Home-based crisis intervention (HBCI)
HBCI support for children facing severe emotional distress
Immediate, compassionate care for the child in crisis
Children with learning or developmental disabilities can be especially vulnerable to emotional crises. Parents who have finally adapted to their child's needs can feel lost when their child suddenly refuses to go to school, exhibits violent behavior, or shows signs of depression. If you're a parent feeling overwhelmed by these unexpected changes, we can help avoid out-of-home placement and hospitalization.
Our Home-Based Crisis Intervention (HBCI) program provides immediate, compassionate care for children with learning or developmental disabilities who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Led by licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs or LMSWs) and experienced crisis interventionists, our team works directly with your family to stabilize escalating situations, develop treatment plans, and guide you toward solutions that prioritize safety, well-being, and growth.
Who is eligible?
Participants must meet these criteria to apply for this service via Hamaspik of Kings County.
Live in Nassau County
Have a learning or developmental disability, even if not OPWDD-approved
Age 5-20
You’ll be glad to know:
- You do not need an OPWDD approval to qualify for HBCI assistance. If you are experiencing an urgent mental health situation, we will respond to the issue you’re facing, offering immediate care and connecting you to further evaluations or services if needed.
- Licensed mental health professionals oversee all treatment plans. The LCSW or LMSW will work closely with interventionists to ensure your family’s needs are addressed most effectively.
- We take a comprehensive approach tailored to your unique situation, offering support like de-escalation training, school collaboration, connection to resources, and referrals for psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapists.
- There is no approval process! If you are eligible for HBCI and there is availability in the program, you’ll be notified within 48 hours.
How HBCI provides a lifeline of support
When school becomes a battle
Marcus, an 11-year-old with ADHD, experienced three months of chronic school avoidance, often leaving home but not arriving at school. His mother, Sarah, frequently left work to search for him and felt constantly anxious when he wouldn’t pick up her calls. Her employer was frustrated as well.
Through HBCI services, a crisis interventionist identified underlying anxiety and compulsive behaviors contributing to the school avoidance. Working with school staff, they developed appropriate accommodations and supports. Following this intervention, Marcus's attendance improved from 40% to 85% over six weeks. Sarah was finally able to focus at work, and family stress levels decreased significantly.
Managing behavioral challenges
When 14-year-old Tyler threw a lamp across the living room, his younger siblings immediately ran to hide behind their mother. Tyler, who has autism, had been having intense meltdowns that left his parents feeling helpless as they tried desperately to predict what would trigger the next outburst. His 7-year-old sister started sleeping in her parents' room, and nobody invited friends over anymore.
The Smiths knew that Tyler needed professional intervention, but had no means to get quality help on short order. Luckily, they heard of HBCI. Within 24 hours of contacting HBCI, a crisis interventionist arranged for Tyler to receive a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. The assessment revealed that changes in his routine and sensory sensitivities were major triggers. Tyler's medication was adjusted, and the interventionist also worked directly with the parents, teaching them de-escalation techniques and helping them create a family safety plan. They learned to recognize Tyler's early warning signs and how to redirect his energy before situations escalated.
The heart behind the service
Joel Lefkovits
Director of OPWDD-HCBS Services
“A child in crisis is not a child who can wait in line for help. HBCI allows us to relieve their intense ordeal — fast.“
.webp)
You're doing all you can — and yet you always feel like you're failing someone.
Watching your other children navigate their sibling’s challenges can leave you feeling sad or helpless. This guide by Dr. Sora Yaroslowitz — a parenting expert, and herself the mother of a child with special needs — gives you tested tools to ease resentment and strengthen siblings' connection.
You’ll discover:
• How to respond when a child asks, “Can’t we just be normal?” (and the exact words to help ease their frustration)
• The common mistake parents make when trying to “make it up” to siblings (and what actually works instead)
• Ways to help siblings move from frustration to empathy (illustrated by a powerful real sibling story)
