Frequently Asked Questions

What causes autism?
Research suggests that the risk of autism development arises from a combination of genetic and non-genetic, or environmental, influences. Other risks that increase the likelihood of developing autism are parents over 40 years of age; pregnancy and/ or birth complications, such as extreme premature birth, low birth weight, or multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.); and pregnancies spaced less than a year apart from one another.

How do I know if my child has Autism?
Signs that may identify the need for an ASD screening:

• Avoids eye contact and want to be alone
• Does not like to cuddle
• Does not make eye contact
• Does not play “pretend” games at 18 months/ lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
• Does not point at objects to show interest by 14 months
• Does not respond to his or her name
• Does not respond to his or her name by 12 months
• Does not return smiles
• Does not talk or suddenly stops talking
• Flaps hands, rock their body or spin in circles
• Gets upset by minor changes
• Gives unrelated answers to questions
• Has delayed speech and language skills
• Has limited food preferences
• Has obsessive interests (e.g. persistent fixation on arts of the object)
• Has temper outbursts or tantrums – “meltdowns”
• Has trouble understanding other people’s feelings or talking about their own feelings
• Has unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look or feel
• Is sensitive to clothing and textures
• Lags behind same-age children in skills
• Not interested in other children
• Repeats words or phrases over and over

What are possible signs of Autism in babies and toddlers?

• 6 months: No social smiles or other joyful expressions directed toward people
• 6 months: Limited to no eye contact
• 9 months: No vocal sounds, smiles or other nonverbal communication
• 2 months: No babbling
• 12 months: No use of gestures to communicate (e.g. pointing, reaching, waving, etc.)
• 12 months: No response to name when called
• 16 months: No words
• 24 months: No meaningful, two-word phrases
• Any loss of any previously acquired speech, babbling, or social skills

What are the eligibility requirements for Applied Behavioral Analysis services?
The State of Michigan now offers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services to individuals who:

• Are Medicaid eligible
• Are younger than 21 years of age
• Have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Diagnosis

Who is eligible for Community Mental Health services in Oakland County?
Oakland County residents who have an intellectual/developmental disability, mental illness, children with serious emotional disturbance, and people with substance use disorders may be eligible to receive specialty public mental health services. Most of these people have Medicaid/Healthy MI Plan coverage. However, individuals who are uninsured and underinsured can be linked to substance use disorder services through Federal Block grant funding.

How do I request an Access screening to receive public health services through Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN)?
OCHN’s screening process helps to determine where your needs can be met, based on the severity and urgency of your situation. Screenings can be requested by calling our main line at 248-464-6363 or by visiting the Resource and Crisis Center (1200 N Telegraph, Bldg. 32E, Pontiac, MI). If an access screener is available, a screening can be completed at this time. Walk-in appointments are received on a first-come, first-serve basis.

What is the process for a screening?
Once an individual/family calls, our access and referral specialists collect demographic information to identify the individual/family’s needs. If it is determined that an access screening is necessary, the referral specialist then checks on the availability of an access screener. If an access screener is not available, the individual/family is offered the opportunity to schedule a same day scheduled appointment with a screener or to be added to the callback queue to be called back the same day.

What paperwork will a person need prior to an Intellectual Developmental Access Screening?
An individual will need the below paperwork prior to an Intellectual Developmental Access Screening:

• Copy of documentation identifying the diagnosis (must be diagnosed before the age of 22)
• Copy of IEP and MET (for ages 5-28; can be obtained from school)
• Psychological evaluation (with IQ score included)
• Guardianship or Power of Attorney paperwork from court (if age 18 or over)
• Copy of ID showing proof of Oakland County residency
• List of psychiatric medications person is currently taking (if any)

How long does it take for a callback?
Screeners generally call back individuals/families within 24 to 48 hours. This may vary based on the call volume during the day.

What happens if I am not able to answer the call when Access calls back?
The access screener will leave a message and request for you to call back the access main number when you are available. The screeners call individuals/families on a rotation basis. When a screener calls, he/she will complete the screening at that time if the individual/family is available.

