The program of services offered by St. Michael's School is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Helathcare Organizations (JCAHO) and the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children and licensed by the Department of Public Welfare, Office of Children Youth and Families, Office of Mental Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. St. Michael's accepts referrals from County Children and Youth Agencies, as well as Juvenile Probation Departments within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
All county offices must have a purchase-of-services contract with St. Michael's. Referrals for the RTF Program also come from mental health agencies throughout Pennsylvania. With each request for placement, the Admissions Committee reviews referral information, which should include the following:
- A psycho-social history to include the family structure and dynamics, presenting problem(s), treatment efforts to date, and specific services and supports which are needed.
- The most recent psychological evaluation
- The most recent psychiatric evaluation
- Educational information
- Significant medical history and medical insurance information
The referral information is reviewed, upon receipt, by the Admissions Committee, who will make one of three decisions: the child is accepted for placement, the child is rejected for placement or the child needs to be interviewed for placement. The referring agency caseworker will be notified of the decision. If a placement interview is needed, the Admissions Committee will make a final decision based on the interview and notify the referring agency caseworker of the decision made. All referrals are considered without regard to race, religion, ethnic creed, cultural diversity, economic status or physical disability.
The referral information should be forwarded to:
Mr. Walt Opshinski, MSW
Director of Admissions
St. Michael's School
P.O. Box 370
Tunkhannock, PA 18657
Telephone: 570-388-6155 ext. 224
Fax: 570-388-6979