Mental Health Juvenile Justice Grant

Funder: Illinois Department of Human Services: Division of Family & Community Services

The Mental Health Juvenile Justice (MHJJ) Program connects the Illinois Juvenile Court System, schools, and communities to support youth at risk of mental health issues. The MHJJ Liaison facilitates referrals and provides training to stakeholders, ensuring youth receive necessary services. Additionally, the program addresses systemic inequities, promoting diversity and inclusivity within the service provision process. The Illinois Department of Human Services emphasizes collaboration and community-based support to enhance the well-being of at-risk youth.

NOTE:
The applicant has met the Prequalification and Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity. Registration and prequalification are required annually. Please Note: From start to finish, the time to process all registrations can take up to 12 weeks. Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding.All successful applicants are required to complete a risk assessment prior to execution of a grant award. The Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) is the instrument used to assess risk of grantees by identifying an organization's potential weaknesses. The deadline to submit the ICQ is the second Full Proposal date listed above.
Program Summary
The Mental Health Juvenile Justice (MHJJ) Program functions as a point of contact between the Illinois Juvenile Court System, probation, schools, the community and the MHJJ Liaison employed by the community grantee. It is the responsibility of the MHJJ Liaison to build these collaborative relationships to identify and obtain referrals of youth with or at risk of mental health concerns. The MHJJ Liaison also provides training and technical assistance to referral sources in understanding the potential mental health needs of youth involved in their system. The MHJJ Liaison utilizes the MHJJ screening tool and then works collaboratively with the individual youth, family, the Managed Care Organization, and the referring individuals from either the Illinois Juvenile Court System, probation, school or community, to link the youth and family with any necessary community-based mental health and social services.
Funding Priorities or Focus Areas
IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.