Lycoming County CYS Leading the Way in Permanency, Permanent Homes for Children
Williamsport, PA – Thursday, August 7, 2025 – Lycoming County Children and Youth Services (CYS) unveiled their needs-based budget to the public, emphasizing transparency and community involvement. During the presentation, CYS Director Matthew Salvatori expressed pride in the agency’s significant achievements, particularly their success in helping children within the system find stability through permanent family living arrangements.
Salvatori praised Lycoming County’s CYS for exceeding both the national average and the averages of similar rural counties in the Commonwealth when it comes to achieving permanency. For children in foster care or foster-like settings, permanency means more than just a roof over their heads; it is about establishing a stable, safe environment that fosters lifelong connections and a sense of belonging. This stability is crucial because it provides children with consistent emotional support, helps them develop trusting relationships, access quality education, and builds a solid foundation for their future. Ultimately, securing a permanent home empowers children to grow into confident adults who can positively contribute to their communities.
Child welfare is a complex field, but at its core, it strives to give every child the best chance to thrive. Recognizing this, Lycoming County CYS offers a comprehensive array of services designed to support and strengthen families. Working collaboratively with schools, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community organizations, caseworkers aim to keep families together whenever possible. When separation becomes unavoidable, CYS is dedicated to resolving underlying issues swiftly, whether through reunification or finding lasting, meaningful placements for children.
Their services include Child Protective Services, which investigate reports of suspected abuse and neglect, and General Protective Services, which handle cases involving neglect, truancy, runaways, and families in need of support. For families actively working toward reunification, ongoing casework services provide tailored assistance to keep families together. When reunification isn’t feasible, Permanency Services focus on finding permanent, nurturing homes, either through family reunification, kinship placements, or adoption.
Children placed temporarily in foster care receive care in safe, supportive environments facilitated by trained foster parents. Additionally, Lycoming CYS offers programs that foster family relationships, such as Family Visitation Services, which provide safe spaces for families to reconnect during challenging times. In-Home Outreach Services deliver personalized parenting guidance, helping families create safe and healthy environments. School-Based Outreach Programs address academic and emotional challenges faced by students, aiming to boost their potential and success.
For young people preparing to transition into independence, Independent Living Services offer essential life skills, fostering self-sufficiency for ages 14 to 23. The Day Treatment Program creates a positive educational environment for children needing specialized support. Meanwhile, mentorship initiatives like Big Brother/Big Sister connect children with adult role models, providing guidance and stability. Lastly, Family Group Decision Making sessions facilitate collaborative planning among families and support networks to develop tailored strategies that address unique needs. Through these dedicated efforts, Lycoming County CYS is committed to nurturing stronger families, fostering stability, and ensuring brighter futures for children across the community – Ya Heard.
