Project Grant 15PBJA23GG01477MENT

The County of Washington in Arkansas received a $550,000 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Criminal and Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (CFDA 16.745). The grant will fund the planning and implementation of a Mental Health Court in Washington County to improve public safety and public health outcomes for individuals with mental health disorders, including traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder, who come into contact with the criminal justice system. Key activities include establishing a multi-disciplinary team, expanding capacity for direct services like case management and counseling, using validated risk assessment tools, implementing evidence-based interventions to reduce recidivism, and providing training for public safety officials and mental health providers. The county is partnering with Arisa Health, a community mental health center, to deliver behavioral health services to the target population as a sub-recipient under the grant.