Substance misuse is prevalent in all communities, including Putnam County. Resources are available in our community to assist those in need as well as their family members.

Alcohol Use Disorders are due to many interconnected factors, including genetics, how you were raised, your social environment, and your emotional health

• Repeatedly neglecting your responsibilities at home, work, or school because of your drinking. For example, performing poorly at work, flunking classes, neglecting your kids, or skipping out on commitments because you’re hung over.
• Using alcohol in situations where it’s physically dangerous, such as drinking and driving, operating machinery while intoxicated, or mixing alcohol with prescription medication against doctor’s orders.
• Experiencing repeated legal problems on account of your drinking. For example, getting arrested for driving under the influence or for drunk and disorderly conduct.
• Continuing to drink even though your alcohol use is causing problems in your relationships. Getting drunk with your buddies, for example, even though you know your wife will be very upset, or fighting with your family because they dislike how you act when you drink.
• Drinking as a way to relax or de-stress. Many drinking problems start when people use alcohol to self-soothe and relieve stress. Getting drunk after every stressful day, for example, or reaching for a bottle every time you have an argument with your spouse or boss.

If you are concerned with a loved one's alcohol use, you may be struggling with a number of painful emotions, including shame, fear, anger, and self-blame.

Putnam County Department of Mental Health and its community partners can provide confidential referrals for you and your loved ones.

• Don’t attempt to punish, threaten, bribe, or preach.
• Don’t try to be a martyr. Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and the compulsion to drink or use other drugs.
• Don’t cover up or make excuses for the person or shield them from the realistic consequences of their behavior.
• Don’t take over their responsibilities, leaving them with no sense of importance or dignity.
• Don’t hide or dump bottles, throw out drugs, or shelter them from situations where alcohol is present.
• Don’t argue with the person when they are impaired.
• Above all, don’t feel guilty or responsible for another’s behavior.
• Adapted from: National Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information
• You cannot force someone you love to stop using alcohol. As much as you may want to, and as hard as it is to watch, you cannot make someone stop drinking.
• Recovery is an ongoing process. Recovery is a bumpy road, requiring time and patience.

Discovering your child is drinking can generate fear, confusion, and anger in parents. It’s important to remain calm when confronting your teen, and only do so when everyone is sober. Explain your concerns and make it clear that your concern comes from a place of love. It’s important that your teen feels you are supportive. 
Five steps parents can take:

• Lay down rules and consequences: Your teen should understand that drinking alcohol comes with specific consequences. But don’t make hollow threats or set rules that you cannot enforce. Make sure your spouse agrees with the rules and is prepared to enforce them.
• Monitor your teen’s activity: Know where your teen goes and who he or she hangs out with. Remove or lock away alcohol from your home and routinely check potential hiding places for alcohol—in backpacks, under the bed, between clothes in a drawer, for example. Explain to your teen that this lack of privacy is a consequence of him or her having been caught using alcohol.
• Encourage other interests and social activities. Expose your teen to healthy hobbies and activities, such as team sports, Scouts, and afterschool clubs.
• Talk to your child about underlying issues. Drinking can be the result of other problems. Is your child having trouble fitting in? Has there been a recent major change, like a move or divorce, which is causing stress?

Get outside help: You don’t have to go it alone. Teenagers often rebel against their parents but if they hear the same information from a different authority figure, they may be more inclined to listen. Try seeking help from a sports coach, family doctor, therapist, or counselor.

People who use substances often try to conceal their symptoms and downplay their struggles. If you’re worried that a friend or family member might be using drugs, look for the following warning signs:

Physical warning signs of drug use

• • Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual

• • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

• • Sudden weight loss or weight gain

• • Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits

• • Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing

• Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination

Behavioral signs of drug use

• • Drop in attendance and performance at work or school

• • Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it.

• • Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors

• • Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies

• Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities)

Psychological warning signs of drug use

• • Unexplained change in personality or attitude

• • Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts

• • Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness

• • Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out”
• Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason

• • Marijuana: Glassy, red eyes; loud talking, inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss.

• • Depressants (including Xanax, Valium, GHB): Contracted pupils; drunk-like; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness.

• • Stimulants (including amphetamines, cocaine, crystal meth): Dilated pupils; hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; may go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; weight loss; dry mouth and nose.

• • Inhalants (glues, aerosols, vapors): Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth; headaches and nausea; appearance of intoxication; drowsiness; poor muscle control; changes in appetite; anxiety; irritability; lots of cans/aerosols in the trash.

• • Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP): Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people; absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion.
• Opioids (i.e. Heroin, Vicodin, Oxycontin, Fentanyl): Contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light; needle marks; sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing, sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite.

