Community Services Receives Grant to Expand Youth Continuum of Services

Prince William Community Services’ Youth Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Division recently received a $4 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA. SAMHSA is a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which leads public health initiatives aid in behavioral health across the country. 

The grant will be used to establish a four-year program that will provide resources to improve mental health outcomes for children and youth from birth to age 21, who are at risk for or have serious emotional disturbances, and their families.   

“This grant supports the implementation, expansion and integration of the System of Care approach, which entails a comprehensive network of community-based services and support,” said Division Manager Tanya Odell. “The system is specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of youth and families who are involved with multiple human service agencies, including social services, behavioral health, schools, juvenile justice and healthcare.” 

The primary objective of System of Care is to collaborate with youth and families in need of services or resources from various human services agencies. Working together across agencies will help ensure the county’s youth safety, success at home, school and in the community; ultimately contributing to the overall betterment of the community.   

This is the first SAMHSA grant that Community Services has received and will help the division expand the continuum of services to meet the growing demand, Odell said.  “We are very excited about the possibilities this grant will bring as we enhance our current system of care and improve our ability to serve the needs of youth, families and the community as a whole.” 

For more information about programs and services offered by Community Services, visit pwcva.gov/cs.