Commissioners approve flexible care for Mental Health

At Wednesday's public meeting, the County Commissioners approved a collection of agreements and amendments on behalf of the Lancaster County Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Early Intervention Program. Of the eight total changes, the most notable shift in funding was an additional $497,150 for the administration of Person or Family Directed Supports.

Person/Family-Directed Supports (PFDS) are a channel through which individuals whose care qualifies for Mental Health assistance have access to flexible funding. Through this program, families or individuals are allowed to employ a close friend or a member of their religious affiliation for respite services through this program.

In the words of James Laughman, Executive Director of the Mental Health/Mental Retardation/Early Intervention Program, "This is just shifting funding to where the needs are."