Listing of Available Services
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The Food Stamps Program supplies food benefits to needy persons and families.
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This area is responsible for the evaluation and determination of eligibility of all families and individuals in need of financial assistance. The Welfare Examiners monitor the changing circumstances and make adjustments to each case as necessary. Families and individuals who qualify for cash assistance are usually eligible for Medicaid and Food Stamps. |
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The Screening area was formed March 29, 1998, the time of our office reorganization. The focus of the area is to meet with customers as soon as they come to our agency requesting assistance. We explain the program requirements for financial aid, food stamps and Medicaid. In cases of emergency, the customer need assistance as soon as possible with child care, housing or transportation to remain employed they are processed in this area.
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Supportive services offer short term solutions to help retain or obtain employment. |
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Medical Assistance (Medicaid) provides essential medical services to those unable to meet the cost of health care. In most cases, you may be eligible to receive medical assistance if you are in receipt of temporary assistance (TANF), receive supplemental income (SSI) or if you meet certain income, resource, age or disability criteria. There are also expanded eligibility levels, if you are pregnant or if you have a child. |
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As a visionary in leadership, New York State has instituted a health insurance plan for children up to 19 years of age who do not qualify for Medicaid. This insurance is called Child Health Plus. |
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The Third Party Health Insurance Unit (TPHI) has, as its function, the reduction of Medicaid costs through the utilization of all private health insurance resources. |
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Foster Care Services include temporary out of home care and permanency planning for children whose legal custody has been transferred to the Commissioner of Social Services. We serve birth families and those wishing to be foster care providers. |
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Adoption Services assist children to secure an adoptive family by providing services to birth families who cannot provide a permanent home for their children and to those who wish to adopt. |
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Day Care subsidies are provided to low income families to enable a parent to engage in work activities, to enable a teen parent to attend high school, and for certain child protective or preventive cases. Our day care unit registers family day care and school age child care providers. |
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Personal care aides enable individuals to remain in their own homes. Eligibility includes Medicaid, physician's orders and joint assessment by Social Services and the Health Department. |
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Raising children without the financial support necessary results in undo hardships for both the custodial parent and the child. The primary goal of Child Support Enforcement is to secure support for all from any person who is legally liable for such support. Child Support Enforcement services are available to persons needing to establish paternity or secure support from another person who is legally responsible for that support. The Child Support Enforcement Area also maintains the child support record for enforcement and modification as needed. |
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Child Protective Services investigates suspected child abuse or maltreatment and determines services necessary to ensure the safety of the child and reduce future risk to the child.
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Supportive and rehabilitative services are provided to children and families to keep families together and to prevent foster care placement or to return the children from foster care earlier than would otherwise be possible. |
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Adult Protective Services are provided to assist individuals age 18 or older who, because of physical or mental impairments, can not provide for their basic needs for food, clothing, shelter or medical care, or protect themselves from neglect, abuse or hazardous situations; and who have no one willing and able to help in a responsible manner. |
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Youth and their families who are experiencing difficulty with adolescent issues receive services including PINS Diversion (Persons in Need of Supervision) Preventive Services and TASA case management (Teenage Service Act). |
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A Domestic Violence Liaison conducts an assessment and determination regarding the need for waivers for temporary assistance due to safety issues when domestic violence is an issue. Referrals to appropriate services are made as well. |
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Heap is a federally funded program designed to help low income households to meet energy costs. Heap payments are generally made in the form of a voucher directly to the energy provider. Heap is divided into two program areas - regular HEAP and emergency HEAP. |
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We insure that the integrity of the Social Service System is not compromised. We accomplish this by alleviating fraud, waste and abuse by Social Service clients and vendors. |
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Family Type Home for Adults |
New York State Department of Social Services Family Type Homes for Adults provide: |
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Room and board, laundry, transportation and some assistance with personal care |
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Providers accept SSI and private arrangements |
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Case management services are provided as needed by Clinton County Department of Social Services |
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Clinton County Social Services assists potential providers with information, licensing process and referrals |
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You may be eligible for Food Stamps if: |
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You work and get low wages |
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Have little or no income |
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Are elderly or disabled |
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Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) |
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Receive public assistance (TANF) |
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Are homeless (even if you are staying with someone or you are staying at a shelter temporarily) |
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You may also be eligible even if you own a home or a car |
How to Apply: |
You must fill out an application. This is an important step because your Food Stamp benefit is computed from the day you file your Food Stamp application. |
How long will it take to receive this benefit: |
It may take up to 30 days. It is possible to get your Food Stamps within 5 business days. This is called Expedited Food Stamps. You do not need to be out of food to apply for expedited food stamps. You may be eligible for expedited food stamps if you are eligible for food stamps and one or more of the following apply: |
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Your household has less than $100 cash and other available resources also has or will get less than $150 in gross income during the month that you apply |
