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Youth Psychosocial Services Definition
Purpose
Youth participating in Psychosocial Services receive community based services that facilitate childhood development and resiliency using a holistic approach that improves family functioning and increases child well-being and safety.Definition
Many youth who benefit from youth psychosocial services have complex needs, requiring service planning with multiple service sectors. In order to meet these needs many programs use the wraparound approach of service planning to provide intensive, individualized care with the goal of maintaining the youth in the home and the community, or the appropriate least restrictive setting. While it is not necessary to use Wraparound services when providing psychosocial rehabilitation to youth, the research supports that participation in Wraparound services sustains youths’ ongoing participation in services. An agency may engage in a wraparound approach without being a wraparound program. The aim of these programs is to engage the youth, family/primary caregiver, and all service providers to develop and implement a plan with shared goals and outcomes. The main effort of these programs may not be to provide direct service, but they still fall under the umbrella of youth psychosocial programs and benefit from these standards. For programs that offer solely wraparound services, documentation of the other services to which youth are connected will suffice.
Note: The term ‘youth’ refers to individuals between the ages of 3 and 21 whose developmental needs can be met through engagement in a psychosocial rehabilitation program and who have a primary caregiver.
Note: While addressing the needs of the youth is the primary goal of youth psychosocial rehabilitation programs, oftentimes it is essential to provide support for the family/primary caregiver and engage them in services as well. Agencies should work with the youth to understand their definition of “family” in order for youth to develop and sustain permanent, lifelong connections.
Note: Standards PA-YPS 3.03 and PA-YPS 3.04 are for Wraparound-specific programs only.
Note: Please see PA-YPS Reference List for the research that informed the development of these standards.
Note:For information about changes made in the 2020 Edition, please see the YPS Crosswalk.
Youth Psychosocial Services (PA-YPS) 1: Person-Centered Logic Model
Currently viewing: PERSON-CENTERED LOGIC MODEL
VIEW THE STANDARDS
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-YPS 1.01
A program logic model, or equivalent framework, identifies:
- needs the program will address;
- available human, financial, agency, and community resources (i.e. inputs);
- program activities intended to bring about desired results;
- program outputs (i.e. the size and scope of services delivered);
- desired outcomes (i.e. the changes you expect to see in persons served); and
- expected long-term impact on the agency, community, and/or system.
Examples: Please see the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Logic Model Development Guide and COA Accreditation's PQI Tool Kit for more information on developing and using program logic models.
Examples: Information that may be used to inform the development of the program logic model includes, but is not limited to:
- needs assessments and periodic reassessments;
- risks assessments conducted for specific interventions; and
- the best available evidence of service effectiveness.
PA-YPS 1.02
The logic model identifies desired outcomes in at least two of the following areas:
- change in clinical status;
- change in functional status;
- health, welfare, and safety;
- permanency of life situation;
- quality of life;
- achievement of individual service goals; and
- other outcomes as appropriate to the program or service population.
Interpretation: Outcomes data should be disaggregated to identify patterns of disparity or inequity that can be masked by aggregate data reporting. See PA-PQI 5.02 for more information on disaggregating data to track and monitor identified outcomes.
Youth Psychosocial Services (PA-YPS) 2: Personnel
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-YPS 2.01
- a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field;
- an associate’s degree in a health-related field and minimum of one year of experience;
- 30 hours, or their equivalent, of college credit toward a bachelor’s degree in a health-related field and 1 year of experience; or
- two years of work experience in a supervised mental health setting.
PA-YPS 2.02
- an advanced degree in a human services field and a minimum of two years professional experience;
- substantial experience in the psychosocial rehabilitation field which, based on the organization’s decision, substitutes for specific educational requirements; and/or
- national or state certification, licensing, or registration in the psychosocial or psychiatric rehabilitation field.
PA-YPS 2.03
- a licensed mental health professional; or
- a member of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Canada/Readaption Psychosociale Canada (PSR/RPS Canada) and has obtained the PSR/RPS Canada Psychosocial Rehabilitation Recovery Practitioner Certificate.
PA-YPS 2.04
- at least 20 hours per week when the program serves less than 30 youth; or
- at least 40 hours per week when the program serves 30 or more youth.
