Skip to main content

Single Point of Access (Children SPOA) - Children's Intensive Services

Children’s Single Point of Access (C-SPOA)

Each local government in New York State must designate a Single Point of Access for Children and Families (C-SPOA). The purpose of the Children's SPOA is to:

  • Identify children ages 5 – 24 (if enrolled by 21 years of age) with the highest risk for placement;
  • Develop strategies to manage these children in their home communities;
  • Develop better decisions about individualized care planning for children at risk; and
  • Support communities to manage access to intensive services.

The Children’s SPOA aims to ensure timely and appropriate access to intensive services for children at risk of multiple hospitalizations and out-of-home treatment. The Children’s SPOA Team provides case consultation, systems navigation, referral and linkage to mental health supports and services.

There is no wrong call to the Children’s SPOA. The Children’s Mental Health Team is happy to field calls from any family or community member that is seeking mental health supports or consultation for Erie County youth. The Children’s SPOA Team can be reached at (716) 858-8349.

For youth in need of more intensive services, a C-SPOA  Application can be submitted for review by the Children's SPOA Team and linkage to appropriate supports.

For more information and to download the C-SPOA Application follow this link: https://www3.erie.gov/mentalhealth/c-spoa-referral-applications-i-ii.  For further information or if you have any questions please call (716) 858-8349.

What Kinds of Services Can the Children’s SPOA Offer?

Children's SPOA services are for everyone – regardless of income, insurance, or other eligibility requirements. Specific services recommended by the SPOA vary based on a youth’s individual needs and eligibility.

Examples of services accessed through the SPOA are listed below:

  • Community Service Consultation and Navigation
  • OMH SED High Fidelity Wraparound
  • DSS High Fidelity Wraparound
  • Other DSS Preventive Services
  • Family Peer Support Service
  • Youth Peer Supports
  • Outpatient Individual and Family Therapy
  • Family and Youth Peer Support Services
  • Crisis Stabilization
  • Health Home Case Coordination
  • Home Community Based Services
  • Mobile Integration Team
  • Youth ACT (Assertive Community Treatment)
  • Young Adult ACT (Assertive Community Treatment)
  • Children's Community Residence (CCR), also referred to as CR
  • Residential Treatment Facility (RTF)

Out-of-Home Placement Services

Limited out-of-home services are provided by the New York State Office for Mental Health. Services include Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) and Children's Community Residence (CCR) settings. Referral for out-of-home services is made through the Department of Community Mental Health Children’s Single Point of Access (C-SPOA) application. For more information or to request an application, please contact our Children’s SPOA Team at (716) 858-8349.

If you or someone you know needs support now, contact: