SAMHSA System of Care Expansion Planning Grants for Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and their Families

The purpose of this RFA is to expand and sustain SOC. Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate the ability to engage in planning activities that reflect the greatest geographic area (i.e., statewide, territory-wide, and tribal). Priority related to greatest geographic area refers to large counties or tribes, or clusters of cities or counties, or states or territories.
The applicant, whether a state or a political entity other than a state, must provide evidence of commitment for SOC expansion by including a letter of support from the Governor or the governor’s delegated authority (documentation verifying delegation of authority must be submitted with any letter not provided by the Governor, and included in Attachment 5 of your application), or the commensurate- level tribal or territorial representative or delegated authority. The letter must identify how the applicant will expand efforts to a broader level, and an explanation of how sustainability will be accomplished. The letter should also provide evidence of support for SOC approach and demonstrate a commitment to integrating SOC values and principles throughout the state, territory, or tribal organization. This letter should be included in Attachment 5 of your application.

Tribal organization means the recognized body of any American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) tribe; any legally established organization of (AI/AN) which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body or which is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and which includes the maximum participation of (AI/AN) in all phases of its activities. Consortia of tribes or tribal organizations are eligible to apply, but each participating entity must indicate its approval.
Applicants that have received funding or currently have funding under the Planning Grants for Expansion of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families (System of Care Expansion Planning Grants), RFA# SM-11-008 & SM-13-001 are not eligible to apply under this funding announcement (Appendix J). SAMHSA is limiting eligibility in order to expand the number of jurisdictions and locations within a state, political subdivision, territory, or tribal entity which have adopted a SOC approach.
The statutory authority for this program prohibits grants to for-profit agencies.

The intent of the System of Care Expansion Planning Grants is to build and expand upon the progress achieved in the Comprehensive Community Mental Health for Children and Their Families Program (CMHI) by addressing the mental health needs of children, youth, and families/caregivers. SAMHSA expects that these grants will help facilitate state/tribal and territory wide adoption of SOC framework and increase state Medicaid and other third party reimbursement for the SOC spectrum of services and supports. Applicants are expected to create comprehensive and sustainable plans for infrastructure, services, and supports that are consistent with the requirements authorized under Section 561 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended.
The SOC Expansion Planning Grants closely align with SAMHSA’s Trauma and Justice, Recovery Support, and Health Reform Strategic Initiatives by focusing resources on reducing the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American communities and addressing the behavioral health impacts of trauma through a systematic public health approach. In addition, SOC Expansion Planning Grants provide support for transition age youth by facilitating collaboration between child and adult serving agencies when serving older youth who are transitioning to adulthood.
The SOC Expansion Planning Grants are authorized under Section 561-565 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended. This announcement addresses Healthy People 2020 Mental Health and Mental Disorders Topic Area HP 2020-MHMD.