FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Does FMRS complete forensic evaluations?
A. FMRS Health Systems, Inc. provides evaluation and treatment services as medically necessary based on a diagnosable condition and symptomatology. In general, FMRS does not complete evaluative services that are not medically necessary as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Forensic evaluations (i.e. competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility) are not considered medically necessary and typically require completion by professionals with specialized training in conducting forensic evaluations.
Q. Does FMRS provide evaluations to be used in child custody hearings?
A. FMRS Health Systems, Inc. provides evaluation and treatment services as medically necessary based on a diagnosable condition and symptomatology. In general, FMRS does not complete evaluative services that are not medically necessary as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Child custody evaluations, including parental fitness evaluations are not considered medically necessary and typically require completion by professionals with specialized training in conducting child custody and parental fitness evaluations.
Q. My child needs to be on homebound instead of school. Can you assist me in getting approval for homebound?
A. FMRS' goal is to advocate for children to receive an education in the least restrictive environment. When a child attends school they not only benefit academically, but they develop social skills that are necessary for becoming healthy and productive adults. Homebound recommendations are made only as a last resort, and for limited periods of time. All alternatives to home bound will be reviewed before a recommendation is made. Recommendations for home bound are considered by the treatment team which consists of the parent/guardian, child, psychiatrist, service coordinator, psychologist, therapist, and children's services director; school and DHHR personnel are also included as appropriate. The team may make recommendations including family/individual therapy, group therapy, behavior support, supportive counseling and medication. The team may also determine the need for referral to Socially Necessary Services, home schooling, and/or adult education (GED preparation).
Home bound recommendations are only made as a last resort for children with severe emotional and behavioral issues. Home bound is only recommended when the family agrees and participates in active treatment with the goal of returning their child to school. Home bound is a team decision and is time limited. Home bound is not to be used to avoid truancy or other conduct issues. Children who receive a home bound recommendation will be assigned a Children's Service Coordinator, who will conduct timely reviews of their treatment and advocate with the school system on their behalf.
Home bound is not for children who have fallen behind or have low grades. Tutorial assistance should be sought for these children. Home bound is not for youth who plan to continue to work. School policies indicate that if a child is able to work, they should be attending school. Home bound is not for children who refuse to go to school; behavioral interventions are available to address this issue. Home bound is never intended to relieve the school or parent from the responsibility of providing the child with an education in the least restrictive environment.
Q. What do I need to do to get someone committed to the hospital?
A. The involuntary commitment process is designed to assist in the stabilization of psychiatric symptoms of individuals who are not willing to seek treatment and for whom there is evidence that the individual poses a danger to themselves or others as a result of the psychiatric symptoms. The process involves completing an application for involuntary commitment. FMRS staff psychologists can assist individuals in completing that application. The individual completing the application must have direct knowledge that the respondent is both mentally ill and poses a danger to him/herself or others. This information cannot be obtained by hearsay but must be directly witnessed by the applicant. Once the application is completed it is submitted to the mental hygiene commissioner who will schedule a hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to commit the respondent for psychiatric treatment. If the respondent is committed, they are only kept in the hospital until their psychiatric symptoms are stabilized and then they are released to follow-up with outpatient treatment. It should be noted that West Virginia law does not permit the involuntary hospitalization of individuals for substance abuse treatment unless the same criteria of dangerousness is met as it applies to psychiatric symptoms.