service planning process for their children.
- Helps to reduce stigma by building respect in the community for all families struggling with mental health concerns.