Children's Services Division

A Subdivision of the Behavioral Health Division

View the 2026 Children's Services Legislative Priorities

Policy Specialist: Emma Sharp


Emma is working as a Children’s Policy Specialist in the Behavioral Health Division. Specific target areas include IBHS and school-based mental health, as well as legislative and advocacy efforts for youth mental health initiatives. She earned her bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Mount St. Mary’s University.

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Contact Information

Email:  esharp@paproviders.org

Main: 717-963-3613

Direct: 570-441-0164


2026 Children's Services Committee Meeting Schedule


2026 Children's Residential Meeting Schedule

  • January 22
  • April 23
  • July 23
  • October 22


2026 Children's School-Based Meeting Schedule

  • January 22
  • April 23
  • July 23
  • October 22


2026 IBHS Work Group Meeting Schedule

  • January 8
  • March 12
  • May 7
  • July 9
  • September 10
  • November 19

Children's Services Division Posts

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By Melissa Dehoff • October 9, 2026
DHS has issued an RFI to gather input on using Medicaid data to improve transparency and strengthen the ability to make evidence-based rate-setting decisions.
RELIAS logo with black text and a green stylized “A” on a white background
By Sharon Militello • October 8, 2026
Relias Helps to Address Today’s Workforce, Training, Compliance Challenges
Three connected hexagons with text reading
By Jim Sharp • October 8, 2026
DHS has released a new Rural Health Transformation Program Resource Guide, which brings together key links related to Pennsylvania and federal RHTP resources.
Pen next to box ratings, listing Excellent, Good, Average, and Poor options
By Richard Edley • October 7, 2026
RCPA and the National Council kindly ask that a representative from your organization completes the survey by October 9, 2026.
PA DHS logo reading
By Fady Sahhar • October 5, 2026
DHS is requiring certain Medicaid providers classified as high risk to revalidate their enrollment by December 31, 2026.
Clinically AI logo with a colorful geometric icon and gray text
By Sharon Militello • September 29, 2026
RCPA Partner Clinically AI Presents "Behavioral Health at an Inflection Point: AI, Risk, and Reinvention" Oct. 13

View the Latest on the Behavioral Health Blog

Visit here to view the complete Behavioral Health blog.

Magnifying glass over GLP-1 and semaglutide text, with obesity and weight loss labels in the background
By Jason Snyder • September 24, 2026
GLP-1s may be popular for weight loss, but evidence is mounting that they are effective at treating substance use disorder (SUD) and other addictions as well.

Additional Resource Links