NAMI E-News August 2, 2002 Vol. 02-91
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Department of Justice Announces Availability of Funds for Mental Health Courts
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) of the U.S. Department of
Justice (DOJ) has announced the availability of $4 million to fund Mental Health
Court programs. The Federal Mental Health Courts program was created with the
enactment of "America's Law Enforcement and Mental Health Project" (Public Law
106-515), sponsored by Congressman Ted Strickland (D. Ohio) in the House of
Representatives and Senators Mike DeWine (R. Ohio) and Pete Domenici (R. New
Mexico) in the Senate.
* Who May Apply For Federal Mental Health Courts Grants?
States, state courts, local courts, units of local government (counties,
municipalities), and tribal governments may apply for funding under the Mental
Health Courts initiative.
* When Are Mental Health Courts Grant Applications Due?
Proposals for Mental Health Courts grants must be postmarked or received no
later than September 13, 2002.
* How Can Mental Health Courts Funds Be Used?
The funds can be used for the operation of proposed Mental Health Courts,
including contracts and professional services, training, supplies needed for the
proposed program (including the development of treatment services), salaries and
fringe benefits, contracts and professional services, and equipment.
* Is There A Local Matching Requirement?
Yes. The federal share of the grant may not exceed 75% of the program's total
costs. The grantee must provide a match that is at minimum 25% of the program's
total costs. The match may be cash, in-kind, or a combination of both.
* How many grants will be awarded?
Up to 20 demonstration projects may be awarded, with a maximum award of $150,000
per project for a grant period of up to 24 months.
* Funding 20 projects at the maximum award rate of $150,000 per project
equals $3 million. How will the remaining $1 million be used?
Presumably, the remaining $1 million will be used for training, technical
assistance and evaluation.
* What Is The Procedure For Applying?
The BJA Mental Health Courts solicitation uses an abbreviated proposal process.
This means that applicants will not be required to submit the standard forms
generally required by grant solicitations. Instead, applicants must submit a
project narrative describing the proposed program. The narrative should be an
overview (not to exceed 10 pages) that includes only as much detail as is
necessary to understand how the proposed program will work. Details about what
should be included in the narrative can be found at the BJA's Website,
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grantsol5.
* Who Is Eligible To Be Served By Mental Health Courts Funded Through This
Program?
Individuals with mental illness, mental retardation, and co-occurring mental
illness and substance abuse disorders charged with misdemeanors or nonviolent
offenses.
* What Are Program Requirements For Mental Health Courts?
The purpose of the BJA's solicitation is to fund MH Court demonstration projects
that "mobilize communities to implement innovative, collaborative efforts to
bring systemwide improvements in the way they address adults offenders with
mental disabilities or mental illnesses." At a minimum, proposed projects must
include:
* Continuing judicial supervision, including periodic review, of eligible
individuals;
* Voluntary outpatient or inpatient mental health treatment, in the least
restrictive manner appropriate, as determined by the Court.
* Centralized case management involving the consolidation of all cases and the
coordination of mental health and substance abuse treatment plans and social
services.
* Continuing supervision of treatment plan participants for a term not to exceed
the maximum allowable sentence or probation for the charged or relevant offense.
* Specialized training of criminal justice personnel to identify and address the
unique needs of offenders with mental illness or mental retardation.
* How Can I Find More Information?
Detailed information about the Mental Health Courts solicitation can be found at
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grantsol5.
Comprehensive descriptions of existing Mental Health Courts in four
jurisdictions (Broward County, Fl; King County, Wa; San Bernardino, Ca; and
Anchorage, Ak.) can be found in BJA's report entitled "Emerging Judicial
Strategies for the Mentally Ill in the Criminal Caseload." This report can be
accessed at:
www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/bja/182504.pdf.
For information and questions about this E-News, contact Ron Honberg in the NAMI
Office at RonH@nami.org, 703-524-7600, ext.
7972.
The NAMI E-News is an electronic newsletter delivering the
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