Case Management Services

Case Management is the first step in determining the services that are right for a consumer. Each consumer will be assessed and a individualized, person-centered plan will be developed. The plan of care will take into account consumers goals and the steps needed to reach those goals. Each plan will promote choice, community experiences, employment and personal satisfaction.

Adult Case Management for the Severely Mentally Ill

Case Management for the Severely Mentally Ill is a voluntary case management program for adults with severe mental illness. Case management is the process by which adults with severe mental illness receive support in negotiating for various services that they want and need to improve their quality of life.

Adults with a serious mental illness are those over 18 years old who currently or at any time during the last year, have had a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder of sufficient duration to merit diagnostic criteria specified within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that has resulted in functional impairment which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.

In order to qualify for services, the individual must have been hospitalized for mental illness more than once in the last two years or have clinically significant symptoms of mental illness which have persisted for a continuous period of at least two years or have a history of one or more episodes with marked disability and the mental illness is expected to continue for a two years period of time.  Finally, they must demonstrate functional impairment in two or more of the following areas:  interpersonal functioning, societal/role functioning, physical functioning, daily living/personal care functioning and cognitive/intellectual functioning.

The client must have a clinical practitioner in the Purchase Area of Kentucky (plus Livingston County) whom they see regularly. They must demonstrate a willingness to work with a Service Coordinator and to develop and work toward personal goals.

The SMI Program may provide the following services:  Interagency Collaboration, Individualized Service Planning, Resource Consultation, Illness Management and Recovery Services, or funds to assist with meeting their.

Only Western State Hospital or a clinical practitioner may refer an adult for SMI Case Management Services.  The goal of the program is to assist those with severe mental illness to remain in the community rather than experience long-term hospitalizations.

Severely Emotionally Disabled Case Management for Children

The Severely Emotionally Disabled Program is a voluntary children’s case management program for children with severe emotional disabilities and their families.

A child with a severe emotional disability means a child with a clinically significant disorder of thought, mood, perception, orientation, memory or behavior that is listed in the current edition of the DSM and that presents substantial limitations that have persisted for one year or are judged by a mental health professional to be at high risk of continuing for one year without professional intervention in at least two of the following five areas: self care, interpersonal relationships, family life, self direction and education, or has been given a  DSM V diagnosis; unless diagnosis is solely chemical dependency or intellectual/developmental disabilities.

They must have primary residence in the Purchase Area of Kentucky (plus Livingston County). The child must demonstrate multi-agency involvement (two or more agencies). Examples include: DCBS, Mental Health, School, Courts, DJJ, etc.

The SED Program may provide the following services: Interagency Collaboration, Resource Consultation, School Support, In-Home Services, Therapeutic Mentoring, and Intensive Family Based Support Services and funds to assist with meeting the needs of SED children and their families.

Anyone with the parent’s/guardian’s permission can refer a child for SED services. The goal of the SED Program is to help keep the child in their least restrictive environment – their home, school, and community.

Ideally, the SED Program is designed to be a short-term intervention. The desired length of involvement is one year; however, the length of involvement varies depending upon the specific need of the child/family and the recommendations made by the LIST committee.

There are no fees involved with accessing services from the SED Program. If the child has a medical card, then Medicaid is billed for SED case management services. If the child is not eligible for a medical card, then the State General Fund is billed for SED case management services.

Developmental Disability Case Management

Case Management provides the collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation and advocacy for individuals diagnosed with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. Case Management includes screening, assessment/risk management, development of a person centered plan of care, referrals to key services providers for specialized services and/or adaptive equipment, implementing service arrangements, and monitoring of services to provide quality cost effective outcomes.

The Case Manager provides individualized service delivery based on a comprehensive assessment that is used to develop the service plan. The plan is developed with the individual and their support team and reflects their choices and preferences. The goal is to empower the individual and ensure they are involved in every aspect of the planning and service delivery.

Supported Employment Services

for those with a Serious Mental Illness or with a Developmental Disability

Supported Employment helps those with a disability secure work and maintain that employment. Program participants work with an Employment Specialist to identify appropriate job opportunities based on their interests and abilities.