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Your income and available resources are less than your rent or mortgage, plus heat, utilities and telephone |
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You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker |
How are my benefits supplied: |
The Food Stamp program has taken a giant step forward in making the use of Food Stamps more convenient for our clients. If you qualify, you will be given an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The use of this card is very similar to a regular debit card from your local bank. The new system provides the client with a card that contains dual properties, both ease of use and anonymity, that the old system could not supply. |
If you qualify for Food Stamps, we may require you to see our New York Works councilors at Clinton County Employment and Training Administration (CCETA) . The caring and helpful staff of CCETA interview prospective clients and places them in a Job Readiness program that requires the client to be present for a total of 21 hours a week, with a 4 to 6 week window for training. Training will include an orientation where clients are informed of the realities of present day job markets, expectations and guidelines that are necessary to gain and retain employment. If the client has reliable childcare and transportation arranged then employment issues are addressed such as: |
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Labor Market and suitable employers |
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Assistance with interview skills |
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Assistance with resume construction |
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Assistance with job applications |
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Client counseling referring to dress code and conduct |
If at the time of orientation areas of support needs have been identified that will sustain employment than Support Services are activated to insure temporary help. These may include: |
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Car repair |
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Short term insurance payment |
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Purchase of work-required clothing |
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Various licensing and course fees |
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Employment and Assistance
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The terms employment and assistance go hand and glove with the Welfare Reform Act of 1996. This allows us, at Employment and Assistance, to help our clients gain self-sufficiency. Our "Work First" employment programs give our clients the needed help to locate and acquire employment. Our programs are income dependent and eligibility for them are based on preset income levels. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 set time limits for federally funded assistance, and work requirements for welfare recipients. Applicants and recipients for Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) are required to find employment quickly, and take responsibility for themselves and their families. As part of this initiative, if you qualify for TANF or Food Stamps, we may require you to see our New York Works councilors at Clinton County Employment and Training Administration (CCETA) . The caring and helpful staff of CCETA interviews prospective clients and places them in a Job Readiness program that requires the client to be present for a total of 21 hours a week, with a 4 to 6 week window for training. Training will include an orientation where clients are informed of the realities of present day job markets, expectations and guidelines that are necessary to gain and retain employment. If the client has reliable childcare and transportation arranged then employment issues are addressed such as: |
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Labor Market and suitable employers |
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Assistance with interview skills
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Assistance with Resume construction |
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Assistance with job applications |
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Client counseling referring to dress code and conduct
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If at the time of orientation areas of support needs have been identified that will sustain employment than Support Services are activated to insure temporary help. These may include: |
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Car repair
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Short term insurance payment
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Purchase of work required clothing
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Various licensing and course fees
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When you arrive for the first time at Social Services you will be given an interview, ether that day or at another prearranged time, with one of our Screening Examiners. You and the Screener will discuss your current situation, which program you may qualify for and what requirements you will need to meet in order to be eligible. If you choose Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Stamps, Medicaid and/or Daycare, you will be given an application to complete. If you qualify for TANF and are able to work, you may be required to do a job search or meet with a representative of the Department of Labor. This is part of the "Work First" program to help our clients toward complete self-sufficiency. If you are employed you may be eligible for our Support Services programs. The screener may also refer you to other resources in the community, depending on your specific need. The screening area also does same day eligibility interviews for clients with "onetime" emergency / immediate needs. |
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The Welfare Reform Act of 1996, allow us at Department of Social Services to help our clients gain self-sufficiency. Our "Work First" employment programs give our clients the needed help to locate and acquire employment. Our programs are income dependent and eligibility for them is based on preset income levels. |
Support Services Provide: |
These services will be provided on a case-by-case basis as needed to meet federal and state requirements, or participate in a training program that will assist the client in becoming self-sufficient. |
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Transportation allowance (mileage reimbursement, CCPT tokens or gas coupons |
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Work related clothing allowance / uniforms |
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Licensing fees (ie. RN license)
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Hygiene items for non-cash recipients |
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Relocation assistance to include security deposit in order to overcome remoteness / transportation problems |
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Car repair (not to exceed $750.00) and car insurance (up to 3 months) in order to maintain employment, upon proof of job offer, or participate in a work activity
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Tools and equipment |
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Legal services in order to overcome legal barriers to employment |
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Access to 24 hour hotline |
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Case management |
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All other services provided to participants on a case-by-case basis |
If you are in a transition period from TANF to self provided living expenses, we provide Transitional Supportive Services. |
Transitional Supportive Services Provide: |
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Transportation allowance (mileage reimbursement, CCPT tokens or gas coupons |
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Work related clothing allowance / uniforms |
