The Screening & Assessment Project provides a clinical assessment and level of care recommendations for Chester County youth in detention and shelter. The goal of the project is to identify mental health and drug and alcohol needs in order to recommend an appropriate level of treatment for incorporation into the youth’s dispositional hearing.

Chester County is one of four counties in the state of Pennsylvania that is participating in this demonstration project through funding by the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

• Chester County is one of four counties in Pennsylvania participating in a Screening and Assessment Demonstration Project.
• The goal of the Screening & Assessment Project is to identify mental health and D&A needs of youth in detention and shelter and provide appropriate level of care recommendations for treatment.
• Youth entering the identified facilities complete a brief screening instrument in the form of a questionnaire. Eligible youth then have the opportunity to participate in a clinical assessment, which incorporates information from both the youth and the parent/guardian.
• A summary of recommendations are compiled and provided to the juvenile probation officer or caseworker for the dispositional hearing.
• Participation in the project is voluntary.
  New Life Youth & Family Services works collaboratively with CYF, JPO, Office of MH/MR, Office of D&A and many others to provide this service.