While experimenting with drugs doesn’t automatically lead to problematic drug use, early use is a risk factor for developing substance use disorders. Risk of drug use also increases greatly during times of transition, such as changing schools, moving, or divorce. The challenge for parents is to distinguish between the normal, often volatile, ups and downs of the teen years and the red flags of substance use. These include:

• • Having bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils; using eye drops to try to mask these signs

• • Skipping class; declining grades; suddenly getting into trouble at school

• • Missing money, valuables, or prescriptions

• • Acting uncharacteristically isolated, withdrawn, angry, or depressed

• • Dropping one group of friends for another; being secretive about the new peer group

• • Loss of interest in old hobbies; lying about new interests and activities

• Demanding more privacy; locking doors; avoiding eye contact; sneaking around

• See Resources

Information Courtesy of the and HelpGuide.org

he law requires APS to conduct an investigation whenever it receives oral or written information concerning a person who is thought to be in need of protective services. APS accepts referrals made within normal working hours; afterhours reports will be seen the next business day.

APS is responsible for protecting vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, while respecting their rights to self-determination.

For persons who are so incapacitated that supportive services are insufficient to protect them, and who have no one to assist them, APS may submit a petition to the court for the appointment of a legal guardian.

To qualify for services through APS, a person MUST meet (or be suspected to meet) ALL THREE criteria:

1. Has a mental or physical limitation or impairment
2. Is unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, financial exploitation or other harm
3. Have no one available who is willing and able to assist responsibly

What happens next?

If the situation appears to meet the three criteria, a home visit will occur within 3 business days. If the initial home visit and investigation show that the adult meets the criteria (has an impairment, is vulnerable, and does not have enough help) then APS can begin a comprehensive 60-day investigation & assessment.

The Concept of Self-determination
Adults, unlike children, are legally presumed to have capacity to make their own decisions. This means that most adults, even most vulnerable adults who may have mild impairments and who may be facing danger, have the right to refuse offered services. This is why it is best practice for an APS worker to carefully and gently engage the client to try to make a connection and to offer services to protect the client from harm.

For example, an elderly homeless woman may be offered shelter, services, etc., and she may choose to decline those services. It is her right to do so, and no one can force her to make better choices. Sometimes an adult will accept some services but not others, and this too must be respected.

It is sometimes difficult for other providers and the concerned public to understand that APS must respect the right of an adult to refuse help offered by APS and others. Simply having a diagnosis of dementia or mental illness does not automatically mean an adult has no decisional capacity. Only a judge can declare a person legally incompetent.

APS seeks, to the extent possible, the provision of services that maximize an individual's independence, freedom and decision-making ability. This includes assistance to enable clients to remain in, or return to, the community, as opposed to a more institutional setting. APS often utilizes “supportive decision-making” to help impaired adults maximize their independence.

Seeking Involuntary Interventions
APS has a unique responsibility to protect vulnerable adults who appear to lack the capacity to understand the consequences of their choices. When APS believes there is a serious threat to an adult’s well-being and that the adult is incapable of making decisions on his or her own behalf because of impairments, APS has a responsibility to pursue appropriate legal interventions to protect the individual, even if the vulnerable adult has not agreed to, or even opposes such intervention. However, APS must employ the least restrictive intervention necessary to effectively protect the adult. The decision to seek an involuntary intervention should never be taken lightly.

It is important to note that APS itself has no legal authority on its own to remove any person from their home or other setting, or to take any involuntary action. APS must request action from the court or some other official authorized to take involuntary action (e.g., law enforcement, psychiatrist, judge).

What if the vulnerable adult refuses help?
Adults with mental capacity have the right to exercise free choice in deciding whether to accept services. If an adult appears to be capable of understanding the risks and chooses to stay in an abusive or neglectful situation, this can be a difficult decision for others to understand. APS will offer services and try to convince the adult to accept help. If there are questions about the adult’s mental capacity, then a psychiatric evaluation will be pursued to determine if court-ordered interventions should be provided.

Child abuse and maltreatment is when a parent or other person legally responsible for a child’s care causes or creates a risk of harm to a child. The child must be under the age of 18.  Child abuse involves serious physical harm or sexual abuse. Maltreatment (neglect) involves physical, mental or emotional harm.

Physical abuse is when a parent/caretaker hurts or lets someone else hurt a child physically, or creates a substantial risk that a child will be hurt. There must be a serious injury or a risk of serious injury such as a severe burn, a broken bone, the loss of a body part, an internal injury or death. The injury or risk of injury must not be due to an accident.

