Frequently Asked
Questions
1.What is SPOA ?
2.What happens
once a referral is submitted?
3.Can
I make my own referral?
4.What do case
managers do?
5.Why do different
case managers provide different services?
6.Do case managers
have funds to buy things for people?
7.Do I have to be
in treatment to get a case manger?
8.Can I
be forced to have a case manager?
9.Will
a case manager take control of my money?
10.Why
do some people get case managers sooner than others?
11.How
long does it take to get a case manager?
12.What
are the eligibility criteria for case management services?
13.How
long can a person have a case manager?
14.What
is the difference between Intensive Case Management (ICM) and
Supportive
Case Management (SCM)?
15.What
is the ACT Team?
16.How
is the service paid for?
17.What
does “community-based” mean?
SPOA
stands for “Single Point of Access”
This is a process designed to
improve access to services. For adult services in Onondaga
County, this relates to case management / care coordination and
residential services only. Each has its separate process.
Click here for information on the SPOA process
A: Once received, a referral is triaged. Homeless Case
Management and Forensic Case Management referrals are forwarded direct to
the program coordinator (see program descriptions). Referrals for Intensive
Case Management (ICM), Supportive Case Management (SCM), and Assertive
Community Treatment Team (ACT) are triaged by SPOA Specialist and an intake
interview is scheduled to determine eligibility and assess for level of
need.
The Referral Process for Adult Case Management Services
A: A referral can be submitted by the
person requesting services, friend, family, other support person, or a
service provider.
Click here for more information on the Referral Process for Adult Case Management Services
A: Case managers / care coordinators partner with people to
support them in the selection, preparation, and obtainment of their recovery
goals. Goal areas are often related to vocational, educational, housing,
financial, and social life areas. Additional focus areas often include
physical health, independence, self-esteem, effects of alcohol and drugs,
management of mental health symptoms, and community involvement to
developing a valued role in the community and a support system of people you
can count on. Case managers / care coordinators connect with people directly
in the community. They offer support outside of a clinical setting to
lessen need for crisis services. They coach or facilitate a person’s
efforts to learn new things and achieve the quality of life desired.
A: There are several possible answers to this question.
However, the differences are most commonly due to two reasons. One, services
provided are based on the needs and wants of the individual enrolled. A
service may be needed and a good fit for one person and not for another.
Two, case managers / care coordinators are individuals also, and will have
varying styles and strategies for supporting people. Also important to keep
in mind is that case management services has evolved from a traditional long
term model of ongoing support to a transitional, recovery oriented approach
for supporting others to make positive life changes.
A: Yes. Funds are available
for the purpose of supporting a person’s goal attainment, accessing needed
specialized services, and promoting wellness and the development of
individual support systems. Funds can be used for emergency expenses when
all other community resources have been exhausted. Repeat use of funds for
this reason
would be reviewed in order to prevent dependency on the service.
No you do not need to actively
be in treatment. However, verification of a serious and persistent
psychiatric disorder will be required to determine eligibility. Records can
be requested to obtain a diagnosis with your permission.
Can I be
forced to have a case manager?
This is a voluntary
program. The only way you could be required to have a case manager is if
you are court ordered by an Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) order.
http://www.omh.state.ny.us/omhweb/omhq/q1299/kendras_law_main.htm
Back to Top
Will a case manager
take control of my money?
A: No. Case managers / care coordinators are not
representative payees. A case manager may recommend obtaining a
representative payee or make suggestions for strategies to manage money.
Case managers / care coordinators can assist with budgeting and banking
skills as requested, however they will not hold or dictate how you spend
your money.
Back to Top
Why do some people get case managers sooner than others?
A: The number of referrals
received exceeds the number of enrollment openings. People are enrolled
based on need. Those individuals with the greatest need for additional
support will the first to participate in a comprehensive assessment when a
case manager is available and be enrolled in the program that will best meet
their needs. Referrals are initially prioritized during the intake or SPOA
process, however, level of need is continually reassessed. It is
recommended that people maintain contact with the SPOA Specialist in order
for this to happen. Services are not available on a first come, first serve
basis. Some people will therefore wait significantly longer than others.
Back to Top
How long does it take
to get a case manager?
A: There is
no way to accurately answer this question. Case managers / care
coordinators become available to work with someone new only as current
participants transition from the service. Access to the service is also
determined by level of need. Referrals are initially prioritized during the
intake or SPOA process, however, level of need is continually reassessed.
It is recommended that people maintain contact with the SPOA Specialist in
order for this to happen. Services are not available on a first come, first
serve basis. Some people will therefore wait significantly longer than
others.
Back to Top
What are the eligibility
criteria for case management services?
A: The basic eligibility criteria include
the following…
-
18 years of age or older
-
Serious and persistent psychiatric disorder (i.e. Major
Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective
Disorder)
-
Significant functional impairments related to daily living
skills, personal safety, community living, economic self-sufficiency, and/or
use/engagement with medical or mental health services
Priority need referrals typically are
individuals …
With an AOT order in place or
pending OR
Presenting with some degree of enduring danger to self or
others OR
Currently decompensating & at-risk; in urgent need of
intervention OR
Currently hospitalized for over 90 days with a
discharge planned OR
Recently discharged from a long term
hospitalization w/in past 2 months
w/ a history of severe impairments w/
community living OR
Recent and frequent brief hospitalizations in past 6
months OR
Recent and frequent ER visits for psychiatric reasons in
past 6 months OR
Currently homeless (living in a homeless shelter or on
the street)
Back to Top
How long can a person
have a case manager?
A: The answer
to this question is considered on an individual basis. Involvement in the
program is not permanent. However, length of participation varies depending
on a person’s need for support to continue to make desired changes in their
life and pursue personal recovery goals.
Back to Top
What is the difference between Intensive
Case Management (ICM) and Supportive
Case Management (SCM)?
A: Please see
our program description:
Adult Mental Health Case Management Services
Back to Top
What is the ACT Team?
A: Please see our program description:
Assertive
Community Treatment (ACT)
Back to Top
How is the service paid for?
If a person receives
Medicaid benefits, Medicaid will be billed. If not, there is no cost to the
individual.
Back to Top
What does “community-based” mean?
A: This term refers to the
manner in which services are provided. Case managers / care coordinators
work directly with people in the community. This means they might
come to where you live, where you receive other services, travel to
different locations with you such as; social services agencies, community
events, etc. Now a days, case managers / care coordinators provide hands on
support in a variety of life areas.
Back to Top
|
