Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need to have a diagnosis of mental illness to receive services from the Community Based Services Program?  
No.  If you and your child live in the Bronx, you are eligible for Preventive Services whether your child has a diagnosis or not. Call the office at (718) 584-4407and we will discuss whether you may qualify for this service.

How can I access mental health services for my child? 
A child must be seen by a mental health professional and given a psychiatric diagnosis that places them at risk for hospitalization. Your mental health professional should know the procedure for completing a referral to this program.  If they do not, they may call the office at (718) 295-9112 or (845) 359-3400. 

What kind of mental illnesses qualify my children for services provided based on Mental Health? 
The child must have an Axis I diagnosis and a full diagnostic work-up by a psychiatrist. Based on location, either NYC C-SPOA or Rockland SPOA will determine if your child is qualified.

Can my child be too old for services? 
All programs serve children at least until their 18th birthday.  New York City Children’s Services regulations state that the ASTAAN Preventive Services program can serve a family until the youngest child turns 18. The Blended Case Management program in the Bronx can serve children (provided services are initiated before the child is 17.6 years old) until they are 24. For children who continue to need services after they have their 18th birthday, the program may transfer the child to Adult Case Management Services, if they qualify. 

How long may I receive services from these programs? 
The expectation is that the family will receive services that will stabilize the child and family for a year or less. At the end of this period, the family’s functioning will be improved. IF additional services are needed, a transfer to another program (if appropriate based on family need) will be offered.

How much do these services cost? 
If you qualify for these services, they will be provided at no cost to you.  These services are funded by New York City Children’s Services, The New York State Office of Mental Health or the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. 

Will Children’s Services visit my home if I apply for the ASTAAN Preventive Services Program? 
No. Children’s Services only visits your home if there are allegations made of Abuse, Neglect or Maltreatment. There are rare occasions (such as a Family Team Conference meeting in which you plan for services for your child) that Children’s Services staff may be at meetings regarding your cases, but they will not be there in an investigative capacity.

Do I need to have been accused of Abuse, Neglect or Maltreatment to qualify for the ASTAAN Preventive Services Program? 
No. Although some of our clients are referred by Children’s Services based on the family being accused of Abuse, Neglect or Maltreatment, you can simply walk in and apply for services. If you walk in without Children’s Services involvement, your case will be treated differently, and Children’s Services will be less involved in direct monitoring of your case.

How intensive are the services? Based on the program, your family (and those who provide services to your family) may be visited up to six times per month. The requirements for each program are different, but your family will be visited at least twice per month.

Can I get mental health services throughout Rockland County and the Bronx? 
The mental health programs (Rockland and the Bronx Home and Community Based Waiver Programs,The Café Program, the Blended Case Management Program and the Discrete Case Management Program) serve the entire borough/county. The ASTAAN Preventive Services Program will consider cases throughout the Bronx as well. 

Can I refer myself to the Teen Program? 
If you feel your family can benefit from the services of the Enhanced Preventive Services for Teen Program, you can qualify for services by bringing your child to the ACS FAP program near Bronx Family Court.   Call the office if you need further information about this. (718) 584-4407.