AHRC NYC’s Children’s Services offers flexible and personalized support to children and youth aged 3-21. We focus on teaching valuable life skills while providing services to children in their home, and in their community.
To be eligible for Children’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS,) individuals must meet the following criteria:
1) Have a need for extra care at home or in the community,
2) Desire to avoid hospitalization or long-term facility placement,
3) Be found eligible for HCBS, and
4) Be enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid.
To Access Children’s HCBS participants must enroll in a Health Home Care who will assist in connecting families to services.
AHRC NYC’s Children’s Services prioritizes the role of a child’s home and community in shaping their growth and development. Our carefully designed services cater to participants aged 3-21, aiming for success in all aspects of their lives and preventing the need for higher levels of care or out-of-home placements. We achieve this by delivering almost 100% of our care in the child’s own home and within their community, completely avoiding institutional settings.
We firmly believe that when children establish deep connections with their community, they flourish and thrive. We prioritize teaching and encouraging curiosity, communication, decision-making, and authentic interactions in the community, enabling participants to develop the necessary skills to be successful at home and in school, and to be prepared for future adult life. Children are reinforced with important safety skills as they are exposed to real-world problem-solving situations.
Available Children’s Services
Community Habilitation
We empower children to acquire, maintain, and enhance their Activities of Daily Living skills (ADLs). Services are delivered in community settings, ensuring that children are actively engaged and integrated into their local surroundings, safely using public transit systems.
Day Habilitation
We offer comprehensive assistance in socialization, and adaptive skills within a non-residential setting. From communication to travel, we carefully design activities and environments that foster skill acquisition, appropriate behavior, greater independence, community inclusion, relationship building, self-advocacy, and informed choice.
Planned Respite
Families need support too. Our planned respite services provide short-term relief to primary caregivers, allowing them to recharge and enhance their ability to support their child’s functional, developmental, behavioral health, and healthcare needs.
Pre-Vocation
Youth ages 14 and up are welcome to participate in our pre-vocation program which equips them with the skills they need to obtain paid work or participate in volunteer opportunities matching their interests. Programming covers interviewing techniques, resume writing, socializing, workplace problem-solving, job exploration, and more.
Children’s Services FAQs
During which hours and days are Children’s Services offered?
Our services offer flexible scheduling options, but typically operate on weekdays, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm, with extended hours for teens until 9:00 pm. On weekends, services are provided for approximately 4 to 6 hours during daytime, depending on the specific needs of the family. We strive to accommodate the scheduling preferences and requirements of our clients while ensuring that we can provide the necessary support within the designated timeframes.
What are the Children’s Services program costs? Are there fees for transportation and activities?
In our Children’s Services program, all activity and transportation costs are covered by us. Families do not need to worry about additional fees for these services. It’s important to note that families are responsible for covering the cost of food. We strive to ensure that our program remains accessible and affordable for families, and we take care of the expenses associated with activities and transportation.
Can siblings come along to enjoy community activities?
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate siblings joining our program’s activities in the community. This limitation is due to liability considerations and ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. Our program is specifically designed to cater to the needs of the enrolled children, and activities are carefully planned with their specific requirements in mind.
Can Children’s Services staff use cars to transport students?
No, our Children’s Services staff do not utilize cars for transporting students due to insurance restrictions. We rely on public transportation to ensure that students are transported safely and efficiently.
Does the pre-vocational service include any paid opportunities, or is it solely volunteer experiences?
The pre-vocational service is designed for youth aged 14 and older who are interested in developing skills for future employment or volunteer opportunities. While it does not offer paid opportunities, it provides valuable experiences that can benefit participants in their future endeavors. Youth engage in various volunteering opportunities. Additionally, we focus on essential aspects such as interview preparation, resume creation, and developing socializing and networking skills. These skills are crucial for gaining employment and exploring different job options. The pre-vocational service aims to equip youth with the necessary skills and experiences to thrive in their future careers.
Does Children’s Services currently offer ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy?
No, at present, our Children’s Services staff are not trained in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. We focus on other approaches and interventions to meet the unique needs of the children we support.
Do your staff help with homework?
Absolutely! However, it’s important to note that while we provide assistance, we are not tutors in the traditional sense. Our focus is on helping children with their homework, fostering a supportive environment, and promoting independent learning. While we strive to provide guidance and support, we cannot guarantee specific academic results. Our goal is to assist children in developing essential skills, cultivating a strong work ethic, and fostering a positive attitude toward learning.
Can participants enroll in multiple service types at the same time?
Yes, participants have the flexibility to enroll in multiple service types simultaneously. For instance, a child can receive both respite care and community habilitation services. We tailor the selection of service types to best suit their individual requirements.
What do Children’s Services participants do at their program?
Our Children’s Services program provides diverse activities to enhance social skills, foster independence, and develop daily living skills, including peer mentorship, community recreation, independent travel instruction, and independent living skills. Collaborating with families and students, we establish personalized goals, regularly reviewing and adjusting them. Our community-based approach integrates us into the community, helping participants discover and leverage natural supports. Enjoyable activities keep participants engaged and motivated during their time with us.
Who can receive Children’s HCBS?
Children’s HCBS are for children and youth who:
1. Need extra care at home/in the community.
2. Want to avoid going to the hospital or long-term facility.
3. Are found eligible for HCBS.
4. are enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid.
Note: Some children may be eligible for Medicaid if they are eligible for HCBS.
How can someone access Children’s HCBS?
Children/Youth and their families can speak with a Health Home Care Manager or call the Children and Youth Evaluation Service at 1-833-333-2937 to find out how a child/youth can access Children’s HCBS.
What is Health Home Care Management?
A Health Home Care Manager is a person who can help you find services. Health Home Care Managers work together as a team with children/youth and their families and service providers to make sure they stay healthy. All children eligible for HCBS can get care management services through a Health Home Care Management program. Children and Youth not enrolled can call 518-473-5569 or email mailto:mhcbs@health.ny.gov for more information.