About This Program
Goal-Oriented Care for Navigating Mental Health Challenges
Overview
Home & Community Support services assist children, youth, and families based on their clinical needs across home and community settings. This strengths-based, goal-focused program helps build stability by developing skills that support safety and well-being within the family. It is designed for children with acute mental health needs and families where safety is a concern. Working closely with clients, families, and treatment teams, the program creates individualized care plans and provides direct support, service coordination, and treatment planning both at home and in the community.
We use a brief, solution-focused model to ensure timely completion of goals. The goal is always to provide support in building skills, with the expectation that once treatment goals are achieved, clients are discharged and encouraged to continue utilizing their skills through natural supports and resources within their community.
Home & Community Based Services for Children, Youth and Families
Our Stabilization & Support Team was created to help children who are at risk of leaving our community for residential care, returning from residential placement, or who have involvement with the Department for Children and Families (DCF).
We use a specialized assessment called the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) to understand each child’s unique needs. This helps us focus on the areas where they need the most support.
- We provide an increased number of service hours tailored to each child’s needs.
- We ensure strong, clear communication between all the professionals involved, including schools, therapists, social workers, and families.
- We require active involvement from parents or guardians to support progress at home, school, and in the community.
The team offers regular, evidence-based children’s groups that serve clients across different teams, providing social connection and skill-building opportunities.
Clients may receive services weekly or multiple times a week. Parents or guardians can expect to be involved through regular communication and collaboration, which may happen weekly or bi-weekly. Our goal is to stabilize and support children in their own homes and community, preventing the need for more intensive out-of-home placements.
The CADS Team supports children and young adults up to age 21 with diagnosed developmental delays or disabilities. Services include individualized case management, support for children and families in navigating systems, and coordination with schools, DCF, therapists, medical providers, and other service agencies. CADS also helps families plan for adulthood through assistance with guardianship, Social Security Income (SSI), education, employment, and peer support.
Respite is a short-term, supportive service for families experiencing stress. It provides 20–25 awake hours per month (for up to six months) of care delivered by an agency provider. Respite is available to children who are actively participating in another NCSS therapeutic service.
Camp Rainbow is a weeklong summer day camp for children with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities. Held at the Soar Learning Center, the camp offers structured, themed activities that promote sensory exploration, motor development, communication, and social skills. It is designed to help maintain and strengthen skills during the school break in a fun and engaging environment.
This service offers community-based case management to support youth ages 14–22 in building the skills needed for a successful transition to adulthood. Support may include connecting to local resources, developing life skills, managing money, problem-solving, and completing education. Youth can also participate in group workshops focused on topics like healthy relationships, cooking, and employment skills.
Youth for Change is a youth-focused, youth-informed group designed to support youth ages 14–22 in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties as they transition to adulthood. The group promotes leadership development, social skill-building, and peer connection through guided activities and discussions. Youth are encouraged to provide input on group topics and activities. The group also participates in community service projects throughout the year, helping youth build a sense of belonging and a positive connection to their community.
The Jump on Board for Success (JOBS) program is a collaboration between NCSS and HireAbility Vermont, designed to support youth ages 16–22 who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or educational challenges. The program provides career counseling, employment experiences, advocacy, and training in social and problem-solving skills to help youth prepare for and maintain employment. Each participant works with staff to develop an individual plan focused on exploring career options and addressing barriers to employment. JOBS promotes employment as an important step toward independent living and adult success.
NCSS partners with the Vermont Coalition for Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs (VCRHYP) to provide housing support for youth facing instability. Through the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project (YHDP), a pilot program, youth ages 16–24 receive case management services to navigate the housing system, access Rapid Rehousing Subsidies from HUD, and utilize available state funding aimed at preventing homelessness. Staff work closely with youth to develop key skills including budgeting, employment readiness, effective communication, and healthy coping strategies to promote independent living and long-term housing stability.
Home & Community Based Services for Children, Youth and Families
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Additional Community Mental Health Services Services
From early intervention to crisis response and long-term recovery, we offer trauma-informed services designed to support your mental health, your family, and your community.
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If you’re still exploring options or have questions about which of our programs might be the right fit, we’re here to help. Our team can guide you through our available services and outline the next steps based on your needs.
