The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is awarding up to $3.5 million for the Expansion of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and their Families program. The purpose of these grants is to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for improving and expanding services provided by systems of care for children and youth with serious mental health conditions and their families.
A "system of care" is an organizational philosophy and framework that is designed to create a network of effective community-based services and supports to improve the lives of children and youth with or at risk of serious mental health conditions and their families. Systems of care build meaningful partnerships with families and youth, address cultural and linguistic needs, and use evidence-based practices to help children, youth and families function better at home, in school, in the community and throughout life.
"System of care grants bring a wide array of positive forces together in communities to improve almost every aspect of a young person's health and well-being, including their behavioral health," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. "Those with serious mental illness disorders and their families need a coordinated and effective network of community resources to help support their recovery at home, school, work and throughout every aspect of their lives."
The six grantees will receive up to $800,000 for up to one year. The actual amounts of the grants will depend on the availability of funds and the performance of the grantees.
The grantees and the amount of their awards are:
Grantees City State Yearly Award
The State of Utah Department of Human Services Salt Lake City Utah $760,600
Mississippi Department of Mental Health Jackson Miss. $322,156
Mashantucket Pequot Western Tribal Nation Mashantucket Conn. $548,534
City of Richmond Richmond Calif. $300,000
Pascua Yaqui Tribe Tucson Ariz. $800,000
Santee Sioux Nation Niobrara Neb. $800,000
Experts urge to promote healthy movement behaviors in children under five in Europe