Human Services

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Welcome to the County of Bucks Division of Human Services. Our vision is to support communities in which all individuals and families can thrive. Our mission is to support and strengthen individual and family wellness through community connections, collaboration, integration, innovation, and responsible stewardship of resources.

The Division of Human Services oversees the following County-administered programs:

Area Agency on Aging

Behavioral Health / Developmental Programs

Children & Youth

Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc.

Military and Veterans Affairs

Role and Responsibilities

The Human Services Division works collaboratively with public and private agencies to identify barriers and gaps in services, coordinate programming for efficient and effective service delivery, and also advocates with legislators and government offices for adequate funding to meet the needs of County residents.

The Human Services Department administers the Human Services Development Fund portion of the annual Human Services Block Grant allocation, oversees the Co-Responder Program, and manages the Bucks Human Services Connect Hub.

The Human Services Department is staffed with the Director, the Finance and Administration Manager, the Community Engagement Officer, five Co-Responders embedded in Bucks County police departments, two Resource Navigators stationed in the Bucks Human Services Connect Hub, and a Human Services Development Fund Coordinator. 

Newsletters

Check out our 2022 and 2023 Newsletters to find out more about what is happening in the Human Services Division!



CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 

CO-RESPONDER TEAM!

2023_NACo_AchievementAwards

Each year, the National Association of Counties (NACo) recognizes the great work being done by county governments nationwide.  Bucks County has received a 2023 Achievement Award for the Human Services Co-Responder Program for the stellar work being done in the community! 

In December 2020, the Co-Responder Program was launched as a pilot in Bucks County’s largest municipality, Bensalem Township, and has grown to now include seven mobile Co-Responders embedded in 15 police departments county-wide. The Co-Responders partner with law enforcement and serve as liaisons in addressing the social service needs of individuals contacting 911 Emergency Services to affect the following outcomes: decrease the time law enforcement spends in response to a situation involving social service needs; provide a more effective emergency response through the addition of clinical-informed support and an enhanced community resource knowledge base; ensure those who outreach for an emergency response receive timely and streamlined connection to resources to address their social service needs; and divert individuals with primary social service needs from further penetration into the criminal justice system. Typical situations which can benefit from the Co-Responders’ assistance: individuals calling with suicidal thoughts without attempt, strange or bizarre behavior, persons with known mental illness disconnected from services and causing concern in the community, family and domestic violence involving multiple members, child and adolescent issues without criminality, runaways, questionable need for Adult or Child Protective Services, families and victims of traumatic events, and individuals who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol who are requesting help. Documented advantages of the Co-Responder Program, to date, include an increase in diversion of people away from initial or further penetration into the criminal justice system, reduction of repetitive calls from persons with issues better addressed by our County Human Services Division, effective, appropriate, and immediate response to crisis situations, and connecting individuals with needed community services to help address their social service needs.  

Keep up the great work and congratulations on a job well done!!!

Thank You, Human Services Staff!

The Bucks County Human Services Division employees provide such important supports and services to county residents and the families that support them.  Please watch this video to learn more about what our social workers and other staff do for our community and reach out if you have an interest in a career with Area Agency on Aging, Behavioral Health/Developmental Services, Children & Youth, Bucks County Drug & Alcohol, Inc., or Human Services.  To all of our Human Services staff, thank you for the work you do every day!

The Division of Human Services accomplished amazing things last year and is excited to share its first annual report!  Please read the report to find out about all of the incredibly important human services work implemented in Bucks County by our Area Agency on Aging, Behavioral Health/Developmental Programs Department, Children & Youth Department, Co-Responders, Hub Navigators, Managed Care Unit, Veterans Affairs, and the Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc.  as well as community providers who provide vital services to county residents. 

Click here to read the Division of Human Services Annual Report for FY2021-22

SPOTLIGHT ON THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN

Mental Health and Community Programs

The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic showed us in real time that social service providers and nonprofits throughout Bucks County need a boost to keep up with the demand for their critical services.

Using funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the County of Bucks through its Division of Human Services has allocated millions to shore up key elements of the county’s mental health system and enhance community services and support.

The Human Services Division has so far awarded 21 projects grants totaling approximately $5,000,000.

To determine where to direct funding, Human Services department heads and senior county leadership assessed applications for funding submitted by community providers. The process focused on programs with the potential to do the most good for those members of our community who were hit hardest by lockdowns, economic downturn and other pandemic-related hardships.

Highlighted on the Spotlight on the American Rescue Plan are just a few of the exciting programs and projects that will be funded by ARPA grants from Bucks County.

Emergency Hotlines

  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • National de Prevencion del Suicidio:  1-888-628-9454
  • Bucks County Housing Link:  1-800-810-4434 (For individuals who are homeless or experiencing a housing-related crisis.)
  • Childline (report child abuse):  1-800-932-0313
  • Children & Youth After Hours Emergency:  1-888-245-7210; press 1 for Operations, 2 for Supervisor
  • Elder Abuse Hotline (Area Agency on Aging):  1-800-243-3767
  • National Domestic Abuse Hotline:  1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • PA Drug and Alcohol Helpline:  1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • Lenape Valley Crisis Warm Line: 215-896-9717
  • Veteran’s Crisis Line:  1-800-273-8255 press 1

Contact us.  We are here to help.

Please reach out if you are in need of help. Our staff is available to offer a helping hand and guidance to those seeking assistance and to connect individuals and families to resources and services so that all Bucks County residents can lead healthier and more secure lives. Call 215-348-6201 or visit the Bucks Human Services Connect, "The Hub."