PA-YPS 2.05
- partnering and engaging with families;
- the use, management, and side effects of psychotropic medications;
- youth psychiatric rehabilitation process and evidence based practices;
- the needs of youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or gender non-conforming;
- the characteristics and treatment of emotional or behavioral problems of youth; and
- recovery and recognizing the risk factors that increase vulnerability to relapse.
PA-YPS 2.06
- assigning a worker early in the contact, when appropriate; and
- minimizing the number of workers assigned to an individual over the course of their contact with the agency.
PA-YPS 2.07
- the qualifications, competencies, and experience of the worker, including the level of supervision needed;
- the work and time required to accomplish assigned tasks and job responsibilities; and
- service volume, accounting for assessed level of needs of clients.
Youth Psychosocial Services (PA-YPS) 3: Rehabilitation Team
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-YPS 3.01
PA-YPS 3.02
- perform a strengths-based assessment;
- conduct plan-of-care meeting;
- help to determine needs and resources;
- arrange for provision of specific services; and
- monitor implementation of the service plan.
PA-YPS 3.03
PA-YPS 3.04
PA-YPS 3.05
Youth Psychosocial Services (PA-YPS) 4: Intake and Assessment
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-YPS 4.01
- eligibility criteria, including age, developmental stage, and custodial status;
- scope of services and supports, special areas of expertise, and range of behavioral/emotional concerns addressed;
- opportunities for active family participation and support; and
- opportunities for active participation in community activities.
PA-YPS 4.02
- how well their request matches the agency's services; and
- what services will be available and when.
PA-YPS 4.03
- gather information necessary to identify critical service needs and/or determine when a more intensive service is necessary;
- give priority to urgent needs and emergency situations;
- support timely initiation of services; and
- provide placement on a waiting list or referral to appropriate resources when youth cannot be served or cannot be served promptly.
Interpretation: Vulnerable populations, such as youth that are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ), are at high risk of violence and harassment. The agency should ensure these youth are safe, welcomed by staff, and are treated with respect. For example, providing intake forms that allow youth to self-identify their gender as well as their first name and preferred pronouns can support that effort.
PA-YPS 4.04
- completed within established timeframes;
- updated as needed based on the needs of youth; and
- focused on information pertinent for meeting service requests and objectives.
PA-YPS 4.05
- a history and presence of emotional and behavioral problems, substance use and other health conditions;
- educational status, including enrollment in early childhood education or school;
- developmental history;
- traumatic experiences and trauma-related symptomatology;
- past or present connection to the juvenile justice system;
- medical history, including past medication prescriptions and efficacy;
- life skills and community support; and
- resource needs of the family/primary caregiver.
Interpretation: The Assessment Matrix - Private, Public, Canadian, Network determines which level of assessment is required for COA’s Service Sections. The assessment elements of the Matrix can be tailored according to the needs of specific individuals or service design.
Youth Psychosocial Services (PA-YPS) 5: Service Planning and Monitoring
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-YPS 5.01
- agreed upon goals, desired outcomes, and timeframes for achieving them;
- services and supports to be provided, and by whom;
- possibilities for maintaining and strengthening family relationships and other informal social networks;
- procedures for expedited service planning when crisis or urgent need is identified; and
- the youth’s signature.
Interpretation: Noting experiences with family rejection and opportunities for increasing family acceptance and support should be part of the assessment for family relationships and the service plan should include culturally appropriate education and guidance to help families with LGBTQ youth decrease family rejection and increase family support.
PA-YPS 5.02
- unmet service and support needs;
- psychological and emotional needs;
- educational goals;
- cultural interests;
- development of life skills, including preparation to work or continuation of schooling; and
- improvement in the person’s quality of life and necessary skills to remain within the community.
PA-YPS 5.03
PA-YPS 5.04
The worker and a supervisor, or a clinical, service, or peer team, review the service plan quarterly, or more frequently depending on the needs of youth, to assess:
- service plan implementation;
- progress toward achieving service goals and desired outcomes; and
- the continuing appropriateness of service goals and chosen interventions.
PA-YPS 5.05
- review progress toward achievement of agreed upon service goals; and
- sign revisions to service goals and plans.