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Relocation assistance to include security deposit if relocation is for job acceptance |
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Car repair (not to exceed $750.00) Car insurance (up to 3 months) |
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Tools and equipment necessary for employment |
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Health insurance for up to three months (if available) |
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First month's rent (not to exceed $500.00) |
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Drug / Alcohol outpatient services |
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Access to 24 hour hotline |
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Case management |
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All other services provided to participants on a case-by-case basis |
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Medical Assistance (Medicaid) is a program that helps people who cannot pay for all their medical care. |
You may obtain Medicaid if: |
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You meet certain income, resource, age, disability or other requirements |
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You already receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) |
Medicaid may supply these benefits: |
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Health Insurance premiums |
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Hospital inpatient and outpatient services |
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Laboratory and X-Ray services |
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Care in a nursing home |
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Treatment and preventive health and dental care (Doctors and Dentists) |
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Treatment in psychiatric hospitals (for persons under 21, or 65 and older), mental health facilities, also mental retardation and developmental disabilities facilities |
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Family planning services |
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Clinic services |
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Emergency ambulance transportation to a hospital |
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Other health services |
The following services may be provided with PRIOR APPROVAL (You must receive permission ahead of time): |
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Transportation to medical appointments, including bus tokens and car mileage |
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Personal care |
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Home health care |
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Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, orthopedic shoes, etc.) |
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Long term health care in the home, under the Long Term Health Care Program (LTHCP) if you require care for more than 90 days (this program is available in Clinton County by may not be available in all districts) |
If you are pregnant or have a child, the following programs may be available to assist you: |
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WIC (Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children). Provides information on nutrition and the importance of eating healthy. WIC also provides checks which can be exchanged in participating stores for infant formula, milk, juice, eggs, cheese, cereal, peanut butter, dry peas and beans. The WIC hotline is 1-800-522-5006 |
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Child / Teen Health Plan (C/THP). Provides services for children up to age 21 who have Medicaid to help make sure your children are healthy and growing right. They provide complete medical exams, hearing, lab and eye tests. They also provide any shots the children may need and referrals for dental care. |
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Managed Care Programs. Helps you find a doctor that will give you prenatal care and will continue to see you and your child for exams and follow-up after your pregnancy. |
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The insurance offered by New York State is available through many providers throughout the state and cover the following services:
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Well-child Care |
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Physical Examinations |
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Immunizations |
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Diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury |
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X-rays and lab tests |
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Outpatient surgery |
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Emergency care |
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Prescription drugs |
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Inpatient hospital medical or surgical care |
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Short-term therapeutic outpatient care (chemotherapy, hemodialysis) |
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Limited outpatient treatment for alcoholism and substance abuse |
The toll free number to get information on this program is: 1-800-698-KIDS(1-800-698-4543)
or follow this link: Child Health Plus. |
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Third Party Health Insurance |
Once TPHI verifies the existence of a coverage, it data-enters the specifics of the insurance into the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) where it is used for claims processing. This method insures cost avoidance of Medicaid for all bills that could be covered by another resource. |
In addition to its primary task of uncovering, validating and data-entering health insurance information, TPHI also: |
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Responds to inquiries from medical providers for Medicaid
and insurance information |
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Assists clients and providers in the resolution of billing problems |
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Determines when it might be cost-effective for the Department to continue payment of clients' health insurance premiums |
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Pursues recoveries of expended Medicaid funds in cases where an insurance resource is found to exist after Medicaid has paid claims. |
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Foster care is the program that is responsible for services for children in the custody of the Commissioner of Social Services in foster homes, group homes or residential facilities. Caseworkers develop permanency plans for children in placement, working diligently to return them to their families, or when that is not is available, to work towards adoption or independent living. |
Services given to birth families when a child is placed in foster care may include: |
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Casework counseling and case management |
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Permanency planning |
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Independent living services to teens |
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Services to help return the child to their home as soon as possible |
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Legal interventions to facilitate permanency for children not returning home |
Services given to families who want to be foster parents may include: |
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Orientation, certification and training |
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Caseworker counseling and support services |
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Stipends for room and board, clothing and other costs |
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Adoption Services are focused on assisting a child to secure an adoptive home through: |
