Who We Support

Telehealth Services

Youth and Family Services of North Central Oklahoma

Award Date: May 1, 2020
Awarded: $15,000

Youth and Family Services (YFS) was founded to provide temporary shelter and address the special needs of children affected by abuse, neglect and delinquent behavior. YFS clinicians have been using telehealth methods to stay engaged with clients. However, for those that do not have access to the internet or do not have the hardware necessary for telehealth, staying engaged has been a struggle. This is true particularly for OJA and OKDHS clients. Telehealth applications allows the client to have immediate access to a limited number of people who serve as the client’s support group. The support group includes the client’s YFS clinician and case manager, OKDHS worker or OJA probation officer, a safe friend and a safe family member. During times of social distancing, the technology allows the YFS clinician to provide mental health and substance abuse services to the client. The technology allows the client to have a readily accessible support group, a way to stay connected and engaged during treatment and assistance in a crisis. This program particularly helps rural and low-income clients that do not have the necessary equipment or access for telehealth services.