Resources that may be able to assist families of a person with a developmental disability during a behavioral crisis
If you are working with a person with a developmental disability who is having a behavioral crisis there are several resources available in the city that may be able to assist. Unfortunately, many of the emergency services that once existed at state-run Developmental Centers have closed in recent years due to cuts in government funding. Additionally, in-patient hospital options no longer exist in New York City. The following information is a compilation taken directly from information in DDRO guides and from the websites of organizations that provide the interventions. Most of the services are borough specific so one should attempt to contact the organizations and services in the borough in which the individual needing assistance resides.
This list of services is compiled as a resource. AHRC New York City is not familiar with all the programs on this list and does not have control over service changes or availability.
Behavioral Crisis Resources in New York City
Intensive Behavioral Resources
Intensive Behavioral Services are not considered a Behavioral Crisis Intervention but rather a service that will reduce the likelihood of a future crisis. If your family member with challenging behaviors lives at home with you, his/her family, and is enrolled in the Waiver, he/she may be eligible for these services.
Intensive Behavioral (IB) Services are short-term (6 month) services that focus on developing effective behavior management strategies for individuals whose challenging behavioral issues put the individual at risk of placement in a more restrictive residential setting. While not a crisis intervention program, this program does teach the individual, families and other caregivers how to respond to and deal with those challenging behaviors that might otherwise result in admission to a hospital or psychiatric center. To be eligible for IB Services, the individual must live in his/her own home or a Family Care home and must be enrolled in the Home and Community Based Services Waiver.
Services are provided by clinical staff who, once service is authorized, meet with the family and individual and complete a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). Upon completion of the FBA, a Behavior Management Plan (BMP) is developed to develop or increase adaptive behaviors and decrease the frequency and/or intensity of challenging behaviors through the use of positive and proactive strategies; examples may include providing access to preferred items or activities, teaching relaxation, anger management, social, communication and other behavioral self-management skills, or making environmental modifications.
Family members and other staff who provide support the individual are trained by IBS staff on implementation of the plan. Implementation is then monitored though behavioral data collection, and progress assessed (and plan modified if needed) at regular intervals.
Making a Referral
To make a referral, send completed Application Form, Copy of DDP2 (completed within 6 months), and Psychological Evaluation (and any other relevant clinical documentation) to the DDRO.
DDRO Eligibility Contacts:
Metro Office:
Bronx, New York
Alan Filippi
Alan.Filippi@opwdd.ny.gov
Phone: 212-229-3139
Fax: 212-229-3151
Brooklyn Office:
Kings
Dr. Howard Reyer
Phone: 718-642-8657
Staten Island Office:
Richmond
Jack Lawrence
John.Lawrence@opwdd.ny.gov
Phone: 718-982-1944
Fax: 718-982-1931
Bernard Fineson Office:
Queens
Francina Branch
Francina.Branch@opwdd.ny.gov
Phone: 718-217-6179
Fax: 718-217-5166
Mental Health-Oriented Services
(Not Developmental Disabilities-Specific)
These services are all offered by the Department of Health and considered to be mental health services for persons with so-called psychiatric disabilities as their primary disability.
MOBILE CRISIS UNITS: Medical team will make a home visit in case of psychiatric emergencies and evaluate for hospitalization. This service is intended for people whose primary disability is psychiatric in nature, not individuals with developmental disabilities exhibiting challenging behaviors.