Dec. 22, 2011 -- Three county departments were recently recognized by a federal agency for their model programs that have significantly reduced the number of foster children in residential placement and at the same time been fiscally responsible.

County Executive Robert P. Astorino said that the Department of Social Services, in partnership with the departments of Probation and Community Mental Health, was lauded for its leadership in finding creative ways to improve foster care placements.

"Our system has been recognized at the national level as an exemplary model," said Astorino. "We have been successful at meeting the needs of children and families and working with our community-based agencies, while being fiscally responsible."

The recognition came from the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch Center for Mental Health Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In its report, "Fiscal Strategies that Support the Building Bridges Initiative Principles," the agency cited Westchester as one of its "best practices." Specifically, Westchester was mentioned as a model to emulate for its ability to reduce the number of children who are in institutional care and to shorten their stays. This was done in part by preventing outside placement whenever possible by providing a variety of services to the family and the child, with the help of outside agencies.

"Our staff has made great progress in this endeavor, and I appreciate the recognition," said DSS Commissioner Kevin M. McGuire. "Our work continues in this direction as the real winner in this important effort is our Westchester children and families."

The accomplishments were also highlighted in a national "webinar" that showcased programs that have demonstrated fiscal responsibility and creative approaches that resulted in positive results for children, families and communities.

Building Bridges is a federal initiative that attempts to transform systems including more cost-effective and improved outcomes for children and families served in the child-welfare, juvenile justice and mental health systems.

The county departments were recognized by SAMHSA for leadership in transforming traditional, costly institutional care and creating a more responsive system. Specifically, Westchester has significantly reduced the number of children in residential placement. This includes a reduction in out-of-state placements, reduced lengths of stay and a stronger partnership with residential providers, community-based agencies and families.

Highlights of Westchester County accomplishments include a significant decrease in residential placements, shifting use of high-cost institutional levels of care to lower levels of care in closer proximity to the youth's home community.

• In 2004, almost one of every four children put into placement returned to the system. Since implementing these changes, the so-called recidivism rate has fallen to 3-4 percent.
• The county's out-of-state institutional placements in 2010 fell by more than 70 percent compared to 2006.
• For the 2008-2010 period, the total in care population has decreased by 11 percent. This includes a reduction of 34 percent in those in institutional care and 32 percent reduction in Person in Need of Supervision (PINS) and Juvenile Delinquents (JD) admissions.

Five years ago, residential/institutional placements numbered about 250. This number has now been reduced to about 140, although the precise number changes constantly as children enter the system or are discharged.