Children’s Single Point of Access (C-SPOA)

Crisis Support
Dial 9-8-8. If there is imminent danger to anyone, dial 9-1-1. Additional emergency contacts and services.

What is C-SPOA?

The Tompkins County Coordinator for Children’s Single Point of Access (C-SPOA) provides information and support to families when they have questions or experience challenges in supporting a child or youth with emotional or behavioral health concerns. This support occurs regardless of financial resources or insurance status.

The C-SPOA Coordinator offers consultation and guidance to families and community providers relating to the continuum of mental health services. They connect and consult with families and referral sources when youth need more supports and services at home, school and in the community that arise as a result of significant mental health challenges. Their mission is in-home, person-centered recovery, but can assist with and process referrals for out of home treatment.

There is no wrong call to the Children’s SPOA! Families, schools, therapists, physicians and other community residents and providers can reach out for more information about supporting youth who are experiencing emotional/ mental health and/or behavioral challenges. If you aren't sure whether or not your child or a child you serve may benefit from additional mental health supports, please reach out to the C-SPOA Coordinator, Sally Manning. Call 607-529-0321 (Wednesdays 12:00-4:00 pm and Fridays 9:00am-1:00 pm) or email sallymcss@racker.org.

Who Can be Referred to Children’s SPOA?

• Child/Youth experiencing behavioral or emotional challenge.
• Child/Youth needing help coping with traumatic experiences.
• Child/Youth with substance abuse concerns.
• Child/Family struggling to identify services or what to do when crisis situations come up.
• Ages 0-21 years.

Who Can Make a Referral?

Anyone, including the family, can make a referral.

Steps to Making a Referral

For basic support, complete the following forms.

• C-SPOA Referral Part 1(PDF, 965KB)
• SED Verification form(PDF, 195KB)
• Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) Guidance(PDF, 175KB), Children's Health Home of Upstate NY
• Risk Factors Checklist(PDF, 39KB): How child/youth exhibits risk factors
• Completing the C-SPOA Application Part 1

For residential treatment, community residence, or Youth ACT, please complete the following forms.

• C-SPOA Referral Part 1(PDF, 965KB)
• C-SPOA Referral Part 2(PDF, 481KB)
• Informed Consent(PDF, 79KB)
• Completing the C-SPOA Application Part 2

If you need help or have any questions about this process or your particular issue, please contact:

Sally Manning
607-529-0321
sallymcss@racker.org