Project Grant H79SM091530

The Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded Metrocare Services $500,000 on September 30, 2026, to implement an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health program under the Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance (CFDA 93.532).

Metrocare will provide universal screening, evidence-based dyadic therapies, and specialized mental health consultation to address social-emotional needs for children ages 0–12 in Dallas County, Texas. The program targets 750 unduplicated children and caregivers with serious emotional disturbances or at-risk status over the five-year performance period, with annual service volume increasing from 50 participants in year one to 250 in year five. A multidisciplinary team including qualified mental health professionals and family partners will deliver Child-Parent Psychotherapy and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, using standardized screening instruments including the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths assessment. Metrocare will also build clinical workforce capacity through specialized training delivered by the Community Resource Coordination Group.

Measurable objectives include screening 90 percent of children at intake, referring 80 percent of those with Level of Care 4 needs within 14 days, and ensuring 60 percent of referred families initiate services within 30 days. Work is performed in Dallas, Texas, with a period of performance from September 30, 2026, through September 29, 2031.