Sexual abuse is when a parent or caretaker commits a sexual offense against a child or allows someone else to do this. Sexual abuse includes both touching and non-touching sexual offenses.

• • Examples of touching offenses include: fondling, intercourse, and sodomy (oral or anal sex acts).

• Examples of non-touching offenses include: using a child in a pornographic or sexually explicit video or picture, distributing such a video or picture, or using a child as a prostitute.

Maltreatment (neglect) is when a parent or caretaker does not provide for a child’s basic needs, where the parent or caretaker has the means or is offered a reasonable way to do so. It also includes a parent or caretaker failing to properly supervise a child or hitting a child too hard. Examples of maltreatment may include: not getting, or waiting too long to get, health care for a child; not giving a child adequate food, shelter, or clothing; not properly looking after a child; misusing drugs/alcohol such that it interferes with their ability to adequately supervise the child; abandoning a child; or not sending a child to school when the child is able to attend school. The parent or caretaker’s actions must cause physical, mental or emotional harm, or a risk that the child will soon be harmed.

Exposure to Domestic Violence: Witnessed domestic violence occurs when a child sees his or her parents or caregivers use behaviors against each other that make the child feel scared, controlled or intimidated

What are some indicators of child abuse and maltreatment? You may see signs of child abuse or maltreatment in the way a child looks or in the way a child acts.

Physical signs can include: a child whose hair, clothing or body is often very dirty; a child whose clothing is too hot or too cold for the season; a child who is not being watched properly; a child who is ill or hurt but is not seeing a doctor; or a child with bruises, burns, cuts, vaginal or rectal bleeding, or with soreness or itching in the genital area.

Behavioral signs can include: a child who is afraid to go home; a child who does not think well of him- or herself, avoids people, or is very sad; a child who misuses drugs or alcohol, has an eating disorder or hurts him- or herself; a child whose mood or behavior changes a lot without a reason; a child who acts in a sexual manner that is unusual for the child’s age; or a child who often misses school without a good reason.

Handling Disclosures: Disclosure can be a very difficult process for a child. Children often tell their stories over a period of time. Some never fully disclose what happened.

• • Find a private place to talk.

• • Believe and support them, stay calm and limit the discussion

• • Tell the child it is not his/her fault.

• • Tell them that you are going to call someone that can help

• Report the situation immediately.

DON’T:

• • Do not allow contact between the child and the offender

• • Do not confront the offender or discuss the incident with the offender (it is better for a trained law enforcement officer to talk with the offender first)!

• Do not conduct an investigation

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department.

As soon as you suspect abuse or maltreatment, you must report your concerns by telephone to the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). The SCR is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to receive your call.

The timeliness of your call is vital to the timeliness of intervention by the local department of social services’ Child Protective Services (CPS) unit. You are not required to notify the parents or other persons legally responsible either before or after your call to the SCR. In fact, in some cases, alerting the parent may hinder the local CPS investigation and adversely affect its ability to assess the safety of the children. The telephone numbers to report abuse or maltreatment are:

Mandated Reporter (800) 635-1522

Public Hotline (800) 342-3720

You do not need proof of child abuse or maltreatment to make a report; you only need to think that it has happened or that a child is at risk of being abused or maltreated. Your call to the Child Abuse Hotline is confidential. This means that only certain persons may learn about the information you report. The family you reported will not be told you made the report unless you say it is okay for them to know.

Law Enforcement Referrals: If a call to the SCR provides information about an immediate threat to a child or a crime committed against a child, but the perpetrator is not a parent or other person legally responsible for the child, the SCR staff will make a Law Enforcement Referral (LER). The relevant information will be recorded and

transmitted to the New York State Police Information Network or to the New York City Special Victims Liaison Unit. This is not a CPS report, and local CPS will not be involved.

Mandated Reporter Responsibilities: New York State recognizes that certain professionals are specially equipped to perform the important role of mandated reporter of child abuse and maltreatment. The entire current list can be found in Article 6, Title 6, Section 413 of the New York Social Services Law, which can be accessed online through the New York State Legislature’s Website (http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/menuf.cgi). Click on Laws of New York to access Social Services Law.

When Am I Mandated to Report?Mandated reporters are required to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment when they are presented with a reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or maltreatment in a situation where a child, parent, or other person legally responsible for the child is before the mandated reporter when the mandated reporter is acting in his or her official or professional capacity.

Reasonable Cause to Suspect: Reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or maltreatment means that, based on your rational observations, professional training and experience, you have a suspicion that the parent or other person legally responsible for a child is responsible for harming that child or placing that child in imminent danger of harm. Your suspicion can be as simple as distrusting an explanation for an injury.

