Published:
Funds will Improve Access to Coordinated Family-centered Behavioral Health Services
The Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) has received a $4 million-dollar federal grant to create and expand a coordinated mental health support system for children and teens with serious behavioral health needs by bringing together schools, families, healthcare providers and community organizations. The four-year System of Care (SOC) grant will support THRIVE (Transforming Health, Recovery and Integrated Value in Education) Westchester. Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed with the support they need. This significant federal investment reflects Westchester County’s longstanding commitment to the health and well-being of our children and families. Through THRIVE Westchester, we are strengthening partnerships among schools, behavioral health providers, families and community organizations to create a more coordinated, accessible and compassionate system of care that helps young people reach their full potential.”
Westchester County DCMH Commissioner Michael Orth said: “This award recognizes the extraordinary partnerships that exist throughout Westchester County and provides an opportunity to build an even stronger, more coordinated system of care for children and families. No child should struggle to access behavioral health supports because systems are difficult to navigate. THRIVE Westchester will help schools, families, and providers work together to ensure that students receive the right services, at the right time, and in the right setting. We are grateful to SAMHSA for this investment in the future of Westchester’s children and families.”
The Program is focused on reducing barriers to care by creating the Educational Single Point of Access (E-SPOA), the streamlined process will exist for identifying students with complex behavioral health needs, coordinating referrals, and connecting youth and families to appropriate clinical, educational and community-based services. This builds upon Westchester County’s longstanding commitment to expanding school-based mental health services and strengthening partnerships with local school districts, Southern Westchester BOCES, and Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES.
The County has hired Pace University to lead the project’s research and evaluation efforts, helping measure outcomes and guide continuous quality improvement. Student Advocacy, Inc will provide educational consultation, family engagement and peer support to help families successfully navigate school systems and access available resources. Additional behavioral health providers throughout Westchester County will deliver clinical treatment, care coordination and wraparound services tailored to the unique strengths and needs of children and their families.
Pace University Interim Associate Provost for Pleasantville and Partnerships Rebecca Tekula, PhD said: “This grant represents an important investment in the well-being of Westchester’s children and families and in the capacity of our school districts to respond effectively to students’ behavioral health needs. Through THRIVE Westchester, the County and its partners will strengthen early identification, connect families with appropriate services, and build a more coordinated system of support. Pace University is proud to partner on this initiative which will produce lasting impact across Westchester.”
Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES District Superintendent & Chief Executive Officer Neil Boyle said: “We are grateful to the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health for its partnership and leadership in securing this SAMHSA grant. This important investment will strengthen our collective ability to support the social and emotional well-being of children and families across our communities. PNW BOCES is proud to work alongside our county partners, school districts, institutes of higher education, and community organizations to expand access to the resources and support that children and families need.”
THRIVE Westchester aligns with the County’s broader efforts to improve behavioral health, strengthen partnerships between education and healthcare, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
