MONTICELLO, NY — The Children’s Home (CHWC) has opened a new program at its new office, located at 457 Broadway.

The New York State Office of Mental Health awarded funding to CHWC to establish the Youth Assertive Community Treatment (Youth ACT) Program, focusing on children’s mental health. The program provides services to youth aged 10 to 18 who have been diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI).  

Youth ACT is designed to meet the unique needs of youth diagnosed with SMI, who may struggle to engage in traditional mental health services, a press release stated.   

CHWC serves youth, adults and families in 18 New York counties, providing a range of community-based mental health, educational, foster care and residential services.  CHWC has rapidly expanded since March 2020 in Sullivan County to include over six programs. The other programs are:

Children & Family Treatment Support Services (CFTSS): In-home/community and peer support services for youth and their families.

Close to Home Foster Care: Identifies needs, provides resources and develops individualized plans for children and their families, working toward stability and permanency for youth in foster care. 

Health Homes care management for children: Community-based care management coordination services for youth through age 21.

Family Advocacy & Mentorship (FAM): Youth-focused program to provide a combination of family engagement, community support and youth mentoring opportunities.

Liberty House agency-operated boarding house: Short-term care for youth aged 10 to 17, who need a safe, nurturing environment while awaiting a longer-term placement. 

“Our philosophy emphasizes the importance of keeping individuals connected to their families and communities,” said George Dermody, CEO of the CHWC.  

With over 100 years of experience in human services, CHWC has a stated mission of partnering with individuals, children, families and communities “to inspire hope, develop skills and cultivate healthy relationships for positive futures.” The agency supports over 800 youth and families annually.  

CHWC has administrative offices in Binghamton.

For more information, visit www.chowc.org.