The e-connect: enhancing behavioral health referral and treatment for family court youth in suffolk county project aims to address the critical issue of suicidal behavior and behavioral health needs…

The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) awarded a $650,000 Project Grant under the Criminal and Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (CFDA 16.745) to the Unified Court System of New York State. The "E-Connect: Enhancing Behavioral Health Referral and Treatment for Family Court Youth in Suffolk County" project aims to improve identification, referral, and treatment of suicidal behavior and behavioral health needs among justice-involved youth in Suffolk County by implementing a new screening tool and providing evidence-based treatment through Multidimensional Family Therapy. The project will also establish community partnerships, train probation officers, and develop referral pathways. The award period runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027.

The e-connect: enhancing behavioral health referral and treatment for family court youth in suffolk county project aims to address the critical issue of suicidal behavior and behavioral health needs among justice-involved youth by incorporating a new screening tool for all youth entering the family court system to improve the identification of youth with mental health needs. The e-connect system, developed by columbia university, employs a multilevel approach utilizing clinical decision-support technology to enhance the identification, referral, and treatment initiation for SB and BH needs. This project will implement e-connect in suffolk county's family court and provide evidence-based treatment through multidimensional family therapy to those youth scoring high need for immediate intensive treatment. The project will also assemble a community advisory board of families of youth involved in family court, train probation officers, and establish referral pathways.