Youth Psychosocial Services (PA-YPS) 6: Psychosocial Interventions
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-YPS 6.01
- counseling or supportive therapy, including individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy;
- peer support;
- case management;
- community-based activities; and
- recreational activities.
PA-YPS 6.02
- development of self-care and activities of daily living skills, such as personal hygiene and nutrition;
- medication compliance and an understanding of how to manage their illness/condition;
- socialization and effective communication;
- recreational and leisure time activities;
- organizational skills management;
- anger management;
- coping skills;
- conflict skill training;
- management of finances, if age appropriate; and
- vocational and/or educational development, depending on the age of the youth.
PA-YPS 6.03
- learning how to relate positively to others;
- anticipating and controlling behaviors that interfere with inclusion in the community;
- experiencing peer support and feedback;
- developing personal awareness and boundaries;
- engaging in positive problem solving methods;
- building on strengths and enhancing self-reliance and productivity; and
- celebrating competence and success.
PA-YPS 6.04
- 24-hour crisis intervention;
- crisis residential and other emergency services;
- inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services;
- medical and dental services;
- medication management;
- integrated mental health and substance use education and services;
- education-related services and assistance;
- employment and life skills training; and
- legal advocacy and representation.
PA-YPS 6.05
- family psychoeducation;
- emotional support and therapy;
- self-help referrals; and
- care coordination, as needed.
Youth Psychosocial Services (PA-YPS) 7: Social and Community Connections
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-YPS 7.01
- remaining knowledgeable about local, regional, and state resources, including networking and leadership opportunities; and
- identifying and developing opportunities for youth to develop positive ties to the community based on mutual interests and abilities.
PA-YPS 7.02
- social, recreational, educational, or vocational activities in their community;
- religious observances in the faith group or spirituality of choice; and
- family and neighborhood activities consistent with the youth’s ethnic and cultural heritage and tribal affiliation.
PA-YPS 7.03
- effectively navigate the surrounding environment;
- identify and use natural resources and peer support to create a supportive community;
- develop social support networks and build healthy, meaningful relationships with caring individuals of their choosing; and
- participate in group activities where they can meet, support, and share experiences with peers.
PA-YPS 7.04
- makes reasonable efforts to match training and employment opportunities to the goals and interests of youth; and
- prohibits exploitation of youth in employment-related training or gainful employment.
Youth Psychosocial Services (PA-YPS) 8: Case Closing and Aftercare
A rating of (1) indicates that the agency's practices fully meet the standard and reflect a high level of capacity.
- All elements or requirements outlined in the standard are evident in practice, with rare or no exceptions: exceptions do not impact service quality or agency performance.
A rating of (2) indicates that an agency's infrastructure and practices are basically sound but there is room for improvement.
- The majority of the standards requirements have been met and the basic framework required by the standard has been implemented.
- Minor inconsistencies and not yet fully developed practices are noted; however, these do not significantly impact service quality or agency performance.
Partial Implementation, Concerning Performance
A rating of (3) indicates that the agency's observed infrastructure and/or practices require significant improvement.
- The agency has not implemented the basic framework of the standard but instead has in place only part of this framework.
- Omissions or exceptions to the practices outlined in the standard occur regularly, or practices are implemented in a cursory or haphazard manner.
- Service quality or agency functioning may be compromised.
- Capacity is at a basic level.
A rating of (4) indicates that implementation of the standard is minimal or there is no evidence of implementation at all.
- The agency’s observed service delivery infrastructure and practices are weak or non-existent; or show signs of neglect, stagnation, or deterioration.
PA-YPS 8.01
- is a clearly defined process that includes assignment of staff responsibility;
- begins at intake; and
- involves worker, youth, family members/primary caregiver, and others, as appropriate to the needs and wishes of the youth.
PA-YPS 8.02
PA-YPS 8.03
PA-YPS 8.04
- develop an aftercare plan, sufficiently in advance of case closing, that identifies short- and long-term needs and goals and facilitates the initiation or continuation of needed supports and services; or
- conduct a formal case closing evaluation, including an assessment of unmet need, when the agency has an interagency agreement that does not include aftercare planning or follow-up.