CFTSS Manual: A Comprehensive Overview (Updated 12/19/2025)
This manual guides providers through New York State’s Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS),
reimbursable via Medicaid Managed Care, Fee-for-Service, and Child Health Plus, stemming from Medicaid Redesign efforts․
Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) represent a pivotal shift in how behavioral health services are delivered to children and families within New York State․ These services, born from the NYS Medicaid Redesign, aim to provide a comprehensive, coordinated, and family-driven approach to care․
CFTSS recognizes that effective intervention requires addressing the holistic needs of the child and their family․ The program encompasses six distinct service categories – Respite, Crisis Stabilization, Family Peer Support, Skills Building, Treatment Family Foster Care, and Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment (CPST) – designed to offer a continuum of support․
This manual serves as a crucial resource for providers navigating the complexities of CFTSS implementation․ It details eligibility criteria, billing procedures, and quality assurance standards, ensuring consistent and high-quality service delivery․ Understanding these guidelines is paramount to successful participation and, most importantly, to positively impacting the lives of the children and families served․
What are Children and Family Treatment and Support Services?
Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) are a set of home and community-based services designed for children under the age of 21 with significant emotional, behavioral, or developmental needs․ These services are intended to strengthen families and prevent more restrictive levels of care, like inpatient hospitalization․
CFTSS focuses on providing individualized support tailored to each family’s unique circumstances․ The six core service categories – Respite, Crisis Stabilization, Family Peer Support, Skills Building, Treatment Family Foster Care, and CPST – work collaboratively to address a wide range of challenges․
Unlike traditional, siloed approaches, CFTSS emphasizes a coordinated care model․ SCO Family of Services exemplifies this, offering a comprehensive service array to improve health, well-being, and quality of life․ The goal is to empower families to navigate challenges and foster lasting positive change․
The Purpose of the CFTSS Manual
This CFTSS Manual serves as a crucial resource for providers delivering New York State’s Children and Family Treatment and Support Services․ It’s designed to ensure consistent understanding and implementation of these vital programs, reimbursable through Medicaid Managed Care, Fee-for-Service, and Child Health Plus․
The manual clarifies the requirements for each service array component, guiding providers through eligibility criteria, documentation standards, and billing procedures․ It aims to streamline the process of delivering high-quality care while maintaining compliance with state regulations․
Furthermore, this document addresses current technical challenges, such as Microsoft Account and Azure AD login issues, offering guidance and links to support resources․ By providing a centralized source of information, the CFTSS Manual supports providers in effectively serving children and families in need․
CFTSS Service Array
CFTSS encompasses a comprehensive suite of services, including Respite Care, Crisis Stabilization, Family Peer Support, Skills Building, Treatment Family Foster Care, and CPST․
Respite Care
Respite care provides temporary relief to families caring for children with complex behavioral, emotional, or medical needs․ This essential service offers caregivers a planned or emergency break, preventing burnout and promoting family well-being․ CFTSS respite services can occur in the child’s home, a provider’s location, or a community setting, offering flexibility to meet diverse family requirements․
Respite is designed to support the ongoing care provided by the family, not to replace it․ Qualified respite providers deliver individualized support, focusing on the child’s specific needs and goals․ Services may include supervision, assistance with daily living skills, and engagement in recreational activities․
Proper documentation of respite hours and services is crucial for billing and ensuring quality care․ Providers must adhere to specific guidelines regarding qualifications, training, and safety protocols to deliver effective and responsible respite support․
Crisis Stabilization
Crisis Stabilization services are short-term, intensive supports designed to address an immediate behavioral or emotional crisis in children and youth․ These services aim to prevent escalation to more restrictive levels of care, such as hospitalization, by providing on-site support and intervention․ Crisis stabilization is delivered in the child’s home or a designated community setting, prioritizing a familiar and less disruptive environment․
Qualified professionals provide crisis assessment, de-escalation techniques, and safety planning․ The focus is on resolving the immediate crisis while also identifying underlying triggers and developing strategies for future coping․ Services are highly individualized, tailored to the child’s specific needs and the unique circumstances of the crisis situation․
Effective crisis stabilization requires rapid response and close collaboration with families and other involved providers․ Thorough documentation of the crisis event, interventions used, and outcomes achieved is essential for billing and program evaluation․
Family Peer Support
Family Peer Support (FPS) services offer invaluable assistance to parents or caregivers of children with behavioral health challenges․ Delivered by individuals with lived experience navigating similar situations, FPS provides a unique perspective of understanding and empathy․ This support isn’t clinical therapy, but rather a connection built on shared experiences, fostering hope and reducing feelings of isolation․
FPS specialists offer emotional support, practical guidance, and assistance with navigating complex systems of care․ They can help families identify strengths, develop coping strategies, and advocate for their child’s needs․ Services are provided in various settings – home, school, or community locations – offering flexibility and convenience․
The goal of FPS is to empower families to become active participants in their child’s treatment and recovery․ It’s a collaborative process, building a supportive relationship that promotes resilience and well-being for the entire family unit․
Skills Building
Skills Building services are designed to assist children and youth in developing essential competencies necessary for successful functioning in their daily lives․ These services focus on teaching and reinforcing specific skills across various domains, including social, emotional, adaptive, and independent living․ The approach is individualized, tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each child․
Interventions are delivered in natural settings – home, school, or community – to promote generalization of learned skills․ Qualified professionals provide direct instruction, modeling, and coaching, utilizing evidence-based practices․ Skills Building aims to enhance a child’s ability to manage emotions, build positive relationships, and navigate challenging situations․
Examples include teaching problem-solving skills, conflict resolution, communication techniques, and self-regulation strategies․ The ultimate objective is to foster increased independence, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being for the child and their family․
Treatment Family Foster Care
Treatment Family Foster Care (TFFC) provides a therapeutic and supportive family environment for children and adolescents with significant emotional and behavioral health needs․ This service goes beyond traditional foster care by incorporating intensive clinical interventions delivered within the foster home itself․ TFFC is designed for youth who require a higher level of care than can be provided in a standard foster care setting․
Specially trained and certified foster parents work collaboratively with a clinical team – including therapists, case managers, and psychiatrists – to implement individualized treatment plans․ These plans address the child’s specific challenges and promote healing and growth․ The focus is on strengthening family connections and developing coping mechanisms․
TFFC offers 24/7 support and supervision, ensuring a safe and stable environment․ It’s a short-term, intensive intervention aimed at improving the child’s functioning and preparing them for a successful return to a less restrictive setting․
Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment (CPST)
Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment (CPST) delivers individualized, recovery-oriented support to children and youth experiencing mental health challenges․ This service is provided in the child’s natural environment – at home, school, or within the community – offering practical assistance and emotional support to promote well-being and skill development․
CPST practitioners work collaboratively with the child and family, focusing on building strengths and fostering independence․ Interventions may include assistance with daily living skills, social skills training, behavioral interventions, and connecting families with needed resources․ The goal is to empower the child to manage their symptoms and achieve their full potential․
CPST is a flexible service, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual․ It emphasizes a strengths-based approach and promotes self-determination, helping children and families navigate challenges and build a more fulfilling life․
Billing and Reimbursement
CFTSS services are reimbursed through Medicaid Managed Care, Fee-for-Service, and Child Health Plus, utilizing specific billing codes and requiring thorough documentation for claim submission․
Medicaid Managed Care and Fee-for-Service
CFTSS services are accessible through both Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) organizations and the traditional Fee-for-Service (FFS) system in New York State․ This dual pathway ensures broader access for eligible children and families seeking behavioral and emotional health support․ Providers must understand the specific requirements of each system․
MMC plans contract with the state to manage healthcare services for enrolled members, necessitating provider credentialing and adherence to plan-specific policies․ FFS, conversely, allows direct billing to Medicaid for covered services․
