The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded a $1,274,000 Project Grant under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance (CFDA 93.243) program to Western Michigan University's Child Trauma Assessment Center (WMU/CTAC). The grant's goal is to prevent or ameliorate the development of serious mental health and substance abuse conditions and disorders, and build healthy futures for LGBTQI+ youth in Southwest Michigan by increasing family acceptance and support. Key products and services to be delivered under this 3-year project include:
Developing and implementing a public awareness communications plan to engage LGBTQI+ youth and their families.
Providing outreach, engagement, and linking LGBTQI+ youth and families to trauma-informed counseling and support services through WMU/CTAC and community partner organizations.
Establishing screening and referral protocols to identify LGBTQI+ youth and families in need of counseling.
Implementing evidence-based family acceptance and affirmation programs for LGBTQI+ youth and their caregivers.
Enhancing an LGBTQI+ youth and family advisory group to ensure representative input.
Providing training to WMU/CTAC staff on integrating trauma-informed care.