What are the hours of the Access Department?
The hours of operations for non-emergency Access services to Oakland County’s Public Mental Health system are:

• Monday- Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (7:00 p.m. is the latest time that a screening can begin)

How long does an Access screening last?
On average, an access screening is 45 minutes to one hour.

Are Access screenings face-to-face?
We will determine what type of screening best meets your needs, face-to-face or over the phone. While not mandatory, OCHN prefers face-to-face screenings for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. All other access screenings, including adults with a mental illness and children with a serious emotional disturbance, can take place over the telephone.

Screenings are scheduled as soon as possible and upon contact. If an individual is having difficulty getting to the RCC for a face-to-face meeting, than a phone screening can be provided.

Once individuals are connected to an access and referral specialist, an appointment will be scheduled to meet with a screener. Information about the necessary paperwork to complete this process will be provided at this time.

Do Access screenings take place elsewhere in the community?
Access screenings are generally completed by telephone or on a walk-in basis at the Resource and Crisis Center. Other community opportunities for screenings can be done if there is enough volume.

What can I expect during the screening process?
Licensed clinicians will ask questions about mental health/developmental and/or family history, risk of harm, physical health needs, medications, functional status, family relationships and stress, substance use, socialization, school, symptoms etc. It is important to be as honest as possible to get the correct information, so that the individual/family is placed in the appropriate level of care. If a child/minor is screened, the clinician will want to speak with both the minor and their guardians.

Screenings are also conducted prior to a person being discharged from a hospital setting to ensure appropriate follow-up care is in place.

What happens if I am eligible for services?
If you qualify for services, you will be given a choice of providers and linked with the provider of your choice for an intake. Intake appointments occur no more than 14 days (if not sooner for adults), 7 days (if not sooner for children) after the screening determination is made. Special screening consideration is given to pregnant women and injecting drug users.

What if I am not eligible for services?
If you do not qualify for services, there are a variety of community resources that can be given to help meet your needs. These vary between insurances, locations, and are given based on individualized need.

Will I have access to my child’s mental health information?
Children have privacy privileges which protects their information from being openly reported to their family. This aids the mental health practitioner with building rapport with the child and/or young adult. If the mental health professional believes there are any concerns for safety (risk of harm to self or others), they will immediately coordinate with the family to ensure the young person’s safety.

Can I attend my child’s service sessions?
Mental health professionals value collaboration with families to ensure the best possible care for their child/children. Typically, professionals will meet with the parent/guardian and their child to get an idea of what services would best meet the family’s needs and on-going to ensure coordination. The professional will work most often with the child one-on-one to help the young person develop coping skills and provide the support that is needed.

What if my child refuses to take prescribed medications?
Mental health professionals are able to encourage and support the child and their family through the treatment process; they are not able to force a child to take medications. If a parent is concerned for a child’s well-being, they can take them to them to Common Ground and/or the hospital for additional follow-up.

What is a Serious Emotional Disturbance Waiver (SEDW)?
SED waivers provide additional services to Medicaid State Plan coverage for youth with a Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED).

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provides community-based services to enable youth who would otherwise require hospitalization to remain in home and community settings, and who would otherwise not be eligible for Medicaid-funded supports.

What are the criteria to receive a SEDW?
The youth and family must live in a community-based setting (not in a hospital, ICF/IID, nursing facility, correctional facility, or child caring institution) while receiving services. Other criteria include:

• Be under 18 years of age
• Reside in a foster home with a permanency plan
• Live full-time in the community with their birth or adoptive parent, or with a legal guardian and eligible for Medicaid as a “family-of-one”

What screening tools are used to determine SEDW eligibility?
SED screening tools used by OCHN include:

• Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS®)
  • Score of 90 or greater for children ages 7 to 12
  • Score of 120 or greater for children ages 13 to 18
• Preschool and Early Childhood Functional Assessment Scale (PECFAS®)