Reimbursement rates and prior authorization processes can differ between MMC and FFS․ Providers should verify these details with the relevant entity before service delivery․ The NYS Medicaid Redesign Subcommittee played a crucial role in establishing these reimbursement structures, aiming to enhance care coordination and outcomes for children with complex needs․ Accurate billing practices are paramount for successful claim processing within either system․
Child Health Plus Coverage
Child Health Plus (CHP) is New York State’s low-cost health insurance program for children and adolescents․ CFTSS services are also reimbursable under CHP, expanding access to vital behavioral and emotional support for a wider range of families․ However, CHP coverage operates with specific guidelines that providers must carefully navigate․
Eligibility criteria for CHP differ from Medicaid, focusing on family income and residency requirements․ Providers need to verify a child’s CHP enrollment status before initiating services․ Reimbursement rates for CFTSS under CHP may also vary compared to Medicaid, necessitating accurate billing code selection․
Understanding CHP’s prior authorization protocols is crucial, as certain CFTSS services may require pre-approval․ The program’s goal is to ensure children receive appropriate and timely care, aligning with the broader objectives of the NYS Medicaid Redesign efforts․ Maintaining accurate documentation is essential for successful CHP claim submissions․
Understanding CFTSS Billing Codes
Accurate billing is paramount for successful CFTSS reimbursement․ Each of the six reimbursable services – Respite, Crisis Stabilization, Family Peer Support, Skills Building, Treatment Family Foster Care, and CPST – utilizes specific Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes․
These codes dictate the rate of reimbursement and must precisely reflect the service provided․ Providers must stay updated on any code changes or additions issued by New York State Medicaid․ Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials and potential audit findings․
The CFTSS Provider Manual details the appropriate billing codes for each service component, including time-based units and any applicable modifiers․ Proper documentation supporting the billed service is also essential; Understanding the nuances of these codes, alongside Medicaid Managed Care and Fee-for-Service guidelines, is critical for financial sustainability․
Documentation Requirements for Reimbursement
Comprehensive and accurate documentation is fundamental to securing CFTSS reimbursement․ Providers must maintain detailed records demonstrating the medical necessity, service delivery, and client progress for each service provided – Respite, Crisis Stabilization, and others․
This includes individualized service plans, progress notes detailing each session, and attendance records․ Documentation must clearly articulate how the services align with the client’s identified needs and goals, as outlined in their treatment plan․
Records should also include staff qualifications and supervision details․ New York State Medicaid requires specific documentation standards, and adherence is crucial for successful claim submissions․ Failure to meet these requirements can result in claim denials or audit penalties․ Maintaining organized and readily accessible records is vital for smooth reimbursement processes;
Provider Responsibilities & Guidelines
CFTSS providers must adhere to strict eligibility criteria, prioritize client confidentiality and data security, and actively participate in quality assurance and program evaluation initiatives․
Eligibility Criteria for CFTSS Services
Determining eligibility for Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) requires careful consideration of several key factors․ Primarily, services are intended for individuals under the age of 21 who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, or substance use challenges․ A diagnosed mental health or substance use disorder, or a significant risk of developing one, is generally a prerequisite․
Furthermore, CFTSS are designed to support children and families who require a level of care that falls between traditional outpatient mental health services and more intensive inpatient care․ Eligibility is not solely based on diagnosis; functional impairment impacting daily life – at home, school, or in the community – is also a crucial element․
Individuals must also have appropriate Medicaid or Child Health Plus coverage to access these reimbursable services․ Providers are responsible for verifying insurance coverage and ensuring that services align with the individual’s treatment plan and documented needs․ Finally, services must be deemed medically necessary by a qualified professional․
Confidentiality and Data Security
Maintaining strict confidentiality and robust data security are paramount when providing Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS)․ Providers must adhere to all applicable federal and state regulations, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and 42 CFR Part 2, governing the privacy of protected health information (PHI)․
This encompasses securing client records – both physical and electronic – against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure․ Strong password protocols, encryption, and regular data backups are essential․
