Services

Adult Protection Adult Protective Services is responsible for investigating referrals concerning individuals over the age of 18 who are unable to protect their own interests, are harmed or threatened with harm. These individuals may be placed in this position due to poor health or mental incompetence; or through action or inaction of those they are dependent upon. When an Adult Protective investigation is completed and a problem situation is identified, Adult Protective Services may be provided on an ongoing basis. The goals of Adult Protective Services are: Achieve or maintain as much self-sufficiency as the individual is capable of.  Prevent or remedy neglect, abuse or exploitation of adults unable to protect their own interests.  Prevent inappropriate institutional care by providing for community or home based care or other forms of less intensive care. According to the New York State Department of Commerce figures, the population over age 60 in Cattaraugus County is increasing with the fastest growing segment being age 85 and over. In addition to the growing elderly population, Cattaraugus County is experiencing an increase in mental health patients in the community. Due to the growth in these two segments of the population, it is anticipated that there will be increasing referrals and service needs which the Adult Protective Unit will be called upon to meet in the future. Child Protection Services Child Protective Services (CPS) receives and investigates all complaints concerning Cattaraugus County children, which are made to the New York State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment in Albany. The Register maintains a toll-free statewide telephone number (l-800-342-3720), which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cattaraugus County CPS has corresponding protective services available to receive and investigate reports upon receipt from the Register.  CPS commences all investigations of alleged abuse and/or maltreatment within 24 hours of the report. If there is no evidence to substantiate a report, it is unfounded and the records must be destroyed. If the investigation reveals credible evidence that the child may have been abused or neglected, then the report is indicated and a determination is made regarding the need for placement services or preventative services to strengthen family functioning. In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of reports to the Register as well as the severity of problems, which are discovered during the course of the investigation. CPS may file abuse and/or neglect petitions in Family Court when indicated. They also make referrals to the District Attorney's Office when the investigation reveals a crime may have been committed. CPS frequently works closely with law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney's Office. The unit makes the public aware of Child Protective Services by providing speakers and programs for schools, civic organizations, etc. The Child Welfare Unit provides preventive services (services geared to prevent out of home placements and prevent or remedy neglect, abuse or exploitation of children while at the same time preserving and strengthening families), foster care services, adoption services and home study services (for private custody/ visitation matters) as ordered by the Family Court.  The majority of preventive cases and foster care placements are initiated by the Child Protective Unit and referred to Child Welfare for ongoing services. The Child Welfare Unit also provides and monitors out-of-home placements for children ordered into placement by the Family Court after being charged and adjudicated as a Person In Need of Supervision (PINS) or a Juvenile Delinquent. The Child Welfare Unit works closely with multiple service providers in Cattaraugus County to provide services and support to children and families in order to preserve, rehabilitate and reunite families. The Child Welfare Unit also recruits, certifies and supervises foster homes in Cattaraugus County. Ongoing training programs and special events are also provided to certified foster parents. Child Welfare also makes placements in institutions or group homes when a child displays emotional or behavioral disturbances, which require special services. Child Welfare services are provided to children ranging in age from newborn to 21 years old. Support Collection Unit (click on the link above for information)