§ 458-M — Family support services programs

§ 458-m. Family support services programs. 1. As used in this title,\nthe term "family support services programs" shall mean a program\nestablished pursuant to this title to provide community-based supportive\nservices to children and families with the goal of (i) preventing a\nchild from being adjudicated a person in need of supervision and help\nprevent the out of home placements of such youth or (ii) preventing a\npetition from being filed under article seven of the family court act,\nor (iii) reducing future interaction with the juvenile justice or child\nwelfare systems for children under twelve years of age who do not fall\nunder the definition of juvenile delinquent pursuant to subparagraph\n(iii) of paragraph (a) of subdivision one of section 301.2 of the family\ncourt act and whose behavior, but for their age would bring them within\nthe jurisdiction of the family court pursuant to article three of the\nfamily court act.\n 2. Family support services programs shall provide comprehensive\nservices to such children and their families, either directly or through\nreferrals with partner agencies, including, but not limited to:\n (a) rapid family assessments and screenings;\n (b) crisis intervention;\n (c) family mediation and skills building;\n (d) mental and behavioral health services including cognitive\ninterventions;\n (e) case management;\n (f) respite services;\n (g) education advocacy; and\n (h) other family support services.\n 3. The services that are provided shall be trauma responsive, family\nfocused, gender-responsive, and evidence based or informed and strengths\nbased and shall be tailored to the individualized needs of the child and\nfamily based on the assessments and screenings conducted by such family\nsupport services program.\n 4. Family support services programs shall have the capacity to serve\nfamilies outside of regular business hours including evenings and\nweekends.\n