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Department of Human Services Highlights Role of Relationships and Social Support Systems for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Autism and Mental Health and Behavioral Challenges
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) today released the latest issue of the Positive Approaches Journal, which aims to provide the most recent research and resources for people with mental health and behavioral challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities to live an everyday life. This edition focuses on the importance of social connectedness and outlines ways of supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism in forming healthy and long-lasting relationships.
“While the past year has proven incredibly difficult for everyone’s relationships and social life, the pandemic has revealed major disparities in this regard for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. These disparities hurt everyone,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “People with dual diagnoses often face challenges for true inclusion in their communities; historic segregation, inadequate education, and, on some occasions, abuse have made developing healthy relationships difficult. It is our hope that this edition of the Positive Approaches Journal will shine a light on ways to address these issues and ensure an everyday life for the people we serve.”
This edition features research and guidance on the following:
The journal is a collaboration of DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and collects resources, observations, and advancements in mental and behavioral health in order to better serve people with dual diagnoses in their communities.
“Our goal at DHS is to serve more people in their communities, and we hope that by publishing these resources and advancements to professionals and supporters, we can foster more research and improved services to the people who need them,” said Secretary Miller.
Read this edition of the Positive Approaches Journal.
For more information visit www.dhs.pa.gov.
The RCPA Human Resources Committee has arranged a free training: Bureau of Labor Law Compliance – Know the Law on Wednesday, March 24 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Please register here.
This training is offered by the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance. Presenters Randy Liddle, Administrative Officer and Bryan Smolock, Director will review the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance’s history and functions, current rules and regulations, and recent changes being made to the minimum wage act that directly affect businesses and workers.
This training has been submitted for HRCI continuing education. If you would like to submit questions in advance, please send them by March 17 to Tina Miletic. We look forward to your participation.
On March 1, 2021, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) submitted to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) its Final-Omitted Regulations on Standards for Drug and Alcohol Recovery House Licensure. The regulations can be found on IRRC’s website.
The updated regulations (p. 55-81) can be found in the submitted regulatory package, along with the following.
Upcoming Timeline
Which Recovery Houses Will Need a License?
Once the new licensing program is in place, drug and alcohol recovery houses must have a license to:
In addition, the law imposes two additional requirements on referrals to recovery houses:
RCPA has extended the deadline for our members to complete this brief telehealth survey that will provide data for our research project with Woods Services. Your agency’s individual responses will be confidential, and only aggregated information will be shared as part of the report. The survey will remain open for responses until March 8, 2021.
This survey has been expanded across the continuum of RCPA Policy and Human Services and we respectfully request that one survey be completed for each of those program areas in which you are providing telehealth. The data we collect will be instrumental in our efforts with DHS, managed care organizations, and other critical decision makers to ensure telehealth has a place in your continuum of care.
If you have questions regarding the survey, call the principal investigator, Dr. Scott Spreat, at 215-801-2401. All other inquiries can be directed to RCPA Children’s Policy Director Jim Sharp. Thank you for your participation.