What is CASSP?
The Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP) is the framework for the public children's mental health system in Pennsylvania, based on principles developed over 20 years ago. These set of principles are defined for children and adolescents with or at risk of developing severe emotional disorders, and their families.
For more information, view the CASSP Principles pdf.
CASSP Core Team
The CASSP Core Team consists of staff from mental health, drug & alcohol, intellectual and developmental disabilities, education, juvenile justice, and child welfare systems. The Core Team meets with parents (and adolescents aged 14 and over), additional family members, staff from school, and other key people in the child / adolescent’s life to review their challenges within the home, school, and community, provide resources and supports, and together develop a plan of service for the individual and family.
What is a CASSP Meeting?
A CASSP Meeting pulls the experience and knowledge of child-serving professionals by holding a cross systems meeting with the family (youth 14+), school, and any additional team members. The meeting is designed to generate resources and supports from a cross systems lens to support the child/adolescent and family. A plan is developed to capture all supports and a copy is provided to each member of the team.
Meetings
The Cumberland County Core Team meets at 1615 Ritner Highway in Carlisle on the first and third Friday of every month. The Perry County Core Team meets in New Bloomfield on the second Thursday of every month.
CASSP Referrals
CASSP referrals are discussed with parents or guardians when a child/adolescent has mental health needs. If the child is age 14 or older they are included in the discussion. CASSP meetings are a voluntary option for families. If the parents agree to participate in the CASSP meeting, the case manager and/or school representative will contact the CASSP Coordinator at 717.240.6320 before completing the CASSP Referral Packet to ensure that the request is appropriate.
Resources
CASSP Brochure
CASSP Referral Packet
CASSP Department of Human Servies