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Erie County Programs
(814) 456-2091
(800) 673-2535
The following programs/services are available in the Erie county area:
ADOPTION
SERVICES
Supervisor: Danelle Stone, BSSW
Phone: (814) 456-2091
(800) 673-2535
E-mail: dstone@cccas.org
Types of Adoptions
Healthy Infants
- Couples must have an infertility problem
- Couples who have a healthy biological child of their own are ineligible
for this program
Special Needs Infants
- Designed for those infants with either corrective medical conditions or permanent limitations or disabilities. Certain conditions may be attributed to the child’s familial background
- This program is open to single applicants and families with children
State Wide Adoption and Permanency Network
- Children range in age from infancy to adolescence
- Sibling groups available
- Children are available through local resources and statewide programs
- Children may have a history of physical and/or emotional abuse and have been removed from their home by county protective services.
- Some placements may occur at a legal risk pending termination of parental rights.
- This program is open to single applicants and families with children
- 24-hour mandatory training program
International Adoptions
- We will work with any state licensed adoption agency selected by the adoptive applicant in preparation for the adoption of a child from another country
- This program is open to single applicants and families with children
- 10-hour mandatory training program
Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the requirements listed for each of the specific types of adoption, adoptive applicants must also meet the following criteria:
- Resident of the Diocese of Erie throughout the adoption process
- Couples are required to be married at least three years
- A couple’s marriage should be recognized according to the practices of their faith
- Upon placement of a child in an adoptive home, a leave of absence from work is required. The length of time is determined by the personnel policies of the adoptive parents’ employer
The Adoption Process
The adoption process consists of applications, home study, placement, supervision and finalization.
The Home Study Process
The home study consists of interviews with the individuals in the home and home visits. The adoptive applicants will be required to submit a written autobiography, medical report and physical examination, financial statement, criminal history and child abuse clearances, in addition to several other forms. All forms are provided by the agency. The home study must be conducted and approved by the agency.
Fees
The fees for adoption vary according to the program. There is no fee for the SWAN special needs older children program.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Joe Haas, Exec Director
Phone: (814) 456-2091
(800) 673-2535
E-mail: jhaas@cccas.org
Counseling services available:
Individual Counseling
In our complex society, people may experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, discontent, fear, frustration or defeat. Counseling offers an opportunity to explore the possibilities of improving one’s life situation by developing self-esteem, problem-solving skills and more positive interpersonal relationships.
Family Counseling
Often families experience stress and conflict related to changing roles within the family, school problems, illness, alcoholism, unemployment, financial problems, separation, divorce and death. Through family counseling, the counselor and the family members attempt to develop new patterns of communication and more effective methods of problem solving.
Couple Counseling
With the rapidly changing roles in today’s society, couples may experience a need to develop an awareness of self and a deeper understanding of their relationship. Through counseling, couples can develop and strengthen their communication skills, and can learn methods of problem solving which can enable them to resolve stressful situations that occur in their lives.
Fees
The agency is a provider for many third-party payors (insurances). In those situations where a person is un-insured or our services are not covered under their existing plan, we offer a sliding scale fee based upon a client’s income and family size.
DRUG & ALCOHOL COUNSELING SERVICES
Joe Haas, Exec Director
Phone: (814) 456-2091
(800) 673-2535
E-mail: jhaas@cccas.org
Drug and Alcohol Counseling services available:
People troubled by chemical dependency may receive out-patient counseling to enable them to lead a life of sobriety. This service is currently provided in three different locations within Erie county. Call 814-456-2091 for more information.
Fees
The agency is a provider for many third-party payors (insurances). In those situations where a person is un-insured or our services are not covered under their existing plan, we offer a sliding scale fee based upon a client’s income and family size.
PROBLEM GAMBLING COUNSELING
Joe Haas, Exec Director
Phone: (814) 456-2091
(800) 673-2535
E-mail: jhaas@cccas.org
Problem Gambling Counseling services available:
Individuals who have an uncontrollable preoccupation and urge to gamble can receive outpatient counseling to regain control of their lives.
Fees
The agency is a provider for many third-party payors (insurances). In those situations where a person is uninsured or our services are not covered under their existing plan, we offer a sliding scale fee based upon a client’s income and family size.
PREGNANCY COUNSELING SERVICES
(Project WIN / Real Alternatives)
Supervisor: Danelle Stone, BSSW
Phone: (814) 456-2091
(800) 673-2535
E-mail: dstone@cccas.org
Pregnancy Counseling services available:
Counseling – expectant mothers, expectant fathers, expectant grandparents.
- Decision-making counseling
- Parenting preparation
- Grief & Loss counseling – for those who consider/choose adoption
- Discussion of risks of HIV/AIDS and other STDs
Pantry Visits
- Clothing/diapers
- Furniture
- Food
REFUGEE AND RESETTLEMENT SERVICES
Deacon Dick Brogdon
Victoria Brogdon
Phone: (814) 456-2091
(800) 673-2535
E-mail: dbrogdon@cccas.org OR
vbrogdon@cccas.org
Our agency tries to respond to the ever increasing number of people who have fled their country because of political and oppressive conditions. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), working through the U.S. Dept. of State, sends us two types of refugee family referrals:
Reunification families – refugees who have one or more family members living in the Erie county area who are willing to assist them in their resettlement process
Free cases – refugees who have no connection to anyone in this area and with whom we must work intensely to facilitate their resettlement into the Erie county area.
What we provide:
- Assistance in finding suitable housing/basic needs
- Assistance with accessing/understanding medical care
- Assistance in getting children enrolled in school
- Assistance with job training/skill development (including learning English)
- Assistance with employment – understanding the Erie county job market
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