Commissioner Skrepenak Announces Unique Approach which Includes a Team Approach when Meeting Needs of Human Services Clients

(Wilkes-Barre) - Luzerne County Commissioner Gregory A. Skrepenak, along with Commissioner Rose. S. Tucker and Division and Department leaders from the Luzerne County Office of Human Services, announced implementation of the Luzerne County Integrated Resource Team at a news conference and luncheon at the Children's Service Center in Wilkes-Barre on June 27, 2007.  The integrated team approach will help advance the leadership role of the Luzerne County Children and Youth Agency in serving vulnerable children, by assessing their individual and family needs and involving other Human Services agencies to make sure they receive the support they require for healthy developent.  Part of the intitiative includes creation of Supercasemanager positions, which can see that varying needs are met, by monitoring cases which may require not only Children and Youth support, but contact with Mental Health/mental Retardation, Drug and Alcohol, Aging, and other services. Joining Commissioner Skrepenak for the roll-out of the initiative were Luzerne County Office of Human Services Director Joseph DeVisia, C & Y Director Frank Castano, and MH/MR Director Anoinette Cisowski.  Community providers who are participating in the Integrated Resource Team include the Family Service Association, Catholic Social Services, Children's Service Center, Northeast Counseling, Community Counseling, Wyoming Valley Drug and Alcohol, and Serento Gardens.