The Division of Program Administration determines needs, develops annual and long range plans for the delivery of mental health services, and monitors and evaluates the implementation and delivery of planned services. The Division administers, coordinates and integrates services provided by behavioral health system agencies, ensures coordinated treatment for multiply disabled individuals and the appropriate transfer of clients between levels of care and institutions. These coordinative functions have been significantly upgraded with the implementation of the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program. Through this Program, the Division oversees screening and assessment, Treatment Plan development, coordination of a centralized intake function for the assignment of Care Coordination, preparation of petitions and court testimony, and monitoring provision of services, compliance with treatment plans and the achievement of service outcomes.

Mental Health Services, including inpatient care, clinic treatment, continuing day treatment, residential services, case management and a continuum of community support and rehabilitation services are provided to approximately 33,400 persons each month. Services are delivered by 28 community based agencies under contract with the Department of Mental Health. These agencies include the Erie County Medical Center and the Departments of Senior Services and Youth Services. Services are provided by a decentralized network of service providers within urban, suburban and rural areas throughout the county to assure client access to needed services.

Developmental Disability Services, including work activity day programs and day training programs are provided to approximately 2,050 persons per month. These services are delivered by 5 community based contract agencies. Within day training programs, available services include service coordination to non-Medicaid eligible individuals, senior day activities, independent living skills training, recreation opportunities, legal services and supports for self-advocacy.

Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse Services, including inpatient detoxification, clinic, day rehabilitation and community residential programs, are provided to approximately 11,160 persons per month through 8 community based contract agencies. Community agencies also provide alcohol abuse prevention education information and referral programs in local schools and on behalf of community groups.

Substance Abuse Services, including inpatient detoxification services, outpatient drug free programs, and methadone maintenance programs, are provided to approximately 3,500 persons annually. These services are provided by 9 community based agencies. In addition, school and community groups receive drug abuse prevention information and referral programs through contract agencies.

The Division of Program Administration receives state aid reimbursement for a percentage of the direct costs of programs and services provided by community based and other agencies under contract with the Department. Additionally, it receives state aid reimbursement for a percentage of the division's program administration costs.

The Division also receives a number of State and Federal grants for mental health, alcoholism and substance abuse programs which are used to supplement the operating budget and provide services that could not otherwise be provided at the same level. Finally, through interfund agreements with the Department of Social Services, the Division contracts for prevention, treatment, and family support services to address the mental disability needs of families eligible under Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF).

DIVISION OF PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION OBJECTIVES:

• To develop annual plans for mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and alcohol and substance abuse services that identify service needs and program development areas consistent with available resources.
• To prepare and submit countywide and disability specific budget documents necessary to meet state and local funding requirements, and effectively implement approved budgets.
• To negotiate and execute contracts and service agreements with all contract agencies.
• To develop and implement policies and procedures that guide voluntary not-for-profit agencies under County contract. Focus is on implementation of clinical services and management practices that are consistent with both applicable guidelines and regulations for delivery of state funded programs and acceptable business practices.
• To regularly monitor contract agencies to assure attainment of contract expectations for service levels, target populations, program development, service quality, professional standards and effective agency management.
• To provide effective administration and monitoring of all State and Federal grant programs to assure effective coordination and integration of grant supported services and programs with the Department's overall service plan.
• To ensure coordination among service providers and assure the non-duplication of services.
• To provide technical assistance, information and advice to contractual agencies as needed to resolve program and management issues and to promote best practices.
• To collect and analyze data and provide evaluations of programs and assessments of service operations and impact.
• To perform screenings and assessments, treatment planning, linkage to care coordination and service monitoring to AOT eligible individuals.