If a mandated reporter makes a report with earnest concern for the welfare of a child, he or she is immune from any criminal or civil liability that might result. This is referred to as making a report in “good faith

Anyone who is mandated to report suspected child abuse or maltreatment—and fails to do so—could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and subject to criminal penalties. Further, mandated reporters can be sued in a civil court for monetary damages for any harm caused by the mandated reporter’s failure to make a report to the SCR.

A hotline employee will answer your call and ask you for information about why you called. Based on the information you provide, the hotline employee will decide whether to take a report of child abuse or maltreatment. It is helpful if you can give information about who the child is and where he or she can be found; the person who you think abused or maltreated the child; and the child’s parent, guardian or other person legally

responsible for the child. If a report is not taken, the hotline employee will tell you why it could not be taken. If you disagree, you can ask to speak with a supervisor.

If a report is taken, it will be sent right away to the local Child Protective Service (CPS), where the child resides. A local CPS caseworker will start an investigation within 24 hours. The CPS caseworker must work with the family on any issues that make the child unsafe. If the family does not want to make the changes needed for a child to be safe, CPS may go to court to ask a judge to require the family to make the changes or to remove the child from the home. However, in most cases, CPS can work with the family to protect the child in his or her home. This is done by making a plan with the child’s parent or caretaker to change any unsafe actions, or to get services so that the child will be safe.

Understand the causes and effects of abuse and neglect. If you know a parent who is under stress, encourage them to seek help. To locate a parenting program that can provide guidance and support, call the Prevention Information and Parent Helpline at 1-800-342-7472; a program of www.preventchildabuseny.org

Twelve Alternatives to Lashing out at Your Child The next time everyday pressures build up to the point where you feel like lashing out — STOP! Try any of these simple alternatives. You’ll feel better… and so will your child. http://www.preventchildabuse.org/images/docs/twelvealternativestolashingoutatyourchild.pdf

Being a parent is the most difficult, yet most important and satisfying work you will ever do. During the busy and exciting days that make up the first weeks of parenting, remember to take good care of yourself as well as the new baby. Here are some tips on how to survive the early weeks with the new baby: http://www.preventchildabuse.org/images/docs/advicefornewmomsanddads.pdf

Shaken Baby Syndrome (Abusive Head Trauma): Shaken Baby Syndrome refers to injuries to a baby’s brain and body that results from being shaken. Some babies die from these injuries.

What causes the shaking? Usually a caregiver becomes frustrated with a baby’s crying. The caregiver loses control and shakes the baby.

• • Never ever shake a baby

• Make sure that everyone who cares for your child knows not to shake a baby

Helpful tips to keep your baby safe: http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/publications/Pub5008.pdf

begin_of_the_skype_highlightingReduce risk. Protect children from sexual abuse

• • Understand that abusers often become friendly with potential victims and their families, enjoying family activities, earning trust, and gaining time alone with children.

• Think carefully about the safety of any isolated, one-on-one settings. Choose group situations when possible.

• • Think carefully about the safety of situations in which older youth have access to younger children. Make sure that multiple adults are present who can supervise.

• • Set an example by personally avoiding isolated, one-on-one situations with children other than your own.

• Monitor children’s Internet use. Offenders use the Internet to lure children into physical contact.

• • Drop in unexpectedly when the child is alone with an adult or another youth, even if it a trusted family member.

• • Make sure outings are observable – if not by you, then by others.

• • Ask adults about the specifics of planned activities before the child leaves your care. Notice their ability to be specific.

• • Talk with the child following the activity. Notice the child’s mood and whether he or she can tell you with confidence how the time was spent.

• Find a way to tell adults who care for children that you and the child are educated about child sexual abuse. Be that direct.

Age appropriate, open conversations about our bodies, sex, and boundaries gives children a foundation for understanding and developing healthy relationships. It also teaches them that they have the right to say “no.”

With this foundation in place, they are less vulnerable to people who would violate their boundaries, and are more likely to tell you if abuse occurs.

• • Teach children that it is “against the rules” for adults to act in a sexual way with them, and use examples.

• • Teach them what parts of their bodies others should not touch.

• • Be sure to mention that the abuser might be an adult friend, family member, or older youth.

• • Teach children not to give out personal information while using the Internet, including email addresses, home addresses, and phone numbers.

• • Start early and talk often. Use everyday opportunities to talk about sexual abuse.

• Be proactive. If a child seems uncomfortable, or resistant to being with a particular adult, ask why.

New York State Office of Children & Family Services (Pub. 5056 (07/07 & Pub. 1159 (Rev. 9/2012) www.ocfs.state.ny.us

Darkness to Light: https://www.d2l.org/

www.preventchildabuse.org

CAC of Putnam County: The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Putnam County is a child- and family-focused facility, providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary services to children suspected of being abused.

A multidisciplinary team (MDT) of child protective service workers, law enforcement investigators, prosecutors, medical care providers, victim advocates and therapists work together to provide all necessary services in one place.

Our Goals:

• • Reduce trauma to the child

• • Provide family with support and assistance

• • Promote thorough investigations and hold offenders accountable

• Improve communication and information sharing between MDT members

For further information, contact the Child Advocacy Center at 845-808-1400 | http://putnamcac.org/

Coordinated by the Department of Mental Health, the goal of the Children’s SPOA is to ensure timely and appropriate access to intensive services for children at risk of hospitalizations or residential treatment. The Children’s SPOA Coordinator provides case consultation, systems navigation, referral, and linkage to mental health supports and services. For youth in need of more intensive services, a SPOA Application can be submitted for review by the SPOA committee and linkage to appropriate supports. This process is facilitated by Putnam County’s Children’s SPOA Coordinator.

There is no WRONG call to the Children’s SPOA. The Children’s Mental Health Team is happy to field calls from any family or community member that is seeking mental health supports or consultation for Putnam County youth. The Children’s SPOA Coordinator can be reached at 845-808-1600 x46139.

Families: Families/Caregivers
should call SPOA if they are having difficulty securing outpatient mental health services for their child, if their child is struggling to manage with outpatient services alone, or if their child has required multiple psychiatric hospitalizations.

Providers & Schools: 

Community Providers should call SPOA if they need help navigating the

children’s mental health system, would like a case consultation, or are working with a child for whom they would like to submit a SPOA Application.

Anyone can submit a SPOA Application or inquiry to Dawn.Mullins@putnamcountyny.gov; however, the team will need input from caregivers and mental health providers (such as clinical reports). Please see reverse side for listing of SPOA services.

Referrals are accepted regardless of income, insurance, or other eligibility requirements. Examples of services accessed through the SPOA are listed below.
Specific services recommended by the SPOA vary based on a youth’s individual needs and eligibility.

• CCSI – Coordinated Children’s Services Initiative
• Wraparound Meetings
• Outpatient Individual and Family Therapy
• Family Peer Support Services
• Care Management
• Community Based In-Home Supports
• High Fidelity Wraparound
• DSS Preventive Services
• PINS Prevention Program
• Youth Bureau Programs
• The Community Outreach Center
• Arbor House
• CoveCare Respite
• Community Residence
• Residential Treatment Facility
• Acute Inpatient Hospitalization
• Educational Advocacy

This unit seeks to deliver an array of services to meet the multiplicity of problems that threaten the breakup of families and the placement of children in foster care. These services include casework counseling, parenting skills training, and referrals to community-based programs.

Foster Care services for children are defined as assessing the need for, arranging for, and providing for placement and related services to children in an appropriate foster care setting. Children are placed by either the request of a parent or guardian or as a result of a judicial determination that the child’s continuation in his own home would be contrary to the welfare of such child. Children are placed from birth up to age 18 and can remain in care up to age 21 if they entered prior to turning 18. The Foster Care Home finding Unit is responsible for securing placements in foster homes for children who are in the custody of the department and recruiting and training new foster and adoptive parents. Click here to become a foster parent: (we truly need you!) We want a link to our word document “How to Become a Foster Parent” 

Addition websites- New York Foster care ( http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/fostercare/) 

What are the steps to becoming a foster parent?

• Fill out and return/submit the agency’s application form
• Attend a 10-week Foster/Adoptive Parent Training Program
• Have a home study completed by our agency
• Provide medical statements and personal references

Basic requirements

1. You must be at least 21 years old
2. You can be married, single or living in a partnership
3. Have your own source of income (job, public assistance, pension, or social security)
4. Have a bed for each child and 45 square feet per child in each bedroom (2 children fit in a 9’ x 10’ room)
5. Have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
6. Have every person in the home 18 years and older fingerprinted
7. Have every person in the home 18 years and older cleared through the child abuse registry
8. Provide a safe, healthy, nurturing home
9. Be medically/physically fit to care for children

Training and supports provided to foster parents

1. A stipend for food and board based on the child’s age and need for special services
2. Clothing allowances
3. Medical insurance for each foster child
4. Payment for licensed daycare providers for working parents
5. Support from caseworker/Home finder
6. Training to learn about caring for children in foster care

Who are the children who come into foster care?

1. They can be between the ages of newborn and 18 years old
2. They can be any ethnicity
3. They are from Putnam County
4. They can be a single child or be part of a sibling group
5. The children are either removed from their homes because of abuse, neglect, or the parents are unable to care for them
6. They can have special, physical, or emotional needs
7. They may represent all educational levels and require different needs

Be a part of a team

1. Foster parents are expected to work with our agency to provide a temporary safe home for children, while their parents work toward the return of their children. During that time the foster parents share parenting of the child.
2. Foster parents are expected to treat the children as they would their own children by taking the children to doctor appointments, attend school meetings, and provide love, guidance, and nurturance to the children.

Our greatest need

1. Foster parents who will accept sibling groups of 3 or more
2. Foster parents from ethnically diverse cultures
3. Foster parents who will accept teenagers into their homes and provide a loving family support system for the rest of their lives. Our teens need someone to be a strong role model for them and to offer them guidance as they learn to live independently.

If you are interested, please call Linda Amicucci at (845)808-1500 extension 45258 or Devon Sudlow (845)808-1500 extension 45371.

When a child cannot be returned to their home and becomes a freed child through a surrender or termination of parent rights, this agency works in conjunction with Putnam County Family Court to finalize an adoption for the child/ren and give them a forever home. When a freed child, is placed in your family, a caseworker supervises the placement for a period no less than six months. Services will be implemented as needed for the family and the child during this period.
In addition, postadoption services referrals are provided when needed to adoptive families. These services are offer and recommend by this department as a child grows and develops. Resources and information about post-adoption services can be found on the website of New York State Office for children and Family Services
( https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/adoption/post-adoption/)
Addition websites
Agape Post Adoption Services/ Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition (http://affcny.org/)

Addition websites-to view freed children
New York State Adoption Album (https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/adoption/)
AdoptUSKids (http://adoptuskids.org/)

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used by a partner in an intimate relationship in order to gain and maintain power and control in a relationship. Traditionally, domestic violence has had a narrow definition, and someone was considered a victim of domestic violence only if the perpetrator was related to him/her by blood or by marriage.  However, with the new Expanded Access law, enacted in 2008, that definition has expanded to include all current or former intimate partners, regardless of whether they are married or have a child in common. This means same-sex couples and dating couples (including teens) have access to domestic violence victim resources (such as Orders of Protection).
There are several different types of abuse:

• Physical Abuse
  Physical abuse involves contact designed to inflict pain, suffering, punishment, or harm. This can include, but is not limited to, hitting, punching, kicking, shoving, strangling, throwing things at the partner, stabbing.
• Emotional and Verbal Abuse
  Emotional abuse and verbal abuse involves acts designed to intimidate, humiliate, and belittle the victim. These can include, but are not limited to name-calling, criticizing, demeaning and insulting the victim, and withholding affection, making the victim feel unloved or unwanted.
• Isolation
  Isolation is a form of abuse where the perpetrator cuts off the victim from family, friends, or resources. The victim will not be allowed to go out with friends, visit family, or have access to a car to get around. This ensures that the victim has to rely on the perpetrator and will be reluctant to leave or ask for help.
• Financial Abuse
  Financial abuse involves keeping the victim financially dependent on the perpetrator. This can include, but is not limited to, not allowing the victim to keep a job, restricting access to bank accounts or credit cards, withholding basic necessities, and making the victim account for all spending. Like isolation, this ensures that the victim is dependent on the perpetrator and feels like he/she won’t be able to make it on his/her own.
• Sexual Abuse
  Sexual abuse includes, but is not limited to, minimizing your feelings about sex, rape, and withholding sex and affection. Sexual abuse is yet another tool perpetrators use to humiliate and control their victims.
• The Cycle of Violence
  While the abuse may not always be constant, domestic violence, and its cycle, is always happening. There are three phases to the cycle: the tension building phase, the acute abuse phase, and the honeymoon phase. In the tension building phase, the perpetrator begins to show anger and pick fights. Verbal abuse begins, and the victim tries to ease the situation by giving in to the perpetrator and becoming compliant; trying to keep the peace. In the acute abuse phase, the tension has peaked and there has been some form of significant violence.  In the honeymoon phase, the perpetrator is loving and apologetic. There is generosity and kindness; possibly gifts. The perpetrator assures the victim that the abuse will never happen again.

It Is Still Abuse If . . .
The incidents of physical abuse seem minor when compared to those you have read about, seen on television or heard other women talk about. There isn’t a “better” or “worse” form of physical abuse; you can be severely injured as a result  of being pushed, for example. The incidents of physical abuse have only occurred one or two times in the relationship. Studies indicate that if your spouse/partner has injured you once, it is likely he will continue to physically assault you.The physical assaults stopped when you became passive and gave up your right to express yourself as you desire, to move about freely and see others, and to make decisions. It is not a victory if you have to give up your rights as a person and a partner in exchange for not being assaulted!

There has not been any physical violence. Many women are emotionally and verbally assaulted. This can be as equally frightening and is often more confusing to try to understand.
Source: Breaking the Silence: a Handbook for Victims of Violence in Nebraska

The most important thing to remember about domestic violence is it is NEVER the victim’s fault!

If you are currently experiencing a life threatening emergency please call 911.
If you are a victim of Sexual Assault or any other related crime(s) and want or need assistance please call our
24 hour Crisis Hotline at 845-628-2166
or our Main Office at 845-628-9284

If you are currently experiencing a life threatening emergency please call 911.
If you are a victim of Sexual Assault or any other related crime(s) and want or need assistance please call our
24 hour Crisis Hotline at 845-628-2166
or our Main Office at 845-628-9284

Domestic Violence Support Group
Year Round, drop-in group for women who have experienced or are experiencing physical, verbal or emotional abuse. Mondays from 7:00 p.m.-8:15 p.m. (child care provided)

Women in Transition Group
Year Round, group for women going through a separation or divorce. Intake required to join this group, must call for an intake appointment 845-628-9284  Group is held Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
(child care provided)

Empowerment Group
Offered Fall, Spring, & Summer; A growth oriented group to address women’s concerns including self-esteem, boundaries, goal setting, stress management & effective communication. Must call to register 845-628-9284   Group is held Thursdays from 6:30-7:45 at the Women’s Resource Center. (child care available) Spring group TBA.

Teen Support Group
Offered Fall, Spring, & Summer; For girls ages 13& 14. Topics cover healthy relationships/dating, friendships, self esteem, conflict resolution, being assertive. Intake required to join this group, must call for an intake appointment 845-628-9284. Group is held Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. at the WRC main office. Spring group TBA.

Pre-Teen Support Group
Offered Fall, Spring, & Summer; Group for pre-teens ages 10-12 living with domestic violence, separation or divorce issues in their family. Topics include friendships, conflict-resolution, bulling, self-esteem, and coping and communication skills. Intake required to join this group, must call for an intake appointment 845-628-9284.   Spring group TBA.
Children’s Support Group
Offered Fall, Spring, & Summer; for children age’s 8-9-living with domestic violence and family change, a growth oriented program to address children’s concerns. Intake required to join this group, must call for an intake appointment 845-628-9284. Spring group TBA. Group is held from Monday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the WRC main office.
Adult Survivors of Sexual Trauma
Offered Fall and Spring; a group  for women who have experienced sexual assault or rape. Intake required to join this group, must call for an intake appointment 845-628-9284. Fall group Monday’s at 7:30p.m. beginning September 30th, 2013 runs for 10 weeks.
Legal Clinic
Offered Monthly;Meet with an attorney to discuss and Review of NYS laws on Divorce, custody, orders of protection and support/advocacy answers. this workshop is for individuals who are starting or maybe starting the initial process of a divorce, support, custody or order of protection and have not yet retained an attorney. Registration is required, to register call 845-628-9284.  Next workshop March 11, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
Volunteer Training
Offered Fall and Spring; With the support of our volunteers, we are able to provide the necessary services to our clients that support their needs. Our program requires that interested adult volunteers be over the age of 18 to be trained to work with our staff and clients. Volunteers will receive training on cultural diversity, gender and power, sexual and domestic violence dynamics, advocacy skills, and much more!
Registration is required, to register call 845-628-9284.  Spring Trainings TBA. Training run every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00p.m. to 8:30p.m. for 8 weeks. To learn more about the volunteer training and volunteering for WRC call 845-628-9284

The Community Education and Outreach program provides the community with information and resources about domestic and sexual violence. To accomplish this goal, the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center has two community educators, who are able to create presentations, attend conferences, and sit on informational panels.
These educators provide unique trainings, workshops, and presentations to a variety of organizations and local schools. These presentations and workshops can be developed to satisfy the needs of the school or organization while covering a wide range of topics that are appropriate for the target audience

PRESENTATION TOPICS
Colleges

• Dating Violence Prevention
• Acquaintance Rape
• Drug-facilitated sexual assault
• Sexual Harassment/Stalking
• Gender Stereotyping

High School

• Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships
• Dating Violence
• Gender Stereotyping
• Sexual Harassment
• Social Network/Texting Harassment
• Stalking
• Diversity Skills
• Staff Development/Training

Colleges

• Dating Violence Prevention
• Acquaintance Rape
• Drug-facilitated sexual assault
• Sexual Harassment/Stalking
• Gender Stereotyping

High School

• Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships
• Dating Violence
• Gender Stereotyping
• Sexual Harassment
• Social Network/Texting Harassment
• Stalking
• Diversity Skills
• Staff Development/Training

Non-School Presentations

• Unhealthy Relationships
• Dating Violence
• Gender Stereotyping
• Sexual Harassment
• Social Network/Texting Harassment
• Stalking
• Diversity Skills
• Staff Development/Training

If you’re interested in learning more about the program or to set up a training at your location contact:
call 845-628-9284

If you are currently experiencing a life threatening emergency please call 911.
If you are a victim of Bullying, Dating Violence, Stalking, Human Trafficking or a Internet/Cell Phone related crime or any other related crime(s) and want or need assistance please call our
24 hour Crisis Hotline at 845-628-2166
or our Main Office at 845-628-9284

If you are currently experiencing a life threatening emergency please call 911.
If you want or need advocacy and/or other supports please call our

24 hour Crisis Hotline at 845-628-2166
or our Main Office at 845-628-9284
Website Putnam County Women’s Resource Center – pnwwrc.org

The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) requires all of the following to provide services:

• A diagnosis of one (or more) of the following: Intellectual Disability; Autism; Cerebral Palsy; Epilepsy; Familial Dysautonomia; or Neurological Impairment (with injury, malformation, or disease in the central nervous system).
• A diagnosis of the disability originating before age 22.
• The disability is expected to be permanent, continuing indefinitely.
• The disability must be so serious that it affects ability to function normally in society.

In order to determine eligibility, the Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO) of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities requires information about a person’s disability, including:

• OPWDD Eligibility Form, which can be found online at: https://opwdd.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/02/eligibility_transmittal_form-plus-gender-x-02-01-23.pdf
• A psychological assessment that shows documentation of the disabilities listed above. The evaluation should include an assessment of intellectual functioning (IQ) and a standardized assessment of adaptive behavior through:
• Adaptive Behavior Scales (such as the Vineland II or ABAS)
• IQ Testing (such as the WISC-IV, WAIS-IV or Stanford Binet V)
• A written summary explaining the results from the person who did the testing (which is also known as a “narrative.”)
• A social/psychosocial history
• This could be included in the psychological report or done in school evaluations, as part of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process.
• This report should show that the person became disabled before age 22
• A medical report
• For conditions other than an Intellectual Disability, a medical or specialty report will also be needed that includes health status and diagnostic findings to support the diagnosis.

OPWDD may also ask for other documents or evaluations on a case by case basis for eligibility assessment. Information regarding OPWDD eligibility can be found at: https://opwdd.ny.gov/eligibility

Eligibility must be officially determined by NYS OPWDD in order to access the services they provide. The NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities provides a variety of supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. OPWDD works with voluntary providers to deliver services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Services include residential services, day/employment services, and family and individual supports. Family and individual supports include clinic services, in-home care, senior services and care management.

It is important to note that the Putnam County Office for Individuals with Disabilities is here as a resource to assist in questions throughout the process, and as a liaison to getting in touch with OPWDD and resources throughout the community.

Putnam County
Office for Individuals with Disabilities

• 110 Old Route 6
  Building #3
  Carmel, NY 10512
  (845) 808-1641 ext. 46019

Putnam Independent Living Services (PILS)

• 1441 Route 22, Suite 204
  (Tompkins Mahopac Bank building)
  Brewster, NY 10509
  Voice: (845) 228-7457
  VP: (914) 259-8036
  Fax: (845) 228-7460
  https://www.putnamils.org/

Putnam County Department of Mental Health is committed to: 

The intergration of behavioral services as such the county has created a position for dual recovery support providing technical assitance to treatment providers and support for families and consumers.

Contact: 845.808.1500 ext: 45265 for more information.

Each year, drug misuse and addiction cost taxpayers nearly $534 billion in preventable health care, law enforcement, crime, and other costs. The best approach to reducing the tremendous toll substance misuse exacts from individuals, families, and communities is to prevent the damage before it occurs. Over 20 years of research demonstrates that prevention interventions designed and tested to reduce risk and enhance protective factors can help children at every step along their developmental path, from early childhood into young adulthood.

67 Gleneida Avenue

Carmel, NY 10512

Contact: Kristin E. McConnell, Executive Director

845-225-4646

1808 Route Six

Carmel, NY 10512

Contact: Eric Toth, Executive Director

https://covecarecenter.org

845-225-2700

67 Gleneida Avenue

Carmel, NY 10512

845-225-4646