Contact: Deb Schnellman, DSHS Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (360) 725-3763, deb.schnellman@dshs.wa.gov

October 02, 2012
Washington state awarded grant to help children with emotional disabilities

Olympia -   Washington is one of 12 states chosen to receive a federal System of Care Expansion and Implementation Grant.  This four-year, $4 million grant will provide mental health and related recovery support services to children with serious emotional disturbances.  It will also help implement changes in policy, financing, services and supports, training and workforce development.

"This new grant will build upon progress we have made in developing a comprehensive plan to expand and sustain high quality and coordinated care to better meet the needs of children and youth,"said Robin Arnold- Williams, Secretary of DSHS. "Our primary goal is to provide the best support to help children and youth reach their highest potential."

The System of Care approach increases collaboration and coordination across systems, communities, agencies, families and youth to promote the overall wellness of children and youth.  It creates a coordinated network of services and supports to share resources and responsibilities.

Developing an effective System of Care involves a "one family, one plan"concept, which values services that are family-driven, youth-guided, community-based, individualized, least restrictive, and culturally and linguistically competent.

The grant will be managed by the DSHS Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery.  For more information and to get involved in local planning efforts, regional contacts can be found at: http://www.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/dbhr/MH/FYSPRTContactList.pdf.  More information about children’s mental health services can be found at:  http://www.dshs.wa.gov/dbhr/childrensmentalhealth.shtml#dbhr. 

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