What is the Single Point of Access (SPOA)?

SPOA was implemented to expand each county’s existing community based mental health system, and make it a more collaborative system.  SPOA is established under the Local Government Unit (LGU) to ensure appropriate access to services, prioritize based on need, and to ensure accountability between systems and providers. The SPOA applications are reviewed by the SPOA committee to determine appropriate services available to the individual. It can also assist in identifying and developing strategies for complex behaviors and situations. The SPOA Committee is developed in collaboration with our local Department of Social Services, Coordinated Children’s Services Initiative (CCSI), Cortland County Mental Health, Family and Children Counseling Services, Catholic Charities of Cortland, Hillside Children and Family Services, Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference, Cortland County School representatives, Franziska Racker Centers, the Probation Department and other applicable community providers.

How does Single Point of Access (SPOA) work?

Individuals can be referred to SPOA using the appropriate referral form. Anyone is able to make a referral.  The referral is sent to Cortland County Mental Health for review and discussion by the SPOA Committee.  Through this process, the committee utilizes guidance from the Department of Health and the Office of Mental Health to determine appropriateness criteria and the appropriate level of care based on the information provided. The SPOA Committee then will make a recommendation for services.   

                                                            What services are available through the Children’s Single Point of Access (SPOA)?

1.)   Non-Medicaid Care Management: This program is for children and youth ages 5+ that have a diagnosis aligned with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), and that do not meet the guidelines to receive Medicaid health insurance. In Cortland County, Catholic Charities of Cortland (www.ccocc.org) is the provider of these services.

2.)   Health Home Care Management: Through Health Home Care Management, an individual with Medicaid insurance, is assigned a care manager to assist and guide an individualized comprehensive plan of care that includes social/emotional well-being, physical health, and behavioral health supports. The Children’s Health Home Care Management is designed for children from birth to age 18. Families have choice as to which Care Management agency (CMA) they would like to work with, and a parent partner (a parent with lived experience) is available to assist with this process.

3.)   Home and Community Based Waiver Services (HCBS): This level of care is designated for children and youth ages 5+ that have complex needs not being met through other community services.  The Home and Community Based Waiver Services provide respite, family support services, crisis response, and intensive in home services. 

4.)   Youth Assertive Community Treatment (C-ACT): The Youth ACT team serve children/youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), who are returning home from inpatient settings or residential services, at risk of entering such settings, or have not adequately engaged or responded to treatment in more traditional community-based services.               

5.)   Children Community Residents (CCR): Community residences provide a community-based, residential option for some seriously emotionally disturbed children and youth. They are appropriate for young people between the ages of 5 and 18 years.

6.)   Residential Treatment Facility (RTF): Although it is not necessary, it is recommended that families interested in an RTF placement for their child go through the SPOA committee.  This SPOA committee can provide letters of support for the referral or provide suggestions for other services in the community that can be utilized.  For more information on this process click on the link below. 

                                                                   What services are accessible through the Adult Single Point of Access (SPOA)?

1.)   Non-Medicaid Care Management: This program is for adults, 18 years and over, that have a diagnosis aligned with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI)  and that do not meet the guidelines to receive Medicaid health insurance. In Cortland County, Catholic Charities of Cortland (www.ccocc.org) is the provider of these services.

2.)   Health Home Care Management: Through Health Home Care Management, an individual with Medicaid insurance, is assigned a care manager to assist and guide an individualized comprehensive plan of care that includes social/emotional well-being, physical health, and behavioral health supports. Individuals have choice as to which Care Management agency (CMA) they would like to work with.

3.)   Community Residence: A single site residence that provides group living for adults, three meals a day, 24 hours per day supervision/staff, activities geared toward maintaining or improving functioning.

4.)   Supportive Apartment: With six NYS Office of Mental Health certified apartments, this program provides adults a semi-supervised living experience that are working towards independent living. 

5.)   Supported Housing Program: Provides adults with SPMI an opportunity to live independently while providing rental subsidies and case management support. 

6.)   Pathways to Reentry: Operated by Catholic Charities of Cortland County, this program is dedicated to helping people who have been or are currently incarcerated to eliminate systemic barriers that hinder successful reentry and help individuals transition into the community by providing essential tools, support and resources. (https://www.ccocc.org/copy-of-home-shelter-assistance-1)