More Washington Youth to Receive Treatment for Substance Use Conditions

The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) has awarded the Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services a three-year, $3 million grant. The funding will enhance treatment and recovery services for youth (ages 12 to 18) who have a substance use disorder, or both a substance use and mental health condition.

The project will support workforce development in 10 communities statewide and directly fund two community-based provider sites. The sites are True North/ESD 113 in Grays Harbor County and True Star Behavioral Health Services in Clallam County.

Funding will improve access, quality and coordination of services. This will be accomplished by implementation of family-centered/informed evidence-based practices; increasing care coordination and recovery support services and including youth and family/caregiver participation at all levels of the project.

Selection of youth and families to participate in this project will be based on locally identified community needs. Priority will be given to youth with co-occurring disorders and/or youth involved in multiple systems, such as child welfare and juvenile justice. This project will also increase services to racial and ethnic minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning individuals and adolescent females.

SAMSHA is awarding up to ten cooperative agreements nationwide. For more information about this initiative, visit http://www.samhsa.gov/grants/2012/ti_12_006.aspx.