Supported Employment Specialists continue to work with consumers after they are hired to assist both the consumers and the employer as much as needed to ensure success. Some types of assistance provided to consumers includes additional training, promoting effective communications between employer and employee and helping with any concerns an employer may have.

Our help begins when a program participant meets with a Supported Employment Specialist. The role of an employment specialist and the amount of involvement and assistance an employment specialist provides, is based on the comfort level of clients. We can provide a lot or a little help. Our services can include helping consumers learn how to do their job at the work site or supporting employees off the job.

A Supported Employment Specialist will meet with consumers to discuss the pros and cons and disclosing the consumer’s disability. Ultimately, participants decide and we work to ensure their requests are honored.

Consumers choosing to work with a Supported Employment Specialist to secure a job have taken yet another step toward a more independent life. Working, and all the responsibilities that come with a job, strengthen consumers abilities and provides a sense of belonging and contribution that is sometimes lacking for people diagnosed with a disability. We help place participants in all kinds of jobs and each job plan and ultimately each job, is based on a client’s interests and abilities.

  • Access to an untapped and under-utilized labor pool.
  • Pre-screening of applicants
  • Individualized training at no expense
  • Reduced turn over rates
  • Reduced absenteeism
  • Ongoing support and follow up
  • Dedicated Employees
  • Tax Credits

Most people can work part-time and not worry about losing their benefits. We encourage you to discuss your individual situation with a Supported Employment Specialist.

An employment specialist can help you find work in areas that interest you. Your job search is personalized. Your preferences matter!

Ultimately, you will be responsible for getting to work. However, your employment specialist can help you find transportation and a job that is in an area convenient to you.

Your employer will pay you a competitive wage just like other employees.

This brochure outlines the basics. Simply, you will meet with a Supported Employment Specialist to discuss your interests. Then, you will work with vocational rehabilitation for approval. After, we will work together to create a plan outlining what you want and begin looking for a good match.

About Supported Employment

Research indicates that supported employment programs are effective in helping consumers reach their goal of securing a job and maintaining employment.

In a study completed by Gary Bond, over 70% of consumers continued work for more than three years with help from a supported employment program.

Behavior Support

Services for those with a Serious Mental Illness

A service provided to individuals with a diagnosis of intellectual disabilities or a developmental disability who present with challenging behaviors that effect their health, safety, placement or inclusion into their community. Behavior Supports use positive methods to change negative behaviors. A functional analysis is completed in an effort to identify target behaviors, determine how often and under what circumstances they occur and identify the possible communicative intent of the behaviors. Some behaviors may cease following simple environmental modifications while some may require a formal behavior support plan. The plan functions to teach new skills to the individual in an effort to eliminate target behaviors and replace them with socially acceptable behaviors. The plan is implemented by family and staff members who work with the individual on a daily basis.

In-Home Supports 

Services for those with a Serious Mental Illness

Community Living offers support to individuals needing assistance with daily living skills and community integration. Its main purpose is to provide supports to persons diagnosed with intellectual disabilities or other developmental disabilities so that they can remain in their home and community. Both services are available to persons living in their own home or with family.

Community Living Supports is a service provided through the Medicaid waiver programs. In-Home Supports are available to individuals receiving supports from the State General Fund Program. Supports include training in areas of: daily living skills, personal care, recreation and leisure, community integration and socialization. These supports are provided on a one-to-one basis.

Outreach and Education

Our Education and Outreach efforts are designed to provide information and educational opportunities to raise public awareness of intellectual and developmental disabilities and the array of services available to those with a IDD diagnoses. These services may fill an identified gap in service by providing information that may not otherwise be available to underserved populations in the community. Services are often mobile and facilitation of education services and activities can be geared towards groups, public or private agencies, associations or board.

For more information about our Education and Outreach Program regarding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, please complete this contact form.

Respite Care 

Services for those with Intellectual or Developmental Disability

Respite provides short-term rest or relief to families who have the responsibility of caring for a family member with a developmental disability. Respite care may be furnished in the family home, the respite provider’s home.

IMPACT

Kentucky IMPACT is managed in this region by Four Rivers Behavioral Health. IMPACT was created in 1990 and was established as a coordinated, interagency approach to service delivery for children/youth with serious emotional disabilities and their families.

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