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Counseling biological parents concerning a surrender to place their child for adoption. |
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Initiating a legal proceeding resulting in freeing the child for adoption. |
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Recruitment, home study and evaluation of prospective adoptive parents. |
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Counseling and supervision after adoptive placement. |
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Adoptive parent training and support. |
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Subsidized Day Care |
Clinton County provides services through the Child Care Development Block grant to working parents receiving financial assistance (TANF) or as a low income subsidy in an effort to assist them in becoming more self-sufficient. The family's eligibility for a child day care subsidy is based on their need and their household income. Child day care services are provided on either a formal or informal basis. Daycare is provided for children age 6 through 12 years. Under certain circumstances, care may be provided through 18 years of age, or if care is court ordered. |
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Formal Child Day Care is provided on a regular basis away from the child's residence for less than 24 hours per day by either a day care center with a valid license, a family or group family day care provider that is properly registered or a registered school age child care program
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Legally exempt child care is provided for one or two children away from the child's own home by a caregiver who is at least 18 years of a age, or less than 18 and who meet the requirements for minors set forth by the New York State Labor Law. Legally exempt Child care may also be provided in the child's own home.
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A parent fee is the weekly amount paid towards the cost of child care services by the parent or caretaker relative. The amount the parent pays is based upon a sliding fee schedule, which takes into consideration their household gross income and family size. |
Day Care Registration |
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Clinton County registers Family Day Care Providers and School Age Child Care programs |
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These providers care for 5 or 6 pre-school children plus an additional 2 before or after school children in their home Family day care providers care for 6 or more children (grades kindergarten through 12 years) during non-school hours. Children may also attend during school vacations and holidays |
Requirements to Become a Day Care Provider |
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You must attend an orientation / information session |
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Complete an application packet |
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You and any household members over age 18 must complete fingerprinting |
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Attend 10 hours of Health and Safety training prior to registration |
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Complete a total of 30 hours of training every 2 years |
Benefits |
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Start up funding for Health and Safety |
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Access to a Lending Library of equipment, toys an arts and crafts items |
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Access to the child and adult care food program to receive reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks served to enrolled children |
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Referral services to parents looking for Registered Day Care |
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Access to professional training and tax workshops |
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Adult Services strives to maintain individuals in the least restrictive environment, usually their own homes. Providing personal care aides through the Home Care program is a major service that allows this to happen. The long term home health care program includes additional wavered services, not normally covered by Medicaid: |
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Joint assessment conducted by Social Services and the Health Department. |
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Medicaid recipient |
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Physicians orders |
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Long term home health care costs must be kept below 75% nursing home level. |
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Child Support Enforcement |
Child Support Enforcement is all about children. Unfortunately, many people do not understand the intent of child support. Child support is not intended to punish or inconvenience either parent, but to make sure that the children of our state and county receive the financial support necessary from both of their parents. Being a parent brings many responsibilities. Being a parent will also be the hardest and most rewarding job you will ever have. In fact, the benefits, rewards, and memories of being a parent are limitless and will last a lifetime and beyond, by showing your child that you care enough to be there for them, both emotionally and financially, you are showing them your love and respect. You are also teaching them what it means to be a parent - skills they may one day pass on to their children. |
Teenage pregnancy is a fact of life in today's society. If you are a teenage father, your child and New York law sees you not as a teenager but as a Father. Therefore you are responsible to provide for your child. This will mean not only to be there emotionally for your child but also financially. You will be required to pay child support until your child is 21 years old, even if you are a student or do not have a job. These support items include health insurance for your child. Even if the mother of your child gets married to someone else, or gets temporary assistance you will still have to provide child support. |
You do not need to be a Social Services client in order to receive Child Support assistance. |
How do I apply for Child Support Enforcement help: |
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If you are receiving or going to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), during the Screening process it is indicated that you need Child Support Enforcement information, you will be automatically referred. |
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If you are not receiving Social Services but would like the help of Child Support Enforcement than you should call (518) 565-3394 and request a Child Support Services application. |
Your local Child Support Enforcement Program will help to: |
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Find absent parents |
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Legally prove who is the father of a child who is born out-of-wedlock |
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Obtain child support orders |
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Enforce child support orders |
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Collect and pay out child support |
What if I do not pay my child Support: |
You are legally responsible for paying your child support. Your child and New York State expect you to meet these responsibilities. If you do not pay, the amount you owe adds up. The amount that you do not pay is called arrears, and you will be charged interest on the arrears balance. In order to collect arrears and interest, child support can: |
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Garnish your wages |
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Take your State and Federal income tax refund |
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Take lottery winnings |
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Seize your bank account |
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Suspend your driver's license |
