Laws/Definitions

Department of Public Welfare (Philadelphia County Assistance Office)
Administers several programs, including
  • Cash assistance
  • Medical Assistance
  • Food Stamps
  • Employment and training programs
Applications for Public Assistance can be obtained at the local District Office-Main # 560-2547 - www.dpw.state.pa.us
SSI
Supplemental Security Income - A federal program that makes monthly payments to disabled children/adults who have limited income and resources. 1-800-772-1213.
TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is the monthly cash assistance program for poor families with children under age 18.
Subsidized Housing
Federally funded, privately owned developments; must apply to each development individually
Public Housing
Federally funded, government-run housing. Must apply at Dept. of Public Housing
Section 8
Federally funded vouchers used to subsidize rent in privately owned apartments
SCOH Services
Services to Children in their own Homes - a SCOH worker works individually with a special needs child (mental health needs or medically challenged) in their home and school- through DHS
WRAP Around Services
Multidisciplinary behavioral and therapeutic supports for children ages 0-21 that places supports in the child's community, school, and home.
ICM-Intensive Case Management
Intensive Case Management services provide direct services to children ages 3 through 18 years who display serious emotional disturbances. ICM works to ensure that children and their families utilize natural supports, as well as traditional and non-traditional community resources to develop appropriate relationships with family and caregivers
TSS
Therapeutic staff support services - part of WRAP around service-one-on-one support
Mobile Therapist
A person who provides psychological, behavioral, and family therapy to children in their own home
EPSDT
Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment - Works in conjunction with Medicaid to screen for conditions that interfere with normal childhood development and learning- 1-800-543-7633.
IFSP
Individual Family Service Plan - written plan for children 0-3 years old with developmental delays and the services they will receive- Family Focused
IEP
Individualized Education Plan - for 3-21 year olds- more Education Focused
GIEP
Gifted Individualized Education Plan (GIEP). Developed for mentally gifted students (students with an I.Q. >130, or students with an I.Q. <130 that meet other educational criteria.
- The Rights of Gifted Students
ITP (Individualized Transition Plan)
This written plan start when a special needs child turns 16 years old. The IEP team meets with the student to discuss and plan for future goals including: post-secondary education, vocational training, independent employment, adult services, independent living, and community participation.
IDEA
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - passed Congress in 1975 to ensure all children with disabilities in the U.S. receive free and appropriate public education (FAPE)- Birth to 3 years old is under Part C of IDEA Act. From third birthday to 1st grade is under Part B:Section 619 of IDEA.
Chapter 15 Children
These are children who may need special accommodations in school, but not formal special education. These include children with: persitant asthma; seizure disorders; diabetes; mental illnesses; or other health impairments that affects activities of daily living.
Section 504 Accommodations
Similar to Chapter 15 - is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is not a special education program. Any student with a disability that interferes with a major life activity is qualified for educational services and accommodations. Student does not get an IEP. Conditions include: ADHD; Dyslexia: Severe Asthma; and others.
CPS
Child Protective Service- all abuse categories (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect. Protective services will respond immediately or within 24 hours.
GPS
General Protective Service- involves neglect, lack of supervision, lack of daily basic needs. Protective service will respond in one to six days.