Mental Retardation Base Service Unit

Mental Retardation Services are designed to meet the needs of individuals with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities from birth to death. These services are available to individuals presenting with an IQ score of 70 and below or under the age of seven and demonstrating developmental delays.

Services

Early Intervention
The initial service available is Early Intervention (EI). EI is an entitlement program for children 0 - 3 who demonstrate a 25% delay in one or more areas of development. The Service Coordinator from the BSU is responsible to conduct Child Find activities and initial developmental services. In addition, they coordinate further assessments and direct the implementation of designated therapies through the Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP).

Targeted Service Management
Children aging out of Early Intervention may be eligible to receive Targeted Service Management (TSM). TSM is a case management service that can assist families in accessing adaptive equipment, specialized services and therapies, and appropriate educational services through Individual Education Plans (IEP). This level of case management also assists adults with mental retardation in accessing appropriate social services, housing, and transportation.

Waiver Program
The Commonwealth, in an effort to reduce the expenditure of county funds, is participating in three federally funded waiver programs. These funding streams, accessible only through registration with the MR/BSU, require specific standards to be met for eligibility. Services eligible for reimbursement include adaptive equipment and respite services, in home.

Referrals
Though families are generally urged to attempt to maintain these children in their home, residential placements are still a necessary component of MR Services. Currently, children as young as three are placed in a variety of residential settings ranging from Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) to foster homes through private and public agencies.

For further information, please contact:
Dave Jackson, B.A.
Coordinator, MR/BSU
(724) 658-3578 ext. 602
Fax: (724) 658-6480

HSC's clinical programs are licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, assuring professional, ethical, and responsible service delivery. A Total Quality Management program ensures constant monitoring and improving of service quality.