“The Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program, also known as the Children’s Mental Health Initiative (CMHI), is a cooperative agreement program administered by the Child, Adolescent and Family Branch (CAFB) in the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The CMHI was authorized by legislation (Public Law 102-321) and provides funds to public entities to promote the coordination of the multiple and often fragmented systems that serve children and youth from birth through age 21 diagnosed as having serious emotional disturbances and their families. Because approximately one-half of all diagnosed mental health concerns found in adults started by age 14 and three fourths by age 24 (Kessler et al., 2005), it is critical that needed services and supports reach children with mental health needs and their families as early as possible.”
Download
