About the Program
Support built around each family
The Multi-System Youth Program (MSY) is designed to serve youth with complex needs and their families. Each family in the MSY program is assigned a Service Coordinator who assists in coordinating and facilitating regular team meetings.
During a team meeting, a plan of care is created using a person-centered approach, to truly address the needs of the youth and family. Goals are set by the family and supported by the team members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Multi-System Youth — your questions answered
Does an agency need to refer my child to the MSY program?
No. Parents and guardians, as well as other professional agencies, can refer to the Multi-System Youth (MSY) Program. Many times a family will be working with an agency and the agency will make the referral for them, but parents can self-refer as well.
How can you help my family?
Our services can include a variety of support. The supports are individualized and goals are set by the family. Service coordination can include connecting with counseling, positive activities, respite care, and financial support considerations.
How do I start the process?
You can either contact the Multi-System Youth (MSY) Coordinator listed above or download the referral packet and release of information. Please email the referral packet to msyreferrals@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Multi-System Youth service coordination is for children who are involved in multiple systems or have a need for services in multiple areas, such as mental health, juvenile court, drug/alcohol rehabilitation, or developmental disabilities services. Questions can be directed to the MSY Coordinator, whose contact information is listed above.
Which populations does the MSY program serve?
The Multi-System Youth (MSY) Program serves the following populations:
- Adjudicated youth and families
- At-risk children and families, defined as children (birth to 22 years of age) deemed to be at risk of failing to thrive in their home, school, or community — specifically those not achieving developmental milestones, with known medical conditions, health and safety risks, or parental risk factors
- Youth at risk of engaging in drug use, anti-social behavior, or other dangerous behavior — specifically those with drug/alcohol use or abuse, failure to thrive in school, or at risk of entering the criminal justice system
What is the I-Team?
- Meets monthly (second Tuesday mornings at 9:30 AM)
- Cases are reviewed with partnering agencies on the release of information
- Information about needs and strengths is shared with partnering agencies and supportive community resources
- Staffings are scheduled with the family and the agencies impacting them to provide support while they are accessing services
Forms & Resources
Multi-System Youth resources
What this document is
The Service Coordination Mechanism (SCM), 2024 revision, is Fairfield County FCFC's guiding policy document. It describes how service planning and system collaboration provide individualized services and support to families with needs across multiple systems, and assures the county's approach meets the requirements of Ohio Revised Code 121.37. Program Manager: Tiffany Wilson, 831 College Ave. Suite C, Lancaster, OH 43130, 740-652-7286.
Overview
Ohio Family and Children First is a partnership of state and local government, communities, and families that enhances well-being by building community capacity, coordinating systems and services, and engaging families. The Multi-System Youth program “connects the dots” to increase the access, capacity, and effectiveness of services for the county's most vulnerable youth and their families whose needs extend beyond any single youth-serving program.
Who is eligible (target population)
Any family with a child or youth (age birth through 21) who needs a coordinated, interdisciplinary plan is eligible for service coordination through Fairfield County FCFC. Referrals typically come through provider agencies, but any family has the right to self-refer.
How it works
- Assessment of needs and strengths using tools such as the Child and Adolescent Needs & Strengths (CANS).
- Managing levels of care — matching the intensity of coordination (information and referral, service coordination, or high-fidelity wraparound) to each family's needs.
- Family Team Meetings that bring the family together with the agencies supporting them.
- A Family Service Coordination Plan / Plan of Care developed with and driven by the family.
- Confidentiality protections and a signed release of information governing what is shared and with whom.
Safeguards & oversight
The SCM sets out processes for out-of-home placement, short-term crisis and safety concerns, alleged unruly or delinquent youth, a dispute-resolution process for families, dispute resolution between agencies, fiscal strategies, and ongoing quality assurance. It was developed with review and input from Job and Family Services, Developmental Disabilities, the ADAMH Board, the Health Department, Juvenile Court, the Educational Service Center, Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action's early childhood programs, 211, the Community Health Center, the Commissioners' Office, Protective Services, Lancaster City and Pickerington Local Schools, OhioGuidestone, United Way, the Mayor's office, and a parent representative.
In partnership with
