Protection & advocacy for individuals with mntl illness

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services) awarded $338,632 to the Office Protection & Advocacy For The Disabled on October 1, 2025, under the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness program (CFDA 93.138).

The recipient, based in Pago Pago, Eastern District, American Samoa, pursues administrative, legal, and other appropriate remedies to address complaints of abuse, neglect, and rights violations affecting adults with significant mental illness and children with significant emotional disturbance or impairment. The program enforces the Constitution, Federal statutes, and State statutes protecting these populations, with service priority given to individuals at risk for abuse, neglect, or civil rights violations while residing in care or treatment facilities. The PAIMI program also serves individuals with serious mental illness or emotional impairment in community settings, including their own homes, as determined by the recipient's priorities and available resources.

The funding obligation covers the period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. This is a formula grant awarded directly to an eligible system established under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, as amended. The allotment is available for obligation for a 24-month period with payments made through an Electronic Transfer System.