How Do I Get Help?
- Help in Chester County
- County Assistance Office (State Cash and Medical Assistance Benefits)
- Employment Assistance
- Human Services FAQs
Human Services Departments
Aging Services
The Chester County Department of Aging Services is a local area agency on aging that assists seniors aged 60 years and older and their caregivers by providing information and services that enhance the well being of older citizens. The goal is to help seniors remain independent and live productive lives in our community. Anyone can access the Aging office by walk-in, phone contact and by email. The needs of older adults vary greatly. If a senior requires services in their home, a comprehensive assessment will be completed by the professional care management staff to determine the most suitable service. Information and assistance on health insurance, senior health, voter registration, home care, legal assistance, caregiver education and training, transportation, senior centers, meals, older worker employment, protective services for older adults are just a few of the services provided by the department.
Children, Youth and Families Services
The Department of Children, Youth and Families is responsible by state law to investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect. By law, the agency will offer services to families to protect abused or neglected children. Eligibility includes children (ages 0 to age 18) who have been injured or sexually molested by their parents or caregivers and children who are not adequately cared for or are at risk of placement out-of-home. The department strives to promote family stability and functioning, wherever possible, by providing an array of in-home services. If a child cannot be safely maintained at home, the child will be placed in foster care or residential placement. When children and their families cannot be reunited, adoption services provide the child with a permanent home.
Drug & Alcohol Services
The Department of Drug and Alcohol Services is responsible for planning and coordinating alcohol and other drug prevention, intervention, and treatment services for Chester County residents. Services provided through subcontracted agencies include information and referral, prevention activities in a variety of community settings, and intervention services in schools and the criminal justice system. Through subcontracts, the Department also provides county residents with funding assistance for the full range of alcohol and other drug treatment; from out-patient to residential services. The Department also directly provides case management services to individuals to assess and connect them with residential treatment.
Youth Center
The Chester County Youth Center provides secure detention for alleged and adjudicated delinquents. The center is a co-educational facility. It also has a shelter for female dependent juveniles. The overall treatment capabilities within the Chester County Juvenile Home include academic programs (special education through G.E.D.), individual and group counseling, social programs, recreation, as well as drug and alcohol and mental health counseling.
Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services
Mental Health Services - develops and oversees a system for public mental health services for Chester County residents who are diagnosed with a mental illness. Staff work closely with the managed care subcontractor (for medical assistance recipients) and contracted service providers to ensure county residents are receiving quality services to assist them in their recovery.
Intellectual Disability Services - provides oversight of publicly funded services for individuals who have been diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Focus is on providing quality services that assure the health and safety of individuals registered with the program. The ID department also provides supports coordination services at no charge to help individuals plan and choose services and to assure that quality services are delivered.
Supports Coordination Services - The department also directly provides supports coordination services to registered individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities as well as children and their families receiving Early Intervention services.
Early Intervention Services - provides supports and services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and their families to help the child grow and develop. Services build on family, community and early education resources and are provided at no charge to the family. Supports may include information on how children develop, ideas for how the family can help the child at home and in the community, and plans to help the child's growth and learning. The program also provides service coordination to help families plan, choose and schedule services.
Community Care Behavioral Health/CCBHO (HealthChoices)
Called “HealthChoices”, this program provides mental health and drug and alcohol services for Chester County residents who receive Medical Assistance. This managed care program is overseen by the Department of Human Services and its subcontractor, Community Care Behavioral Health Organization. HealthChoices members have a choice of providers throughout the county and the region to receive a full array of treatment options.