Description

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2018 Grants to Establish and Expand Assertive Community Treatment (Short Title: ACT). The purpose of this program is to establish or expand and maintain ACT programs for individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI).  SAMHSA expects this program will improve behavioral health outcomes for individuals by reducing rates of hospitalization, mortality, substance use, homelessness, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

ACT is considered to be one of the most effective evidence-based programs designed to support community living for individuals with the most severe functional impairments associated with SMI.  Such individuals tend to need services from multiple providers (e.g., physicians, social workers) and multiple systems (e.g., social services, housing services, health care).

Based on the ACT model, a multi-disciplinary team is available around the clock to deliver a wide range of services in a person’s home or other community settings.  ACT was developed to deliver comprehensive and effective services to those who live with the most serious psychiatric symptoms, the most significant social functioning challenges, and whose needs have not been well met by traditional approaches.  ACT is a service delivery model, not a case management program. The ACT team model is composed of 10-12 multi-disciplinary behavioral health care staff who work together to deliver a mix of individualized, recovery-oriented services to persons living with SMI to help them successfully integrate into the community. Team members themselves provide the comprehensive array of services directly rather than through referrals. Caseloads are approximately one staff for every 10 individuals served.  Services are provided 24 hours - 7 days a week, as long as needed and wherever they are needed.  ACT teams often find they can anticipate and avoid crises. 

Eligibility

Eligibility is statutorily limited to states, political subdivisions of states (e.g., counties, cities), Indian tribes or tribal organizations (as defined in Section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act), mental health systems, health care facilities, and entities that serve individuals with SMI who experience homelessness or are justice-involved.

Tribal organization means the recognized body of any AI/AN tribe; any legally established organization of AI/ANs 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/ANs in all phases of its activities. Consortia of tribes or tribal organizations are eligible to apply, but each participating entity must indicate its approval. A single tribe in the consortium must be the legal applicant, the recipient of the award, and the entity legally responsible for satisfying the grant requirements.

Award Information

Funding Mechanism: Grant

Anticipated Total Available Funding: $4,746,000

Anticipated Number of Awards: Up to 7

Anticipated Award Amount: Up to $678,000 per year

Length of Project: Up to 5 years.

Cost Sharing/Match Required?: No

Proposed budgets cannot exceed $678,000 in total costs (direct and indirect) in any year of the proposed project.  Annual continuation awards will depend on the availability of funds, recipient progress in meeting project goals and objectives, timely submission of required data and reports, and compliance with all terms and conditions of award.

Applicants should be aware that funding amounts are subject to the availability of funds.