LIAFS sponsors an Emergency Placement Program for children who are temporarily homeless, with typical cases revolving around child abuse, neglect and runaway issues.  Referrals are accepted on a 24 hour, 7 day basis. 

LIAFS provides a Diagnostic Assessment Service for teenagers ages 12 - 18. The primary target group is teens who have tried and failed at counseling and who need to be removed from their present environment in order to be assessed. Typical cases are teens who are "out of control" and who are endangering themselves by their acting out behavior. Underlying family dysfunction is frequently at the root of these problems. Also served are children who are victims of physical & sexual abuse and neglect, children who may have been hospitalized in the past, and children who are on medication. The typical Diagnostic is completed in one of our homes over a 30 day period and serves as a primary planning tool for future service provision and placement planning. 

LIAFS also sponsors a Respite Care Program for children who are experiencing severe confrontational problems and distress at home and who need a period of separation from their parents. Both crisis and planned referrals are accepted. This program provides for up to a 14 day respite in one of our homes, and counseling for the family with a goal of reuniting them. The program is closely linked to the Mobile Crisis Team Program, Sagamore C. P. C., and to the Pederson-Krag Center's Home & Community Based Services program. The Respite Care Program is designed to preserve families and prevent unnecessary hospitalization of children. Referrals are accepted on a 24 hour, 7 day basis. 

Lastly, LIAFS sponsors a Long Term Care Program for adolescents and young adults ages 14 - 21 who cannot return home because of continuing problems, unavailability of parents, or intensive service needs of the child. The children live in one of our homes with an emphasis upon independent living skills acquisition and career training. Ridge House has been serving boys since 1990, and Port Jefferson Station House began serving girls in September 2000. Referrals for the Long Term Care Program are reviewed by our Interdisciplinary Treatment Team.

In order for a child to be accepted, he/she may be referred by any of the following agencies: the Nassau or Suffolk Departments of Social Services (DSS), Family Court, New York State Office of Children & Families, or the Probation Department. The Respite Program can additionally be accessed through Sagamore C.P.C., the Mobile Crisis Team Program, the schools, and Pederson-Krag Center's Home & Community Based Waiver Program. Costs for all programs are born by the referral source under New York State Office of Children & Family Services' regulations, the Family Court Act, or the Office of Mental Hygiene (OMH) funding.

No. The Department of Social Services (DSS) accepts "voluntaries" from parents/guardians which can be withdrawn by the parent/guardian at any time. In the case of severe abuse, maltreatment or neglect, DSS can take custody in Family Court. In Court, the parent/guardian or the school can bring a Person In Need Of Supervision (PINS) Petition for ungovernable behavior through age 17 and request a Diagnostic Assessment for the child. For a first time intervention or for less serious cases, the Court may refer PINS Diversion (a counseling program). For children who have failed counseling and for more serious cases, LIAFS services can be requested. Respite services are voluntary and parents are asked to sign a Consent for service by the referring agency.

You can contact us during business hours at (631) 444-4400. You can also e-mail us info@liafs.org. Additionally, we welcome visits to our homes. Just call us to arrange a visit.

We would be delighted to come to your school or agency to speak with you and your staff about our services, or more generally about the problems of children and families in today's society.