Providers are obligated to obtain informed consent from clients (or their legal guardians) before collecting, using, or sharing any personal information․ Any breaches of confidentiality or data security must be reported immediately according to established protocols․ Regular staff training on confidentiality and data security best practices is also crucial to ensure compliance and protect client rights․
Quality Assurance and Program Evaluation
Robust quality assurance and ongoing program evaluation are integral to the success of Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS)․ Providers must implement systems to monitor service delivery, track client outcomes, and ensure adherence to evidence-based practices․
Regular data collection, analysis, and reporting are essential for identifying areas for improvement and demonstrating program effectiveness․ This includes tracking client progress towards goals, monitoring service utilization rates, and gathering feedback from clients and families․
Participation in quality improvement initiatives and adherence to established performance metrics are expected․ Program evaluations should assess the impact of CFTSS on client well-being, family functioning, and overall system performance, contributing to continuous enhancement of service quality and accountability․
Technical Issues & Support (as of 12/19/2025)
Currently, users report Microsoft Account login failures within Office 365, despite web browser access․ Support loops offer no resolution, and Azure AD shows failed logins․
Microsoft Account Login Issues (Office 365)
Numerous users are experiencing difficulties logging into their Microsoft Accounts specifically from within Office 365 applications on their laptops․ This issue is particularly frustrating as account access functions perfectly through web browsers and on mobile devices like smartphones, indicating the problem isn’t a universal account lockout․
Unfortunately, the current Microsoft support system appears ineffective in addressing this specific problem․ Users are reporting being caught in an endless support loop, repeatedly directed between automated repair tools that fail to identify any account issues and prompts to re-initiate the troubleshooting process․ This cycle provides no practical solution and wastes valuable time․
The lack of a direct resolution pathway is causing significant disruption․ It’s crucial to document these instances and continue seeking alternative support channels while Microsoft addresses this widespread login issue within the Office 365 suite․
Azure AD Login Failures & Security Concerns
A concerning pattern of failed Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) logins has emerged, impacting a substantial number of users within a large education tenant․ Specifically, over 90,000 student and educator accounts are experiencing these failures, with a significant portion originating from external IP addresses located in countries like China and Russia․
These login attempts, consistently logged in Azure AD, raise serious security concerns, potentially indicating a coordinated malicious activity․ The global administrator is actively monitoring the situation, analyzing logs to determine the scope and nature of these attempted breaches․ Investigating the source and intent behind these failed logins is paramount․
Immediate steps should include reviewing account security settings, enforcing multi-factor authentication where possible, and potentially blocking suspicious IP ranges to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and protect sensitive data․
Accessing Microsoft Support Resources
Despite encountering difficulties with direct Microsoft Account login issues within Office 365 applications, several avenues exist for accessing support․ Unfortunately, users report an unhelpful “infinite support loop” involving repair tools that fail to identify problems, leading to frustration․
However, the Microsoft Support Community remains a valuable resource for technical assistance and break/fix questions․ This platform allows users to connect with experts and find solutions to common problems․ For comprehensive help and learning materials, including how-to articles, videos, and training resources, the Microsoft help & learning portal is highly recommended․
Furthermore, the Microsoft 365 discussion forums provide a space for discussing best practices, latest trends, and news related to Microsoft 365, fostering a collaborative environment for problem-solving and knowledge sharing․
Microsoft 365 Discussion Forums
The Microsoft 365 discussion space serves as a central hub for professionals and users to engage in conversations surrounding the Microsoft 365 suite of applications․ This forum is specifically designed to facilitate the exchange of best practices, explore emerging trends, and stay informed about the latest news and updates within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem․
It’s a valuable platform for administrators, educators, and general users alike to connect, share insights, and learn from one another’s experiences․ While not a direct source of technical support for break/fix issues – for which the Microsoft Support Community is recommended – the forums offer a collaborative environment for troubleshooting and problem-solving․
Users facing challenges, particularly those related to Azure AD login failures or account access, can often find relevant discussions or initiate new threads to seek guidance from the community․