Friday, April 26, 2024
4/26/2024
The City of Houston’s Mayor’s Office of Education in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine are proposing a four-year initiative to develop integrated systems of care for youth with serious emotional disturbances (SED), “Be Well Be Connected.” This initiative aims to provide a stepped level of care for youth in partnership with independent school districts through (a) cloud-based screening protocols for at-risk youth, (b) crisis tele-health assessments, (c) connection to appropriate level of care within the community based on these screenings and assessments and importantly, (d) building additional clinical capacity for in-home intensive services for youth with first episode psychosis or bipolar disorder. This project will enhance ongoing collaborative efforts across schools, departments, community agencies and family-led organizations to identify those students at risk for SED and provide evidence informed intensive care management and multi-agency treatment planning. At the same time, this initiative will triage students with mild to moderate needs who can be effectively treated within routine outpatient settings to prevent worsening needs. The project seeks to a) increase the number of youth being assessed for SED and other significant mental health conditions, b) increase formal collaboration and planning across departments and community mental health teams, c) enhance the ability of local schools to respond in a evidence informed and culturally sensitive to mental health crises and the needs of youth with SED more broadly, d) reduce barriers and improve attitudes towards youth presenting with SED on school campuses, within family-led organizations and across community partners, e) develop a comprehensive monitoring process for youth designated at high risk, f) increase family involvement and engagement for youth with SED, g) improve the quality and quantity of professional assessments of youth through tele-health platforms, and h) increase the number of referral and successful treatment linkages for all youth with significant mental health needs in schools. The proposal aims to annually screen at least 500 youth, provide tele-health assessments to at least 150 youth with a connection to an appropriate mental health referral, and provide intensive in-home therapies to at least 40 youth with first episode psychosis or bipolar disorder.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
