Cascade county is seeking funds to establish a multi-jurisdictional peer support program

The Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Program awarded Cascade County Commission $183,150 under the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (CFDA 16.070) on October 1, 2025, to establish a multi-jurisdictional peer support program serving law enforcement officers and their families in Great Falls, Montana.

The program delivers annual training in officer wellness topics, wellness visits, counseling services, family support and education, and critical incident stress management. Cascade County will formalize a peer support program with initial training and ongoing clinical oversight aligned with statutory best practices and recent changes in peer support program requirements.

The award runs through September 30, 2027. Recipients must submit programmatic performance reports semiannually and SF-425 Federal Financial Reports quarterly, along with a final closeout report. The COPS Office will conduct award monitoring through site visits, enhanced office-based reviews, alleged noncompliance reviews, and periodic surveys to ensure compliance with nonsupplanting requirements and programmatic and financial objectives. Financial records and supporting documents must be retained for three years following award conclusion. Extensions beyond the performance period may be approved on a case-by-case basis for up to twelve additional months upon request to the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Services.

Programming will include the provision of multiple different services, to include annual training in topics related to officer wellness, wellness visits, counseling services, family support/education, and critical incident stress management. In addition, the formation of a formal peer support program that will require initial training and ongoing clinical oversight, pursuant to best practices and recent changes in statute governing peer support program requirements.