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Policy Areas

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-009. The purpose of this communication is to announce that registration is open for the next Virtual Office Hours (VOH) with ODP’s Policy Department. This session is on Navigating ODP Resources and is geared towards individuals and families who are just beginning to learn about ODP or for those who want a basic understanding of the topic being discussed. Please view the announcement for registration information and details.

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation will present a free webinar titled “Elevating Whole Person SUD Care: How The Revised & Redesigned ASAM Criteria Improves Outcomes For Patients, Providers & Payers.” The webinar is scheduled from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Expert speakers will share valuable insights into leveraging changes to improve patient outcomes and assist SUD provider organizations in increasing rates of insurance approval. Attendees will also get a first-hand look at the redesigned digital format, which was informed by addiction professionals for more effective clinical implementation. More details about the webinar are available online, and interested individuals can register here.

The Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children has published its 2023 State of Child Welfare Report, providing an analysis of child safety, placement, and permanency based on 2022 data. This 14th annual report focuses on Pennsylvania’s county-administered, state-supervised child welfare system, highlighting findings such as increases in child abuse reports in 2022. The report includes policy recommendations to address system challenges and improve outcomes for children and families. The full report, state-level data tables, and county tables can be accessed on the PA Partnerships for Children website.

RCPA would like to thank PA Partnerships for their partnership and shared advocacy on behalf of children and families in Pennsylvania.

The Infant/Toddler Provider Registry will be moving to a new website on January 29, 2024. This is a reminder that Monday, January 22 begins a blackout period from January 22–28 for the Infant Toddler Provider Registry website. Any information entered after Sunday, January 21 will not be migrated to the new site. The new website will be shared with users via email on January 29, 2024.

If you or one of your staff were unable to attend the live webinar, a presentation has been posted. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the Provider Registry resource links. Also, as a reminder, the update webinar has been posted to the EITA website and can be found at the bottom of the page.

If you have any questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.

The House Education Committee held hearings over two days to gather testimony and recommendations regarding student mental health in schools. Included in the panels was RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp, who testified regarding creating viable student mental health programming, including revitalizing the Student Assistance Programs (SAP) that build upon continued relationships and expertise of the community-based mental health providers. RCPA also outlined sustainable allocation strategies to ensure funding be directed to the school districts and the development of a large-scale, statewide mental health strategy. View our testimony here.

You can also view The Keystone Newsroom’s article addressing the hearings.

If you have questions or comments, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.