A program that helps at-risk youth in Northeast Ohio now finds itself in danger.
Each year, nearly 900 children struggling with severe mental health issues turn to PEP Connections.
According to those who run the Positive Education Program, families would be separated without the comprehensive counseling services they provide. It's a scary reality many of them are currently facing in Cuyahoga County.
Ohio Medicaid is changing the way PEP Connections is funded, which means the program in its current form could end this summer.
“I don't even want to think about where I'd be without them," Deborah Cunningham said.
Cunningham is raising her granddaughter Ari, which she said is challenging. The 17-year-old is living with depression and mental health issues.
"So many times, I was able to call when she and I both needed a break from each other," Cunningham said.
On the other end of the phone was a case manager from PEP Connections.
"It's been very instrumental in our lives," Cunningham said.
The program supports children who are facing imminent removal from their homes because they pose a danger to themselves, their families or the community.
"They also have significant mental health issues that make living in the world difficult day-to-day,” said Habeebah Rasheed Grimes with PEP Connections.
The comprehensive therapeutic services currently provided help keep these children in their own homes with loved ones instead of places like emergency rooms, the courts and Children and Family Services.
"All children have the potential to succeed. All of them have the potential to thrive despite their circumstances," Grimes said.
Now, opportunities to thrive and to tap into free counseling and rehabilitation is at risk, because Ohio Medicaid is changing the way PEP Connections is funded.
"The supportive services would not be available to our families any longer,” Grimes said.
With the clock ticking, the search is on for a managed care company to keep the current program intact.
"As of right now, there is not structure or framework for these services to continue under the managed care plans," Grimes said.
News 5 has learned that with the change in funding, assistance would still be available to families like Cunningham's, but it would not be as far-reaching or as impactful.
"Programs that help families are the ones that need to be around for a very, very long time," Cunningham said.
A spokesperson for PEP Connections said if their program in its current form ends, it will be a huge financial burden for Cuyahoga County. Many of these children are at risk of returning back to the county's custody system without these supports.
