Devereux’s Mel Beidler selected to lead Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services committee

Devereux Vice President of Operations – Children’s Services Mel Beidler, M.S., was recently selected to co-chair the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services’ (PCCYFS) new Behavioral Health Committee.

Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Vice President of Operations – Children’s Services Mel Beidler, M.S., was recently selected to co-chair the Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services’ (PCCYFS) new Behavioral Health Committee. Kristen Gay, Ph.D., president and CEO of Silver Springs – Martin Luther School (now known as Gemma Services), also serves as committee co-chair.

PCCYFS – a statewide membership organization of private agencies – is focused on improving the quality of life for Pennsylvania's children, youth, and families who are at risk by supporting and promoting an accessible service delivery system within our communities.

“I am humbled and honored to partner with Kristen to help lead this committee, as well as to learn from my fellow committee members,” said Beidler, who has served as a PCCYFS board member since 2014. “This is a wonderful opportunity to share best practices, advocate on our members’ behalf, and find solutions to mutual concerns and experiences that ultimately will help our youth receive better care and supports – because that’s what it’s all about.”

Focusing on mental health issues

While the PCCYFS traditionally has focused on child welfare issues, its Behavioral Health committee – established in May –will expand the organization’s reach into mental health topics, and will assist its members with the following:

Developing/reviewing positions on state policies related to: Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility regulations; Family First prevention and residential services; and other policy, legislative, or programs impacting children’s services
Sharing best practices related to trauma across a continuum of children’s services, and the use/effectiveness of telehealth in children’s services
Developing training on various topics

Learn more about PCCYFS

PCCYFS members are service providers who provide direct "hands-on" programs and supports needed to achieve and maintain permanency and safety for children and youth, and stability for families. Learn more about PCCYFS.

Learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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