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Deny your passport renewal |
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Suspend your professional and occupational license |
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Request that you be sent to jail |
If you are a non-custodial parent (parent who does not have custody of a child) and you have been delinquent in child support: |
You may be required to see our New York Works councilors at Clinton County Employment and Training Administration (CCETA) . The caring and helpful staff of CCETA interviews prospective clients and places them in a Job Readiness program that requires the client to be present for a total of 21 hours a week, with a 4 to 6 week window for training. Training will include an orientation where clients are informed of the realities of present day job markets, expectations and guidelines that are necessary to gain and retain employment. If the client has reliable childcare and transportation arranged then employment issues are addressed such as: |
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Labor Market and suitable employers |
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Assistance with interview skills |
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Assistance with Resume construction |
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Assistance with job applications |
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Client counseling referring to dress code and conduct |
If at the time of orientation areas of support needs have been identified that will sustain employment than Support Services are activated to insure temporary help. These may include: |
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Car repair |
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Short term insurance payment |
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Purchase of work required clothing |
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Various licensing and course fees |
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Child Protective Services |
Child Protective Services is mandated to investigate all reports of alleged child abuse and maltreatment of children under the age of 18. Investigations must commence within 24 hours of receipt of a report from the New York State Central Register for Child Abuse and Maltreatment. Investigation of a Child Protective Services report is a fact finding process including interviews, observation and information gathering. |
Services include: |
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Determination of the validity of the allegations |
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Evaluation of other conditions of abuse or maltreatment not included in the report |
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Determination of services necessary to ensure protection of the child and reduce the risk factors which may contribute to future harm |
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Referral for appropriate community services |
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Legal intervention if necessary |
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Coordinate investigations of abuse |
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Education of mandated reporters |
Services are provided without regard to income. |
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Children Preventive Services |
Preventive services are supportive and rehabilitative services provided to children and their families to avert disruption of a family which could result in an out of home placement for the child, to enable a child who has been placed in foster care to be reunited with his or her family at an earlier time than would otherwise be possible, or to reduce the likelihood that a child discharged from foster care will return to such care. Preventive caseworkers are either office based or work within local elementary schools through the Preventive School Partnership Program (PSAP) to assess the need for and provide services. They coordinate referrals and services between the families, schools, Department of Social Services and other community agencies. |
Services to children and families may include: |
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Child Day Care |
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Parent education |
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Homemaker and parent aide services |
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Emergency shelter, food, clothing or other essential items to avert foster care placement |
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Respite care services for crisis situations |
Preventive Services are provided without regard to income. |
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Adult Protective Services |
Adult Protective Services assist those persons 18 years of age or older who because of mental or physical impairments, can not provide for their basic needs for food, clothing, shelter or medical care, or protect themselves from neglect or hazardous situations, and who have no one willing and able to help in a responsible manner. |
These services include: |
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Assess potential adult abuse or neglect and identify needs |
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Arrange for appropriate community services |
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Casework counseling and case management |
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Homemaker / personal care services |
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Money management |
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Legal interventions |
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Assistance in obtaining entitlements and other general benefits and services |
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Financial exploitation taskforce (education, training and service coordination |
There is no income limit to receive these services. |
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Court / Adolescent Services |
The primary focus of the Court / Adolescent Unit is to work with youth and their families who are experiencing difficulty with adolescent issues and are at risk of out of home placement. |
Services Provided Include: |
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Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) adjustment services and case management |
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Preventive Services for Adolescents and Families (PSAF) |
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Adolescent parenting program : A nine week program open to the public |
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Teenage Services Act (TASA) case management for teens receiving temporary assistance, pregnant or parenting |
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Foster care for adolescents placed in a residential program as a result of a PINS or Juvenile Delinquent (JD) adjudication |
Services are provided without regard to income. |
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Clinton County Social Services contracts with Behavioral Health Services North's Stop Domestic Violence Program for both residential and non-residential services for victims of domestic violence. |
A Social Services caseworker functions as the agency's domestic violence liaison to meet with victims of domestic violence identified by temporary assistance (TANF), Medicaid or Food Stamps staff. |
Services include: |
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Assess the impact of domestic violence on applicant or recipients ability to comply with regulations |
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Recommend a waiver for temporary assistance program requirements when safety is an issue |
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Reassess waiver eligibility periodically |
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Provide appropriate counseling and referrals |
Services are provided without regard to income.
