Speak Out!
Ask the Advocate
Should I Hospitalize My Child?
New Approaches to Children in Crisis
More and more intensive behavioral health services are available in the community for Pennsylvania’s children. Research has shown we can keep children at home, or in community settings, even with behaviors that in the past would have been considered too risky. Not only Mental Health, but the Juvenile Justice and Education Systems recognize that providing appropriate community based services early can divert children from deep-end and often life long systems involvement. We know that children do not belong in institutional settings, but are placed there because there is nothing else available. See PA “White Paper Community Alternatives to Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility Services”, page 2.
Planning Ahead for Crisis
Every child and adolescent who has mental health needs should have a "plan of care" which is built on child and family strengths and needs and should include a detailed plan to help manage crisis situations. The family and youth, and others who work with or are resources for the family and youth should help to write the plan. Even with the best of services, some families will have to consider a psychiatric hospitalization for their child. If you plan ahead, you will have phone numbers on file for your behavioral health crisis responders. Every county in PA has a Mental Health Crisis team who can help families with this decision. For more on Pennsylvania’s continuum of care for children, team planning, and crisis responders, contact your county Children’s System of Care (CASSP) Coordinator.
You can also get information on county CASSP Coordinators and Crisis Services from the OMHSAS Children’s Bureau by calling (717) 772-7984.
Emergencies:
If you or your child is in immediate danger, call 911 and they will get help to you. This may be the police, who may not know much about mental health emergencies, but they can keep everyone safe until clinical staff is seen. 911 should also be able link you to the county Mental Health Crisis Services.
More Info:
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists has helpful fact sheets on their Web sites that deal with psychiatric hospitalization and other issues.
And for more information on community based services: