MHSPY Classic
MHSPY provides support to youth and families by surrounding them with resources based in their own communities. We believe that the best way to support vulnerable children and adolescents is to identify a group of adults, including caregivers, teachers and doctors. We call this group a Care Planning Team. MHSPY works closely with caregivers, teachers, providers and others in order to provide consistency across all settings in the youth’s life.
The Care Planning Team meets regularly to help identify the strengths and needs of the child and to set goals. All of the MHSPY participating agencies: DCF, DMH, DYS, DOE, and MassHealth help facilitate the allocation of resources to address the child’s needs. Each team is guided by a MHSPY Care Manager, an experienced mental health professional.
Care Planning Process:
- The Care Manager talks with parents, youth and providers to discuss needs and set up the first monthly Care Planning Team meeting.
- Services which are in place prior to enrollment are initially maintained while the Care Planning Team establishes an Individual Care Plan and goals.
- The Care Manager coordinates the services which are selected to meet each child’s mission and goals.
- Progress toward the mission and goals is reviewed monthly to determine effectiveness of treatment.
Graduation:
- When the Care Planning Team agrees that the child’s goals have been reached and mission accomplished, the child is considered ready to graduate.
Eligibility Requirements:
- MassHealth eligible
- 3-17 ½ years old
- Live in Cambridge, Somerville, Malden, Medford, Everett
- IQ of 70 or above
- Symptoms of severe emotional impairment for the past 6 months
- At least one caregiver willing to be part of the Care Planning Process