MENTAL HEALTH
Coordinated Children’s Services Initiative (CCSI)—Through a contract with the New York City Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Alcoholism Services, WRI administered the project grant (allocated by a collaboration of state agencies) and provided support to the initiative from 1994 to 1996. The project, conducted in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx, provided interagency, community-based coordination and collaboration in the provision of services (primarily mental health, social services, and education) to children who are severely emotionally disturbed and their families. Participating entities included the respective state and city agencies, community-based organizations, advocacy groups, community leaders, and parents.
Expansion of Community-Based Residential/Day Treatment Programs and Continuity of Care—To address the need for community programs for residents of mental health institutions, in 1984 WRI contracted with the New York State Office of Mental Health to initiate and oversee a three-year demonstration program to provide residential and day services in the community through a free-standing, not-for-profit agency employing retrained OMH institutional employees. The project was designed to extend over a three-year period, with the first year devoted to feasibility assessment and planning; the second, to transition into the operational demonstration, including staff retraining; and the third, to refinement and evaluation.
Federal Programs for Supportive Services in Community Mental Health—On behalf of the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH), WRI compiled a list of federal programs that could be used by OMH for implementing and/or expanding its programs of community mental health supportive services. The 1980 catalog lists programs in the areas of vocational rehabilitation, housing, transportation, voluntary services, and staff training, as well as such programs as Medicare and Medicaid, Title XX Social Services, programs for the aging, and Supplemental Security Income.
OMH Institutional Staff Training Video—Since the New York State Office of Mental Health operates an increasing number of community programs, hospital-based staff must be trained to work with the rapidly expanding community system. In 1987, WRI produced a video module and accompanying manual to provide an overview of the relationship between (1) hospital-based in-patient services, (2) community support services provided by hospital employees, and (3) therapeutic and other services provided in community-based programs. The materials are designed to meet the needs of all direct care workers, with particular emphasis on paraprofessionals and nurses.
Reducing the Paperwork Burden on Professional Staff in Mental Health Institutions—Information recording and processing in mental health institutions has become a significant burden on professional staff—doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and social workers. In many cases time given to paperwork activities represents less time available for patient care. To alleviate this problem, in 1984 WRI analyzed the information recording and processing required for specific institutional functions, such as client screening and admission, placement, and clinical care, and recommended ways to perform out these functions more efficiently.
Residential Mental Health Care Training for OMH Direct Care Workers—To help mental health workers understand the demands—and rewards—of employment in community residential care programs, in 1986 WRI produced a 30-minute video program based largely on firsthand accounts by staff who had transferred from large mental hospitals to community facilities. The New York State Office of Mental Health has made this program a cornerstone of its training for direct care workers who are considering the transition to state-run community programs.
Statistical Study for the Governor’s Select Commission on Mental Health—In 1984, to project the costs of mental health care and service needs, the Office of Mental Health asked WRI to assist in the analysis of statistical data on clients and to develop procedures for estimating the number of mentally ill persons in New York State and their care requirements.
Support to Reinvestment Fund Initiative, Intensive Case Management, and Early Intervention Program–– WRI provides administrative services to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in relation to the Reinvestment Fund Initiative, Intensive Case Management, and Early Intervention Program services. WRI’s assistance includes ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and administration of contracts for community-based services for the seriously mentally ill and for children and adolescents with serious emotional disturbances.
