';
CLOSE
Policy Areas

0 387

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has shared an upcoming learning opportunity from the Youth and Family Training Institute (YFTI) for professionals across child and family serving systems.

On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 12:00 pm, YFTI will present Managing Team Dynamics: Fluid Facilitation in Family Driven Teaming. This webinar introduces the concept of fluid facilitation, the practice of adapting facilitation strategies in real time rather than rigidly following a plan. Participants will explore how responsive facilitation supports respectful dialogue, helps navigate conflict, and guides teams toward shared understanding, integrated solutions, and shared ownership, even when meetings become challenging.

Participants will learn how to:

  • Notice and interpret changes in participation, emotion, and momentum during team meetings;
  • Adapt facilitation approaches to support inclusive, respectful discussion;
  • Respond to conflict and imbalance while keeping meetings constructive and on track; and
  • Promote shared ownership and follow-through within team processes.

This session is designed for facilitators, coordinators, clinicians, family navigators, and system partners engaged in Family Driven Teaming.

Registration information is available here. Please contact RCPA Children’s Policy Specialist Emma Sharp with any questions.

0 692
latest news poster banner graphic design icon logo sign symbol social media website coupon

SCHNECKSVILLE, PA (May 4, 2026) – KidsPeace announced that it has entered into an affiliation agreement with Inperium, Inc., effective May 1, 2026.

KidsPeace, which provides mental and behavioral health services to children and young people, said the affiliation will strengthen its financial security by expanding access to capital and enhancing efficiencies in key back-office support functions. These improvements will help ensure the organization can continue delivering high-quality programs for its clients in support of its mission [read full release].

0 792
May is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week background template. Holiday concept. use to background, banner, placard, card, and poster design template with text inscription and standard color.
National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week in 2026 is observed from May 3–9, focusing on reducing stigma, promoting protective factors, and increasing access to care. The week highlights the importance of supporting the emotional wellbeing of children, youth, and families through community, education, and professional resources. Together, we can create environments where every child feels seen, supported, and able to thrive. Here are some examples on how to access resources and get involved, courtesy of Children’s Mental Health Matters in Maryland.

0 329

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared Bulletin 00-26-01, which clarifies appeal and hearing processes for individuals who are applying, or already authorized, for Targeted Support Management services, Base-Funded services, or services through the Person/Family-Directed Support, Community Living, Consolidated, or Adult Autism Waivers.

This bulletin will:

  • Clarify ODP’s policies and procedures on an individual’s right to appeal a service or eligibility determination and have a hearing;
  • Clarify the decisions to which the appeal and hearing processes apply; and
  • Incorporate and provide guidance about an expedited appeal process.

Attachments:

  • Attachment 1 – Guidance and Procedures for Individuals Applying for or Enrolled to Receive Services Through a Waiver or Requesting or Receiving Targeted Support Management Services.
  • Attachment 2 – Guidance and Procedures for Individuals Applying for or Receiving Base-Funded ODP Services.
  • Attachment 3 – DP 458, Notice of Eligibility or Service Determination and Fair Hearing Request Form.

A version of the DP 458 translated in Spanish will be released soon. Stakeholders will be notified when this version of the form is ready for use.

0 302

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism (ID/A) and their families to join in a virtual discussion with members of the Division of Policy and Program Innovation. These sessions are informal — meaning the conversation will not be recorded, and rules will be set before the session starts, to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe to provide questions and comments. The session will be held through Microsoft Teams.

Please note: This event is being held exclusively for individuals and family members; this is not an event for someone who is solely a professional.

What Will Be Covered?
ODP’s policy staff is excited to engage with individuals and families about how to share a suggestion or desired change when ODP is asking for input. The process of public comment will be explained and will include:

  • How to find out when public comment is being sought;
  • Why public comment is important;
  • What happens with the comments after they are submitted; and
  • Overall information about the public comment process.

ODP has chosen this topic for June as ODP is in the process of updating some of their waivers.

Who should attend?
Individuals and Families

Date and Time:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Register:
After Hours with Policy from the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP): How Can I Share my Ideas or Make a Suggestion About an ODP Policy? What is Public Comment?

0 389

The Office of Child Development & Early Learning notified all County Early Intervention (EI) programs and providers regarding next steps for past claims that failed the auto-correction to update payment to the new rate approved for 2025–26.

As expected, there were many ICNs that failed the Mass Claims Adjustment. The Bureau has prepared a document for each EI program to distribute to their contracted providers. The document includes the provider’s name, the original ICN that did not successfully mass adjust, and the Error Status Codes (ESC) that prevented the claim adjustment. EI Programs should work together with providers to resolve these claims errors. After successful resolution of the claims error, providers will be responsible for performing their own claims adjustment for the claims that failed the Mass Claims Adjustment.

Next Steps:

  1. EI County Programs can access their document within DocuShare using these instructions: OCDEL – Bureau of Early Intervention Services- Infant/Toddler & Preschool General Information – PROGRAM NAME – Adhoc Query Results.
  2. EI county programs should immediately download the file and share each provider’s information separately. DO NOT forward the entire document to all providers.
  3. EI providers and county programs should work together to resolve the claims errors.
  4. EI providers will submit their own claims adjustment according to timelines. It is recommended that claims are prioritized by date of service, focusing on July and August claims first and then moving to claims later within the 2025/26 fiscal year.

Resource documentation regarding ESCs that resulted in the failed Mass Claims Adjustment is available by accessing the Learning Management System within this course: PELICAN EI Provider: Financial Management.

Moving forward:

  1. Using the newly published Fiscal Year 2025/26 Fee Schedule – file NEW claims on or after 3/9/26 that contain a date of service on or after 7/1/25.
  2. Using the newly published Fiscal Year 2025/26 Fee Schedule – adjust claims filed on or after 3/9/26 that contain a date of service on or after 7/1/25 if the OLD fee schedule was used.

IMPORTANT REMINDER:

OCDEL reminds providers of the timely filling of all claims. The regulation at 55 Pa. Code § 1101.68 (relating to invoicing for services) establishes requirements for submitting claims for services rendered. Early Intervention evaluations, IFSP services, and Service Coordination claims are all required to follow this regulation.

  1. A provider shall submit original or initial invoices to be received by the Department within a maximum of 180 days after the date the services were rendered or compensable items provided.

Resubmission of a rejected original claim or a claim adjustment shall be received by the Department within 365 days of the date of service.

0 698
Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Annual campaign in United States. Raising awareness of mental health. Control and protection. Prevention campaign. Medical health care design. Vector illustration

This year’s theme — More Good Days, Together — encourages us all to reflect on what a “good” day looks like, both for ourselves, and for our communities. Together, we can use that insight to connect people to the right support at the right time, and shape advocacy, education, and community engagement to make more good days possible for all. See ways to get involved.

*Courtesy of Mental Health America (MHA)

Prev1...345...514Next Page 4 of 514
© 2021 - Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association