SAMHSA awards grants to improve care for children with mental health challenges

Half of all lifetime cases of mental and substance use disorders begin by age 14 and three-fourths by age 24.  Proven interventions can prevent future disorders and mitigate the symptoms.  To support communities and help families with the best mental health services available for children, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is awarding nine new grants for a total of up to $70.9 million over the next six years to develop and expand systems of care for children and youth with serious mental health challenges and their families.
 
"Systems of care projects have consistently demonstrated improvements in emotional health and wellbeing of children and the ability of families to manage difficult health conditions," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. "Systems of care bring to bear the full force of community resources on supporting families and meeting the needs of children with mental health challenges.
 
The grants are the latest to be awarded from SAMHSA's Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and their Families Program.  The award amount to each grantee ranges from $542,692 to $1 million during the first year.  In future years funding for individual grantees may range from up to $760,297 to $2 million.  The actual award amounts may vary, depending on the availability of funds and the progress made by the grantees. These grants are part of SAMHSA's strategic initiative to prevent substance abuse and mental illness.
 
Source: SAMHSA