Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who runs Salish FYSPRT?
A: The FYSPRT regions are run independently, but are contractors of Washington State. The Salish FYSPRT is run by the Salish Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (SBH-ASO).
Q: Are there any requirements for getting involved in FYSPRT?
A: No. The majority of people who join us are those personally effected by the issues we address, such as parents of children with disabilities, or system partners. However, as long as you are concerned about the care available to young people in your area, we invite you to get in touch with us and to join our meetings.
Q: What is SOC?
A: SOC stands for Systems of Care. A system of care is: A spectrum of effective, community-based services and supports for children and youth with or at risk for mental health or other challenges and their families, that is organized into a coordinated network, builds meaningful partnerships with families and youth, and addresses their cultural and linguistic needs, in order to help them to function better at home, in school, in the community, and throughout life. FYSPRT is a part of this system, allowing the voices of families and youth to be heard in the conversation about community healthcare.
Q: How does diagnosis of a developmental or intellectual disability occur?
A: There are several steps to diagnosis. The first step for parents to take is to review Ages and Stages Questionnaires or Child Development Inventories to see if there is anything to be concerned about. If your child’s development appears delayed, consult your pediatrician. If your pediatrician agrees that an official review is needed, they will refer you to someone who does formal testing. The testing involves interviews with parents or caregivers, observation of the child, and testing of a child’s conceptual, social, and practical skills. More information is available at Merck Manual and the Arc.
Q: What is WISe and how do I access it’s services?
A: WISe stands for “Wraparound with Intensive Services” and is a range of Medicaid-funded service components that are individualized, intensive, coordinated, comprehensive, culturally relevant, and home and community based. WISe is for youth who are experiencing mental health symptoms that disrupt or interfere with their functioning in family, school or with peers. WISe services may be requested prior to intake by either the youth, family, or family representative. Youth eligible for WISe based services will be referred for intake and to determine further medical necessity and access to care standards. For more information click here.
Q: What if I need to access even more intensive services than WISe?
A: If a Washington youth (aged 5-18) is diagnosed with a severe psychiatric disorder and is a risk to themselves or others, they may be eligible for CLIP, or Children's Long-term Inpatient Program. There are only eight-four beds statewide for this program, and there is a through process for applying. For more information about CLIP and contact information for referrals, click here.
Q: What are ACEs? What is NEAR Science?
A: These terms get thrown around a lot by people in the childhood development and social services field. ACEs are Adverse Childhood Experiences, as defined by the CDC. The more traumatic childhood experiences a person has, the more likely they are to be susceptible to substance abuse, mental illness, and general ill health. While there is strong corollary evidence in the study of ACEs, most professionals today prefer focusing on NEAR Science, which tempers ACEs with neurobiology, epigenetics, and resiliency, creating a more personalized study of childhood development.
Q: What local resources are available to support children's mental well-being and resilience?
A: For youth with acute behavioral health needs, contacting a local provider, such as Kitsap Mental Health, Peninsula Behavioral Health (Clallam), or Discovery Behavioral Health (Jefferson) is recommended. For a more generalized approach, our area has several non-profits that seek to enhance the mental well-being of youth. There is the Benji Project, which teaches mindful self-compassion to teens in west Jefferson County.
Q: How can I get federal funds to help take care of my disabled child?
A: You could be entitled to Social Security funds if your household income is low enough. For a child to be eligible, at least one parents needs to be qualified to received SSA benefits, in other words, they must have paid Social Security taxes from their paychecks. A child’s disability must be classified as “severe” and cannot be temporary. Go to the SSA’s website to start the process.
Q: What are my rights as a person with a disability and/or parent of a child with a disability?
A: There are many laws in place to protect the well-being of those with a disability, most of which falls under the Americans with a Disability Act (ADA). The ADA has a information line to answer your questions at 1-800-514-0301. Disability Rights Washington has good resources to address particular complaints, as does the Washington State Department of Social and Heath Services, and the Washington State Human Rights Commission. The entirety of the ADA is available to read.
Q: Who do I talk to if I feel that the laws and/or funding around children's behavioral health are inappropriate?
A: First of all, we'd love for you to talk to us at a FYSPRT meeting, where we can take your concerns to the state level. Your state legislatures, who can be found here, are representing your at the state level - but they need to know your position to vote accordingly. Writing them, or better yet calling them, is a great way to have your voice made, especially when behavioral health budgets and laws are being considered.
Q: Are there studies or clinical trials out there that we can be a part of?
A: Studies and trails are constantly being conducted to help those with disabilities, disorders, or behavioral health issues. Most of these occur at university hospitals, and rarely in the Salish area. However, some studies and trials do pay for transportation. To view what is currently available, visit clinicaltrials.gov or ask your health care professional.
Q: What should I do if I'm worried about someone's mental or physical well-being?
A: Be for them. Talk. LISTEN. If you need further help, call the Salish Regional Crisis line:
1-888-910-0416
Available 24 hours a day/7 days a week
Serving Kitsap, Clallam, and Jefferson counties
Other helpful numbers:
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
National Runaway Safeline 1-800-786-2929 (1-800-RUNAWAY)
Q: Who runs Salish FYSPRT?