Children aged 3 to 7, elevated subscale scores (20 is considered an elevated subscale score) in at least one of these areas:

• Self-harmful behaviors
• Mood/emotions
• Thinking/communicating
• Behavior toward others

Devereux Early Childhood Assessment Scales (DECA)

Children aged 2 to 4, scores in the concern range across Protective factor scales (initiative, self-control, and attachment):

• In the Concern Range with a Total Protective Factor T-Score of 40
• Below and/or elevated scores on one or more of the behavioral concerns scales (Attention Problems, Aggression, Withdrawal/Depression, Emotional Control Problems) with a T-score of 60 or above.

For more information on the eligibility process, download the full SED Waiver FAQs

Who oversees SED waivers?
The MDHHS operates and provides oversight of the SEDW through contracts with the Regional Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHP).

How do families apply for a SEDW?
Application for the SEDW is made through the PIHP/ OCHN, Access department. The SEDW is intended to be short-term (1 year). Individuals who meet all eligibility criteria are submitted to MDHHS for approval. An annual recertification process to assure ongoing eligibility is required.

Who is responsible for SEDW service coordination?
Once approved, the PIHP/OCHN is responsible for the oversight of SEDW service coordination. Youth will receive services and coordination of services from a Core Provider Agency contracted with OCHN to receive Wrap-Around and any other medically necessary service consistent with the Medicaid Provider Manual.

How are a child’s service needs determined?
The Wraparound Facilitator, the youth and their family and friends, and other professional members of the planning team identify the youth’s needs and secure necessary services. All services/supports must be included in an Individual Plan of Services (IPOS).

Can individuals continue to receive SEDW services after the age of 18?
If a youth on the SEDW turns 18, meets all non-age-related eligibility criteria, and continues to need waiver services, they can remain on the waiver up to their 21st birthday. Participants must receive at least one SEDW service per month in addition to Wraparound contacts to retain eligibility.

What is the Youth & Family Care Connection?
The YFCC, a new and innovative behavioral health service program for Oakland County youth and families, is being launched by Oakland Community Health Network. This one of- a-kind program includes community access for behavioral health triage and care coordination, as well as a separate Crisis Care Unit for children aged 17 and under. Youth can receive services in the unit for up to 72 hours as determined by a mental health screening and based on capacity.

The YFCC and the Crisis Care Unit provide a new level of care for youth in Oakland County and fill a gap in services. Anticipated outcomes for these services include expanding behavioral health services for families in crisis, reducing extended hospital emergency department stays, and offering psychiatric interventions that could potentially avoid inpatient hospitalization.

Where is the Youth and Family Care Connection (YFCC) located?
The YFCC is located on the Oakland County complex at the Resource and Crisis Center (RCC). The RCC is located at 1200 N. Telegraph, Building 32E, in Pontiac. Walk-in screenings and assessments for youth and families occur on the first-floor entrance of the Resource and Crisis Center on Hospital Drive.

The YFCC onsite Crisis Care Unit is located on the second floor. Admission to the crisis unit requires an emergency assessment and is coordinated by New Oakland Family Center (NOFC).

What if youth and family arrive at the Resource and Crisis Center and enter the building by the main door?
Preferably, the youth and family/legal guardian enter the YFCC at the entrance on the lower level on the east side of the building, located on Hospital Drive. If a family enters through the front entrance of the RCC, they will be escorted to the YFCC lobby.

What are the hours of operation for the YFCC?
The YFCC and the Crisis Care Unit are staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week by a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals.

What age groups does the YFCC serve?
The YFCC assists and supports youth 17 years and younger who are in crisis and need to be assessed for the appropriate level of care.

