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​Program Areas

DHS will be able to help plan and deliver services and improve program outcomes with the implementation of a common ECM platform.

DHS program areas will be afforded several benefits through the implementation of the ECM system, including better understanding and monitoring of performance across programs, reduced data entry time through automation capabilities, and easier  information sharing that will enable better decision making and improve  outcomes for participants.

Program Areas affected by ECM within DHS include:

Bureau of Hearings and Appeals (BHA)

BHA is the DHS entity charged with conducting administrative hearings and adjudicating timely appeals filed in accordance with state and federal regulations. BHA's jurisdiction is vast. and is also for rendering legally sound adjudications for disputes regarding DHS programs such as DHS-issued benefits, child abuse expunction, day care licensure, Medical Assistance provider enrollment, medical provider audit findings, and numerous other issues.

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)

OCDEL is a collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Education and DHS and is focused on creating opportunities for the commonwealth's youngest citizens to develop and learn to their fullest potential.

The Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF)

DHS, OCYF, public and private children and youth agencies, and community service providers are colletively responsible for protecting the health and safety of Pennsylvania's children, including those who are alleged to be, or are determined to be, victims of child abuse or in need of general protective services. . OCYF is also responsible for managing and operating ChildLine services and clearances. As a state supervised- and county administered-child welfare program, OCYF and Pennsylvania's 67 County Children and Youth Agencies (CCYAs) partner  to administer child welfare programs as effectively and efficiently as possible.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)

ODP supports Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and autism to achieve greater independence, choice, and opportunity in their lives. ODP's vision is to continuously improve an effective system of accessible services and supports that are flexible, innovative, and person-centered.  ODP's vision is to value what is important to people with disabilities and their families. ODP also believes people with disabilities have a right to an everyday life; a life that is no different than that of all other citizens which includes opportunities, relationships, rights, and responsibilities.

The Office of Income Maintenance (OIM)

OIM is responsible for the oversight of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medical Assistance, often referred to as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps , the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), employment and training services, and child support. All these programs are administered locally at the county assistance offices found across Pennsylvania. 

The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL)

OLTL coordinates services for and supports the long-term living system for older Pennsylvanians and those with disabilities who need assistance with daily activities. OLTL helps Pennsylvanians identify what types of services and supports are available, where they can find providers or caregivers, and how the services will be funded. OLTL also assists organizations in determining how they become a provider of long-term living services.

The goal of OLTL is to provide services and supports allowing individuals to live in the most integrated community setting appropriate for their service requirements and needs.

The Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP)

OMAP, which oversees the joint state and federal Medical Assistance program, or Medicaid, provides health care coverage  for eligible Pennsylvania residents. Medical Assistance provides this coverage through a fee-for-service program as well as through the managed care program administered by contracted Managed Care Organizations. OMAP is also responsible for enrolling providers, processing provider claims, establishing rates and fees, contracting, and monitoring of managed care organizations, and detecting and deterring provider and recipient fraud and abuse.

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS)

OMHSAS' mission is to ensure every individual served by the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services system will have the opportunity for growth, recovery and inclusion in their community, have access to culturally competent services and supports of their choice, and enjoy a quality of life that includes family members and friends. OMHSAS' goals include transforming the children's behavioral health system to a system that is family and youth guided, implementing services and policies that support recovery and resiliency in the adult behavioral health system, and ensuring that behavioral health services and supports recognize and accommodate the unique needs of older adults.

Find additional information on DHS Program Areas.