Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED)

To provide comprehensive community mental health services to children, youth, and young adults, birth through age 21 with a serious emotional disturbance (SED), which may include efforts to identify and serve children at risk, and their families. Im

The program will ensure that services are provided collaboratively across child-serving systems; that each child or adolescent served through the program receives an individualized service plan developed with the participation of the family (and, where appropriate, the child); that each individualized plan designates a case manager to assist the child and family; and that funding is provided for mental health services required to meet the needs of youngsters in these systems.

State, any political subdivision of a State, and any Indian tribe or tribal organization (as defined in section 4(b) and section 4(c) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act).

Physically Afflicted (e.g. TB, Arthritis, Heart Disease), Mentally Disabled, Infant (0-5), Child (6-15), Youth (16-21) Children under age 22 with a diagnosed serious emotional disturbance, serious behavioral disorder, or serious mental disorder.

Grant funds may be used for salaries, wages and fringe benefits of professional and support staff; travel directly related to carrying out service activities; supplies, communications, and rental of equipment and space; training specifically aimed at one of the following: the development of individualized service plans; the provision of therapeutic foster care, group home care; intensive home-based services, or intensive day treatment services; administration of the system; and appropriate continuing education of two days or less; contracts for performance of activities under the approved project; and other such items necessary to support project activities. Grant funds and required matching funds may not be used for: other required services; to purchase or improve real estate property; provide residential care and/or services in residential treatment centers serving more than 10 children in inpatient hospital settings; any training activities with the exception of those mentioned above; and non-mental health services including mental health medical services, educational services, vocational counseling and rehabilitation, and protection and advocacy.

Grant funds and required matching funds may not be used for: other required services; to purchase or improve real estate property; provide residential care and/or services in residential treatment centers serving more than 10 children in inpatient hospital settings; any training activities with the exception of those mentioned above; and non-mental health services including mental health medical services, educational services, vocational counseling and rehabilitation, and protection and advocacy.100% of funds are set aside for discretionary activities.

Project will be funded for up to 6 years. Payments will be made under an Electronic Transfer System.

Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

The following review criteria will be used in evaluating proposals: (1) Potential significance of the proposed project; (2) appropriateness of goals and objectives; (3) adequacy and appropriateness of the proposed approach and activities; (4) evidence of the applicant's readiness and commitment to the proposed project; (5) commitment to family participation in system development and care of their children and adolescents; (6) capability and experience of project director, consultants, and other key staff; (7) adequacy of available resources; (8) reasonableness of the proposed budget; (9) cooperation in the evaluation activities; and (10) evidence of activities directed at developing continues funding support. Award criteria include: (1) quality of proposed project as determined by the review process; and (2) availability of funds.

Applications are awarded directly by SAMHSA to the applicant organization after a number of considerations, including but not limited to merit review, program analysis, and the Center for Mental Health Services National Advisory Council concurrence.