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Functional Assessment Screening Tools (FAST)

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Functional Assessment Screening Tools (FAST) TCOM (CANS, ANSA) & PSC-35
 

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has selected the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC-35) (parent/caregiver version) and Child & Adolescent Needs & Strengths (CANS) to measure child and youth functioning, as intended by Welfare and Institutions Code Section 14707.5. Santa Clara County Behavioral Health Services Department (SCCBHSD) was scheduled for implementation on July 1, 2018, and is required to collect and report data obtained from the PSC-35, as well as the CANS, to DHCS. SCCBHSD has been utilizing the CANS since 2012, whereas the PSC-35 is new to our County as of 2018. The Adult Needs & Strengths Assessment (ANSA) was added in 2025.

SCCBHSD uses two versions of the CANS: Early Childhood ("EC") for ages Birth to 5, and the Comprehensive 5+ for ages 5 and up. The CANS 5+ has an 18+ module for our TAY programs serving youth over age 18. The PSC-35 is to be used for youth ages 3 to 18. As of 2025, SCCBHSD has added in the use of the Adult Needs & Strengths Assessment (ANSA) for adult/older adult programs serving ages 18+.

"The PSC-35 is a psychosocial screening tool designed to facilitate the recognition of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems so appropriate interventions can be initiated as early as possible". (IN 17-052, p 2)

Contacts

Behavioral Health - ANSA, CANS, and PSC-35
Amanda Vierra
(669) 263-4738
[email protected]

Probation Department - Juvenile Probation - CANS
Kimberly D’zatko
(408) 468-1680
[email protected]

Documents, forms, manuals and resources