A: The FYSPRT regions are run independently, but are contractors of Washington State. The Salish FYSPRT is run by the Salish Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (SBH-ASO).
Q: Are there any requirements for getting involved in FYSPRT?
A: No. The majority of people who join us are those personally effected by the issues we address, such as parents of children with disabilities, or system partners. However, as long as you are concerned about the care available to young people in your area, we invite you to get in touch with us and to join our meetings.
Q: What is SOC?
A: SOC stands for Systems of Care. A system of care is: A spectrum of effective, community-based services and supports for children and youth with or at risk for mental health or other challenges and their families, that is organized into a coordinated network, builds meaningful partnerships with families and youth, and addresses their cultural and linguistic needs, in order to help them to function better at home, in school, in the community, and throughout life. FYSPRT is a part of this system, allowing the voices of families and youth to be heard in the conversation about community healthcare.
Q: How does diagnosis of a developmental or intellectual disability occur?
A: There are several steps to diagnosis. The first step for parents to take is to review Ages and Stages Questionnaires or Child Development Inventories to see if there is anything to be concerned about. If your child’s development appears delayed, consult your pediatrician. If your pediatrician agrees that an official review is needed, they will refer you to someone who does formal testing. The testing involves interviews with parents or caregivers, observation of the child, and testing of a child’s conceptual, social, and practical skills. More information is available at Merck Manual and the Arc.
Q: What is WISe and how do I access it’s services?
A: WISe stands for “Wraparound with Intensive Services” and is a range of Medicaid-funded service components that are individualized, intensive, coordinated, comprehensive, culturally relevant, and home and community based. WISe is for youth who are experiencing mental health symptoms that disrupt or interfere with their functioning in family, school or with peers. WISe services may be requested prior to intake by either the youth, family, or family representative. Youth eligible for WISe based services will be referred for intake and to determine further medical necessity and access to care standards. For more information click here.
Q: What if I need to access even more intensive services than WISe?
A: If a Washington youth (aged 5-18) is diagnosed with a severe psychiatric disorder and is a risk to themselves or others, they may be eligible for CLIP, or Children's Long-term Inpatient Program. There are only eight-four beds statewide for this program, and there is a through process for applying. For more information about CLIP and contact information for referrals, click here.
Q: What are ACEs? What is NEAR Science?
A: These terms get thrown around a lot by people in the childhood development and social services field. ACEs are Adverse Childhood Experiences, as defined by the CDC. The more traumatic childhood experiences a person has, the more likely they are to be susceptible to substance abuse, mental illness, and general ill health. While there is strong corollary evidence in the study of ACEs, most professionals today prefer focusing on NEAR Science, which tempers ACEs with neurobiology, epigenetics, and resiliency, creating a more personalized study of childhood development.
Q: What local resources are available to support children's mental well-being and resilience?
A: For youth with acute behavioral health needs, contacting a local provider, such as Kitsap Mental Health, Peninsula Behavioral Health (Clallam), or Discovery Behavioral Health (Jefferson) is recommended. For a more generalized approach, our area has several non-profits that seek to enhance the mental well-being of youth. There is the Benji Project, which teaches mindful self-compassion to teens in west Jefferson County.
Q: How can I get federal funds to help take care of my disabled child?
A: You could be entitled to Social Security funds if your household income is low enough. For a child to be eligible, at least one parents needs to be qualified to received SSA benefits, in other words, they must have paid Social Security taxes from their paychecks. A child’s disability must be classified as “severe” and cannot be temporary. Go to the SSA’s website to start the process.
Q: What are my rights as a person with a disability and/or parent of a child with a disability?
A: There are many laws in place to protect the well-being of those with a disability, most of which falls under the Americans with a Disability Act (ADA). The ADA has a information line to answer your questions at 1-800-514-0301. Disability Rights Washington has good resources to address particular complaints, as does the Washington State Department of Social and Heath Services, and the Washington State Human Rights Commission. The entirety of the ADA is available to read.
Q: Who do I talk to if I feel that the laws and/or funding around children's behavioral health are inappropriate?
A: First of all, we'd love for you to talk to us at a FYSPRT meeting, where we can take your concerns to the state level. Your state legislatures, who can be found here, are representing your at the state level - but they need to know your position to vote accordingly. Writing them, or better yet calling them, is a great way to have your voice made, especially when behavioral health budgets and laws are being considered.
Q: Are there studies or clinical trials out there that we can be a part of?
A: Studies and trails are constantly being conducted to help those with disabilities, disorders, or behavioral health issues. Most of these occur at university hospitals, and rarely in the Salish area. However, some studies and trials do pay for transportation. To view what is currently available, visit clinicaltrials.gov or ask your health care professional.
Q: What should I do if I'm worried about someone's mental or physical well-being?
A: Be for them. Talk. LISTEN. If you need further help, call the Salish Regional Crisis line:
1-888-910-0416
Available 24 hours a day/7 days a week
Serving Kitsap, Clallam, and Jefferson counties
Other helpful numbers:
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
National Runaway Safeline 1-800-786-2929 (1-800-RUNAWAY)