What services are provided at the YFCC?
All youth are triaged upon arrival at the YFCC; not all screenings will result in an admission to the YFCC Crisis Care Unit. The YFCC Crisis Care Unit:

• Provides psychiatric evaluation, medication management (if advised), individual and group psychotherapy, recreational activities, coordination with outpatient treatment providers, and other interventions as needed for up to 72 hours.
• Is not a replacement for physical healthcare services provided by hospital emergency departments. Youth and families experiencing a physical healthcare crisis should call 911 or seek help at their local hospital emergency department (ED) or urgent care.
• Is not a replacement for inpatient psychiatric hospitalization.

How many beds are available at the YFCC?
The YFCC crisis unit has eight rooms, each with a private bathroom. There is also a common area to facilitate groups or activities. Additionally, the unit hosts an equipped Calming Center and Relaxation Room to assist with de-escalation in a private space.

Is the YFCC for youth who have Medicaid only?
No. Any youth who resides in Oakland County can visit the YFCC for services, regardless of insurance.

Are parents or legal guardians able to stay with their children at the YFCC?
Parents/legal guardians are required to stay with their children during the triage, assessment, and intake process (if CCU admission criteria are met). Admission to the YFCC Crisis Care Unit is determined by the assessment and screening process. Parents/legal guardians of youth admitted to the YFCC Crisis Care Unit are provided regular access to their children and given frequent status updates. Parents/legal guardians are not allowed to stay in the Crisis Care Unit overnight. Visiting hours for the Crisis Care Unit are being determined.

What is a Parent Navigator and how do they work within the YFCC?
A Parent Navigator will provide peer-delivered support to parents of youth with SED/IDD in the public mental health system. These supports include providing relevant information to families, and sharing their own experiences to help parents understand their child’s needs and linking the families to groups and services appropriate for their needs. Parent Navigators have lived experience as a parent with a child in the public mental health system. The Parent Navigator will also follow up with families to ensure proper linkage to services.

How is this unit different than other services that exist, like Common Ground and the Oakland Assessment Crisis Intervention Services (OACIS)?
The YFCC and the Crisis Care Unit are for youth ages 17 and younger only. The delivery of services requires parental/legal consent to be admitted if needed.
The YFCC Crisis Care Unit provides active treatment, including psychiatric evaluation, individual/group therapy, recreational activities, active coordination with outpatient providers, primary physical care, and other treatment as needed.
Youth who are determined to need mental health services in the YFCC Crisis Care Unit may remain in the unit for up to 72 hours while treatment is given. While the intention of the CCU is to intervene so that children in crisis are stabilized and diverted from inpatient hospitalization, it is possible that a level of care higher than the CCU is necessary. In such cases, referral to a higher level of care, such as inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, may be explored.

Can youths who have an Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) diagnosis receive services at the YFCC?
Yes.

What if my child is brought to an Emergency Department at a local hospital due to a mental health crisis?
The YFCC clinicians are skilled in coordinating care with hospital emergency department (ED) Departments. The staff in the ER will communicate with YFCC clinicians who complete an emergency screening assessment and assist in obtaining the appropriate level of care.

How do I contact the YFCC?
The number for the YFCC is 800-395-3223.

What is the Housing Assistance Fund?
The purpose of the Housing Assistance Fund is to provide individuals who are currently receiving outpatient services within the OCHN substance use disorder (SUD) network to overcome barriers to obtaining housing. This includes individuals who need assistance with housing application fees, deposits, rental assistance, utility deposits, and/or utility assistance.

Who can apply for this assistance?
Individuals who are enrolled and active with an OCHN-funded Outpatient SUD Treatment provider can apply.

How do I apply?
Interested individuals should talk with their outpatient therapist about their housing difficulties. The therapist will coordinate with their team and the interested individual to fill out the application. The therapist will then submit the completed application to the SUD Treatment team at OCHN to review for appropriateness.

What information and supporting documentation do I need to apply?
Individuals will need to discuss their current expenses, create a detailed budget of their monthly income and expenses, and attach proof of employment.

How long will the Housing Assistance Fund be open?
OCHN is using grant funding to support this assistance fund and is anticipating keeping this funding open as long as grant funding is available.