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Children's Services

(Sent on behalf of OMHSAS)

Family feedback requested on accessing Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS)

The Mental Health Planning Council, under the direction of The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), is conducting a survey on accessing Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) and is requesting assistance in distributing the survey to families and providers.

  • The Mental Health Planning Council is conducting a family survey to collect feedback on accessing Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS).
  • The survey link and flyer should be shared with providers, who can then share it with families.
  • Feedback will be de-identified and compiled by the Family Satisfaction Team of Montgomery County to be shared with relevant entities.

Data collection for the survey will run from July 3 through August 7, 2023.

“This project, publication/report/etc. was developed [in part] under grant number SM080147, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The views, policies, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAMHSA or HHS.” (From the OMHSAS Mental Health Planning Committee)

RCPA, on behalf of our members and those they serve, continue our efforts advocating for children, families, and practitioners delivering IBHS services. We respectfully ask our members to share this survey with families they are currently serving. The information will be utilized to examine challenges and opportunities in creating more viable pathways to IBHS services.

If you have questions, please contact Clare Higgins or RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.

The 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity plans to start off strong with a full lineup of workshops addressing current trends and ideas in health and human services. Held at the Hershey Lodge October 10 – 13, the conference will showcase a wide range of topics and host plenty of opportunities for CEUs. Our full brochure is available, and we’re starting off the week with sessions that include:

  • The Milieu Therapist Residency Program
    • Learn about UPMC Western Behavioral Health’s MT Residency program for bolstering staff confidence and increasing retention.
  • Restrictive Practices Across the States: Strategies to Advocate for Change
    • Listen to a panel of experts discuss the restrictions and inequities found in HCBS as well as practical solutions to tackling them.
  • Becoming a Data-Driven Provider: 10 Steps to Creating a Data-Driven Culture
    • Learn about Mainstay Life Services’ development of a “Data-Driven Culture,” including the initial state of infrastructure and tools used for implementation.
  • Devereux Ascend Career Accelerator Program
    • Explore professional development paths and ideas for your employees through the Devereux Ascend Career Accelerator Program.
  • Increasing Dental Care Access for the I/DD and ND Population With Visual Supports and Video Modeling
    • Discover new ways of using visual, audio, and video supports to support those with ID/A in accessing and addressing dental care.
  • The Happy Valley FitLink Approach to Inclusive Wellness
    • Improve health outcomes for those with neurodiversity and ID/A with daily fitness goals and activities.
  • OLTL Updates and Quality Initiatives
    • Engage with OLTL leadership to discuss quality initiatives, FY 2024 priorities, and more.

Be sure to register now to see these workshops in person and earn continuing education credits!

In addition to an amazing roster of speakers, our 2023 Conference will have an exciting array of sponsors and exhibitors. We thank those who have committed to our conference thus far! If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting, visit here for more details. You can also contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, with any questions you may have.

The Mental Health Safety Net Coalition call scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 1:00 pm is cancelled and will be rescheduled. The Coalition’s Communications Team will meet this coming Monday to update the agenda, and a new date and time will be determined.

We currently remain at a budget impasse, with several critical areas still awaiting resolution. The Coalition continues its work, and we look forward to our next meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.

This is a reminder to join RCPA for a Membership Benefits webinar on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 9:00 am to orient yourself with all that RCPA membership includes. This will certainly be important for new and potential members but will also be of value to current members, as there may be unrecognized benefits associated with our membership.

Register here to attend this webinar. Items we will review include the following and much more:

  • Virtually meet the dedicated RCPA Policy Staff and RCPA lobbyists;
  • Discuss the 2023 Legislative and Administrative priorities;
  • Highlight RCPA division committee and subcommittee meetings as well as what they offer;
  • View the RCPA member-only website;
  • Review exclusive yearly education and networking events; and
  • Understand other National Association memberships included with RCPA membership.

Visit the RCPA member benefits page or contact Tieanna Lloyd  for more information.

We look forward to your participation in this webinar.

Registration is now open for the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity: Enhancing Lives and Shaping the Future!

Our impressive keynote speakers will include:

  • Secretary Valerie Arkoosh, PA Dept. of Human Services
    State of the State. The secretary will discuss current critical issues for human services providers.
  • Chaz Kellem, Highmark Health
    Beyond Accessibility: Diversity and Inclusion in the Disability Community. This session will engage participants in exploring the intersection of race and disability through the lens of consumers.
  • John T. Broderick, Jr., Juris Doctor
    Changing the Conversation Around Mental Health: It’s Way Past Time. Broderick believes that “we have the ability to change the culture and the way mental health is viewed.” R.E.A.C.T. was developed to provide clear next steps when someone sees any of the five signs of emotional suffering in another person.
We are excited to share our registration brochure, which contains a full listing of workshops, general sessions, and Connections Hall offerings, with multiple networking opportunities. We have a well-rounded roster containing workshops on everything critical to the health and human resources fields, including value-based purchasing, the workforce crisis, and artificial intelligence and technology. Visit our Conference website for the latest information. Claim your seat today!


Note: Sponsor and exhibitor spots are filling up quickly, so be sure to complete the sponsor/exhibitor brochure! Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, with any questions.

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