Early Recognition Screening

Private, non-profit organization offering professional counseling and prevention services.

Early Recognition Screening program is a unique service that helps screen the social and emotional health of youth living in Cortland County. The program is offered in partnership with local school districts in the county and Cortland County Mental Health.

What is the purpose of the screening?

The screening identifies children’s social and emotional strengths and concerns, and, if needed, refers families to services in the community. The goal is to have a screening completed for all children and encourage emotional wellness, which includes, how children get along with others, respond to stress, cope with disappointment, focus in school, and accept themselves.

What is the screening process?

Parents/guardians complete the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC), a brief questionnaire that helps identify and assess changes in emotional and behavioral problems in children. Paper and online versions of the questionnaire are available. The completed questionnaire is submitted to Family & Children’s Counseling Services where the information is reviewed by a mental health professional. The PSC is one of the most widely used screening tools for this purpose. It is an easy-to-use tool that is broadly valid and reliable.

Parents/guardians will be contacted only if a possible concern is indicated on the screening form. Parents/guardians decide what is right for their child and whether or not to seek further services.

No one else will have this information unless the parent/guardian decides to share it.

Why is screening important?

Emotional health can affect all aspects of a child’s life. Earlier detection and treatment can lead to better outcomes. The goal of screening with the PSC is to provide earlier intervention for children and adolescents who would benefit and prevent evolving childhood conditions from becoming more severe.

Obtaining help early can:

Improve school success and relationships with family and friends
Reduce problems earlier or keep them from getting worse
Influence social, intellectual and physical development

What is the cost?

The Early Recognition Screening Program is a free service for youth and families living in Cortland County. This program is supported in part through state and county funding.

For more information or to request a paper questionnaire or a link to the online questionnaire, please contact:

ERS Program
(607) 753-0234 ext 119

If you or someone you are with is experiencing an overdose, please dial 911 for immediate assistance.

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