Our Evaluation
We begin each case with extensive preparation in order to make the evaluation process as individualized and effective as possible. This preparation process includes:
- Review of clinical records from the Juvenile Court, from Allegheny County Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF), or from other service providers, forensic interviews, police and CYF reports, etc.
- Communication with Probation Officers or Caseworkers by phone, fax, and/or e-mail to discuss the case and treatment logistics
- Team meetings to discuss reviewed records, assessment strategy, etc.
- Where appropriate, communication with the family to be assessed and other sources of information (e.g., other service providers) to more accurately conceptualize the case before assessment.
Intake Assessment
We conduct a comprehensive Intake Assessment of the child and family to determine the type and intensity of services most likely to be helpful. The evaluation may include:
- A review of all court data
- A review of the fire reports from the fire marshall, arson report, cause and origin report, and any other salient information regarding the specific incident, if available (prior to the appointment)
- A review of existing medical/psychiatric records (prior to the appointment)
- Separate interviews with the child/adolescent and parents. Assessments are scheduled in blocks of 3 hours.
- A specialized fire history and interview
- Clinical/diagnostic evaluation
- Collection of parent rating scales
- Administration of other forms to evaluate a child's competencies and vulnerabilities
- After the evaluation, we review our findings with the Probation Officer and/or Caseworkers to make sure that all recommendations are understood and can be implemented effectively.
After the Intake Assessment
Post-Intake Assessment work includes:
- Treatment team meetings to discuss and finalize assessment results, treatment recommendations, and other case-related subjects.
- A written assessment report with treatment recommendations
- Communication with Probation Officers and/or Caseworkers and (when requested) the court via phone or e-mail to review treatment recommendations, the written assessment report, etc. to make sure that all recommendations are understood and can be implemented effectively.
Our Services for Children and Families
Services are delivered in our clinic as needed. At the SAFETY Program, we are dedicated to the health and safety of our clients and clinicians. As a result of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Emergency Declaration, the staff of the SAFETY Program is working remotely providing telehealth services. This interactive telecommunication technology includes audio and video. A family may receive any of these services:
- Fire safety education
- Individual child therapy, skills training, medication
- Parent training, counseling
- Family therapy
- Clinical consultation and referral
- Recommendations to involve other therapeutic services