Perhaps the best way to measure needs is to look at the data OMHSAS has been tracking on usage and satisfaction. This data shows us what services are being used and ultimately, whether people think the services helped, made no difference, or made things worse.

A good example of coordinated, evidence-based children’s behavioral health care is Wraparound Milwaukee. Wraparound Milwaukee is a local program, but many of its components are available in Pennsylvania. It offers a national “gold standard” we can continue to work for in the future. There is a commitment to bring this model to PA because it improves lives and is cost effective. You can read more about the program and review its outcomes here.

The Data

Pennsylvania’s public behavioral health program has had small positive changes in the numbers of children getting quality, less intrusive care (usage). However, only 33% of responders said the treatment their child received made their child’s life “much better” (satisfaction). This may reflect more than the quality of the mental health services they receive. Stigma and lack of services in the school and community also impact quality of services for children with behavioral health needs and their families. Still, the goal of all health care should be that children are restored to health and wellness.

Usage (Utilization)

Through the Behavioral Health Managed Care, OMHSAS collects information on what kinds of services are used and for how long. The most recent data (2008) provides the following findings:

  • Children (ages 0-20) who were readmitted to community inpatient psychiatric hospitals within 30 days of discharge decreased from 16% in 2007 to 15% in 2008.
  • Children (< 21 years) discharged from inpatient psychiatric care (PRTF & hospital) seen for out patient psychological care within 7 days increased from 48% in 2004 to 56% in 2008. The national norm is 42.5%.
  • 4% of eligible children (younger than 21 years) who were admitted to residential treatment facilities remained steady with receiving services in CY 2007 and 2008. This indicates most children are served by community-based services.
  • The rate of children who remained in residential treatment facilities more than 120 days decreased in 2008 when compared to 2007 with 2% of these children having extended stays in 2008.
  • Adolescents (ages 13-17) receiving drug and alcohol services remained steady over time, with 1% of eligible members receiving services in 2004 and in 2008.

Satisfaction

Annually, OMHSAS also conducts a mailed MHSIP survey with family members of children and adolescent behavioral health service recipients. Social Connectedness and Functioning are the two domains most recently added to the structure of the MHSIP surveys.

Statewide Children and Adolescent Satisfaction Survey Results

Number Families Surveyed- 503

1. In the last 12 months did you or your child have problems getting the help he or she needed?

Yes (always) – 13.7%

Sometimes – 9.9%

No (never) – 76.1%

2. Were you and your child given the chance to make treatment decisions?

Yes (always) – 84.5%

Sometimes – 6.8%

No (never) – 7.6%

3. What effect has the treatment your child received had on the quality of your child’s life? The quality of their life is:

Much better -  33.4%

A little better  – 43.5%

About the same – 17.5%

A little worse – 3.8%

Much Worse – 1.4