Circles of Care for American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN)

For program and eligibility questions:
Brooke Sims
240.276.1861
Brooke.Sims@samhsa.hhs.gov

For fiscal and budget questions:
240.276.1940
NOFO_Budget_Inquiries@samhsa.hhs.gov

For grant review process and application status questions contact:
Angela Houde
240.276.1091
Angela.Houde@samhsa.hhs.gov

This opportunity (Short Title: Circles of Care) is offering funding for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) organizations to plan and design a family-driven, community-based, and culturally/linguistically competent system of care. Recipients are expected to organize a spectrum of community-based services and supports for AI/AN children who are experiencing or are at risk of mental health challenges. This system of care must cultivate meaningful community partnerships and address cultural and linguistic needs to help children better thrive at home, in school, and in life.

Required activities:

• Identify and convene an advisory group
• Conduct an assessment of community strengths
• Develop and implement a community-based System of Care (SOC) Plan for children and youth mental health and wellness services, prevention and treatment of substance use, and supports to be provided in the community
• Conduct a Gathering of Native Americans (GONA) to promote spiritual and cultural development and youth social connectedness
• Conduct network development and collaboration activities
• Provide orientation and ongoing training on the SOC framework by engaging various sectors of the community such as schools; colleges and universities, and other educational institutions; faith-based organizations; behavioral health and other healthcare providers; housing supports; the justice system; local businesses; and public health and healthcare systems, departments, and institutions
• Develop policies, corresponding funding streams, and other strategies that address how the system of care approach can be implemented and sustained

Funds may also be used to implement community engagement activities such as skirt-making, sweat lodges, and drum-making to help address mental health challenges of children and youth.

Eligible applicants:

• Federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribes
• Tribal organizations
• Urban Indian Organizations
• Consortia of Tribes and/or Tribal organizations
• Tribal colleges and universities

Award ceiling: $350,000 per year
Project period: Up to 3 years
Estimated number of awards: 8
Estimated total program funding: $2,800,000

Links to the full announcement, application instructions, and the online application process are available through grants.gov.