System of Care is a philosophy on how services should be delivered. System of Care is about changing the way that youth, families, government and communities carry out their responsibilities to each other:

• Youth and families are acknowledged to be central to the identification and delivery of services and supports,

• All child-serving systems collaborate, share resources and support one another,

• Natural supports are as important as paid services,

• Youth and family organizations support individual youth and families and help make policy and funding decisions,

• Communities are engaged and transformed to be welcoming and supportive of all youth and families.

System of Care is committed to enhancing the County’s youth and family voices. Through System of Care, an increase in peer support has been developed. Roles like Family Peers, Family Navigators and Certified Peer Specialists for youth and young adults, and Youth Engagement Specialists have been created. These positions provide one on one advocacy to the community. Referrals are currently being accepted. Please contact the Project Director, Joe Kloss at (570)408-1332 / joseph.kloss@luzernecounty.org for referral information.

System of Care is also committed to creating a trauma informed community. System of Care is an active partner in the NEPA Trauma Alliance, a regional trauma coalition.  This coalition of local community stakeholders will advance our current efforts to the entire region and develop strategies to educate, implement and enhance trauma competency across the region. For more information on this initiative or to learn how to join, please contact the Project Director, Joe Kloss at (570)408-1332 / joseph.kloss@luzernecounty.org  For more information click here: NEPA Trauma Alliance | Luzerne County, PA
System of Care is currently contracting with Lakeside Global Institute to provide ongoing trauma trainings to the workforce, schools along with youth & families in the community. Concurrently, enhanced training is being provided to individuals to develop more trauma competent professionals with the goal of these individuals being able to provide trauma certified counseling as clinicians, promote trauma informed practices in their respective agency, and/or become local trauma trainers for sustainability beyond the System of Care Grant. Please contact the Project Director, Joe Kloss at (570)408-1332 / joseph.kloss@luzernecounty.org to request a training or learn about current scheduled trainings. Trainings are primarily being conducted virtually, however, in person trainings can be requested where appropriate.

System of Care is working collaboratively with all Luzerne County School Districts, all Luzerne County law enforcement entities and the Luzerne County Human Services Division on the Handle With Care Initiative. This Initiative promotes safe and supportive homes, schools and communities that protect children, and help traumatized children heal and thrive. For more information click here: Handle With Care | Luzerne County, PA

System of Care is working collaboratively with the State Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services on a pilot project to effectively identify and treat youth who may have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD).  We have partnered with Children’s Service Center and utilized an expert in the field (recognized Internationally) to train and develop dozens of Child & Family serving clinicians along with Behavioral Health staff to effectively use proven strengths and strategies in their approach to treatment and service delivery.  Furthermore, Children’s Service Center is now capable of screening and assessing all new and existing clients to determine if they may be FASD likely.  For more information, please contact: Summer Krochta, Vice President of Programs, Children’s Service Center (570)825-6425 ext. 522 / skrochta@e-csc.org

FASD Brochure

System of Care has developed a Youth Drop-In Center in partnership with The Catholic Youth Center. This is a central place for self-help, advocacy, education and socialization for youth aged 14 to 18. This includes a focus on the population impacted by and currently in mental health recovery. Please contact the Catholic Youth Center directly for more information at (570)823-6121 ext. 270.

October 2023 Youth Drop-In Center Newsletter
Past Drop-In Center Newsletters

System of Care supports the Xceed Center.  The Xceed Center is a no-appointment-necessary drop-in center, located in downtown Wilkes-Barre, just off Public Sqare.  We provide unique programming for LGBTQI+ youth, ages 15-24, who might be at risk for STI’s, homelessness, vulnerable behaviors, substance abuse, and other daily challenges.  For more information, please view the following links:
Xceed Brochure
Xceed Member Postcard

System of Care has developed a Planned Respite Program in partnership with The Catholic Youth Center. The program will provide care to families in Luzerne/Wyoming Counties who do not have resources or natural supports to assist in caring for a child. The Planned Respite Program will provide a temporary relief for parents or caregivers giving them the ability to relieve stress, restore energy and look after their own well-being. This program serves children ages 5-13. This includes a focus on the population impacted by and currently in mental health recovery. Please contact the Catholic Youth Center directly for more information at (570)823-6121 ext. 270.

For more information on other initiatives or how to get involved, please contact: 

 Joe Kloss, Project Director

Luzerne-Wyoming Counties System of Care

(570) 408-1332

joseph.kloss@luzernecounty.org