Purpose and Method of Operation
The PRNS budget proposal accounts for the majority of the CMHS discretionary
budget. The proposed PRNS increase is $30 million above the FY 2004 final
conference level. The proposed budget will support 412 grants and contracts,
consisting of 330 continuations and 82 new/competing.
In SAMHSA, there are two program categories within Programs of Regional and
National Significance. The first category promotes capacity expansion through
services programs, which provide funding to implement a service improvement
using a proven evidence based approach; and through infrastructure programs,
which identify and implement needed systems changes. Key success indicators for
most programs of this type are positive systems changes, enhanced capacity, and
improved client outcomes. The second category promotes effectiveness through
local best practices programs, which help communities and providers to
identify, adapt, implement, and evaluate best practices; and service to science
programs, which document innovative practices thought to have potential for
broad service improvement. In general, the outcomes of these programs are
measured by indicators such as the identification of a practice to be
implemented and pilot adoption; satisfaction with information or assistance
received; actual changes to practice that have occurred; and client outcome
data. While many activities contribute to CMHS' accomplishments, several major
programs account for the majority of funding.
As mentioned previously, the PRNS increase will be utilized to initiate a State
Incentive Grants for Transformation program to implement the Mental
Health Commission's findings. A description of this program, which is proposed
to be funded at $43.8 million dollars in FY 2005, may be found later in this
section.
Approximately $15 million are expended for the Co-occurring State Incentive
Grants Program, administered jointly with CSAT. This program enables States to
develop and enhance their service system infrastructure in order to increase
their capacity to serve people with co-occurring substance abuse and mental
disorders.
$30 million are expended for the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative
program. This program has established 54 treatment development and community
service centers to treat children who have experienced trauma. The program also
supports the National Center for Child traumatic Stress, which coordinates a
national network of grantees. Approximately 40,000 children and adolescents
were served by this program in 2003.
$95 million support the School Violence initiative, including the Safe
Schools/Healthy Students interdepartmental program. The program was created in
1999 as a collaborative effort of the Federal Departments of Education,
Justice, and Health and Human Services. Local education authorities that apply
for the SS/HS grants are required to have formal partnerships with local mental
health and law enforcement agencies. As a result of these partnerships,
comprehensive plans have been developed and implemented with the goals of
promoting the healthy development of children and youth, fostering their
resilience in the face of adversity, and preventing violence.
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