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Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) |
The regular HEAP benefit is an annual supplement to assist eligible households in paying a portion of their energy costs. Regular HEAP eligibility is determined by comparing the household's gross monthly income to the income eligibility standards. The benefit amount is determined according to the household's energy situation and whether the household is in the Tier I or Tier II income bracket. The regular HEAP benefit is available only one time per household in the program year. Payments are authorized directly to the fuel vendor or utility company. |
HEAP emergency benefits provide additional assistance for those households facing a heat-related emergency. Assistance with fuel deliveries, utility shutoffs, temporary relocation, repair and/or replacement of applicant owned heating equipment may be provided. To qualify for an emergency HEAP benefit, the applicant must meet all financial eligibility requirements for regular HEAP. In addition, households must be both customer and tenant of record and use all available liquid resources prior to the authorization of the benefit. |
Certain Public Assistance and food stamp households are eligible for automatic HEAP payments. If a Public Assistance and / or food stamp client does not receive their HEAP under the autopay process, they may file a questionnaire (short form application) to receive their regular HEAP benefit. |
Other households who may apply through the mail in process are: |
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Head of household age 60 or over |
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Code A SSI recipient |
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Households who received HEAP in the previous program year |
Those households applying through the mail in process must document earned income. |
Applicants under 60 years of age who are not disabled and who did not receive HEAP in the previous program year must apply in person. In Clinton County, the Department of Social Services contracts with JCEO to be our certifying agency. |
In order to be eligible for regular HEAP, there must be a documented vendor relationship with a fuel dealer. Other required documentation includes proof of residence, household composition, citizenship and income. |
For emergency HEAP, in addition to the above, proof must also be provided that the applicant is both customer of record with the fuel vendor and tenant of record. Also, resources must be explored when determining eligibility for emergency HEAP. The availability of the resources must also be determined. |
Certain households are ineligible for HEAP due to their living arrangements. Ineligible households include: |
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Tenants of government-subsidized housing with heat included in their rent |
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Individuals temporarily housed in motels or living in cars or vans |
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Individuals paying room and board or room only in private houses |
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Residents of congregate care facilities, including Title XIX facilities |
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Children in boarding/group homes |
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Military personnel who live in base housing with no payments for heat or rent |
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Migrant or seasonal farm workers with no heating or rental expense |
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Dependent students |
For HEAP purposes, households who do not pay directly to a fuel vendor for heat because heat is included in their rental payment are called renters. These households can apply for and receive a regular HEAP benefit in the form of a renter's benefit - a fixed dollar amount based on income tier. Renter's benefits are the same throughout New York State |
Tier I $50 |
Tier II $40 |
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The Fraud Investigation Unit is responsible for three basic functions at the Department of Social Services. |
First, the Fraud Investigation Unit is responsible for running the Front-End Detection System (FEDS) program. The FEDS program primary objective is to verify that all information provided on his or her application for Social Services benefits is true and correct. This is accomplished by a face-to-face interview with the Investigator, contact with people who can corroborate the client's information and various outside checks such as DMV, Credit Reports, Warrant Checks, Employment Verification and Computer Searches. Also, the Investigator will often make an unannounced home visit to verify the household composition. |
Secondly, Investigators conduct validations, fraud referrals and public complaints. Validations are cases in which a Social Welfare Examiner has received information contrary to what the client is reporting in his or case. The information being sought is normally required to determine eligibility and may or may not result in a fraud case being opened. A fraud referral is an action taken by a Social Welfare Examiner when they receive evidence that likely will result in a fraud case being opened. Public complaints, as the name implies are reports of suspected fraud that originate from the public. |
Lastly, Fraud Unit Investigators prepare fraud cases for prosecution. This process involves the review of case records, gathering evidence, conducting surveillance, questioning suspects, interviewing witnesses and the preparation of supporting Legal Documents. The packet prepared by the Investigator, if approved by the District Attorney's Office, is used to obtain an Arrest Warrant. The Investigator then acts as the liaison between the District Attorney's Office and The Department of Social Services. Fraud Investigators frequently serves as an expert witness during court proceedings. |
To report cases of suspected welfare fraud contact : 1-800-431-4984 |
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