“The work that we do should be contagious,” said Julie Lago, Executive Director of the National Center for START Services (NCSS), reflecting on the value and impact of START across the country.
Building on the national model, JEVS Human Services (JEVS), in partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility (DBHIDS) and Community Behavioral Health (CBH) as well as Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), launched START Philadelphia on February 5. By focusing on wellness, strengths, and collaboration, the program reinforces the belief that with the right supports, people can thrive in their communities.
The launch event brought together partners and system leaders to recognize a shared commitment to wellness, collaboration, and crisis prevention for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health needs.
Meeting Complex Needs with the Right Support
Individuals with co-occurring intellectual disabilities, autism, and mental health challenges often face fragmented systems of care. Without coordinated, proactive support, too many people end up cycling through emergency rooms, encountering the justice system, or struggling to live independently.
START—Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment—offers a coordinated approach: one that employs collaborative care to stabilize individuals and prevent crises before they occur. By working across systems and alongside individuals, families, and providers, START helps ensure people receive the right support at the right time.
An Extension of JEVS’ Legacy
At the launch celebration, JEVS President and CEO Cynthia F. Figueroa emphasized how START aligns with the mission and history of service of JEVS Human Services.
“START is an extension of our experience and legacy,” she shared, noting JEVS’ long-standing commitment to inclusive, coordinated, and community-based care.
START Philadelphia builds on this legacy by integrating behavioral health expertise with person-centered planning, ensuring individuals are supported holistically and with dignity.
Strong Partnerships, Shared Vision
The success of START Philadelphia is rooted in collaboration. JEVS is deeply grateful to its partners whose leadership and support made this program possible:
- Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) and Community Behavioral Health (CBH) for program oversight and referrals;
- Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) for critical funding and ongoing support; and
- The National Center for START Services® for national leadership, technical assistance, and continuous guidance.
These partnerships reflect a shared vision of systems that work together, rather than in silos, to better serve individuals with complex needs.
A Promising New Solution
Speaking at the launch, Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), highlighted the broader impact of START Philadelphia and its role within Pennsylvania’s service systems.
“Today marks the beginning of a promising new solution for individuals with behavioral health needs and intellectual disabilities and autism,” she said.
She emphasized that START supplements existing systems by training, educating, and empowering the professionals and caregivers who support individuals with complex needs every day. Through this approach, START strengthens the capacity of communities to respond effectively and compassionately.
Looking Ahead
START Philadelphia represents an important step forward in preventing crises, promoting stability, and improving quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health needs (IDD-MH).
As START Philadelphia begins serving individuals, JEVS and its partners remain committed to learning, growing, and working together to build inclusive and responsive systems of care.
To learn more, visit START Philadelphia.
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