Utilization Patterns of Community Support Program Clients in New York State

The results of this study point up several significant features of the CSS program as it currently operates in New York State. First, once enrolled in the CSS program, clients usually receive services on an ongoing basis and are not simply being carried on the program rolls. Second, when planning for expansion of services, service providers should consider the fact that clients tend to enroll in and use services in a single agency even when multiple agencies are providing CSS-funded services. This was ascertained by examining the extent to which the same clients were served by multiple agencies in a geographic area. Third, the predominance of case management as the service most likely to be used by clients receiving only one service suggests that integration with local-and state-operated outpatient services is important in ensuring that CSS clients receive appropriate, comprehensive services.