Mental Health
Community Mental Health Services
Block Grant Review Period
The Implementation Report for the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (CMHSBG) is submitted to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration annually to report the outcomes of the grant. The report includes both financial reporting and updates on the priorities set forth in the CMHSBG Application. Changes to the priorities can only be made in the biannual application; the Implementation Report only tracks the progress of those priorities already set. The majority of the Implementation Report requires charts that are submitted separately through the National Research Institute and are not available for review at this time.
The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services' (OMHSAS) Bureau of Policy, Planning, and Program Development submits the attached sections through the SAMHSA Grant site (WebBGas). Any comments or questions regarding the CMHSBG 2019 Implementation Report may be directed to Wendy Tucker at wetucker@pa.gov or 717-705-8280.
A Call For Change is a publication that establishes a firm foundation for the Pennsylvania transformation to a recovery-oriented mental health system. It offers an understanding of how we have arrived at this time of recovery transformation, provides a concise definition of recovery, and further consideration of what a recovery-oriented system is, and is not. This publication highlights the challenges we have yet to address and the need for us to engage in an open, honest discussion.
Other Information
- Community Support Program (CSP)
The Community Support Program helps to provide consumers, family members, and professionals a forum to help shape the continued transformation of the mental health services in Pennsylvania into a recovery-oriented system. The CSP in Pennsylvania has developed into four regional committees that support the development of local committees and coalitions. All committees are comprised of mental health consumers, family members, and professionals. Both the regional and local CSP committees provide a community-based avenue for CSP principles, education, information-sharing and for the collective input on major successes and concerns regarding community mental health services. Concerns and recommendations are then shared with the OMHSAS Adult Advisory Committee. To learn more about CSP and to find local contacts, visit the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers Association website.
- Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP)
The current public children's behavioral health system in Pennsylvania is based on the principles and framework developed more than 20 years ago through the Child and Adolescent Service System Program. This Introduction to CASSP describes it's origins in Pennsylvania, highlights current initiatives and services, and lists some basic children's behavioral health services.
- Alternatives to Coercive Techniques
Pennsylvania is joining the nation-wide movement to enhance trauma-informed care and services within residential facilities. Best practices, high-quality programming, and well-trained staff are critical in providing care that reduces the need for the use of restraint while ensuring the safety of all residents and staff. This Web site is being developed with the goal of providing technical assistance and resources to assist residential facilities in achieving the ultimate goal of eliminating the need for the use of coercive techniques in residential facilities.
- Act 21
Act 21 became law on August 14, 2003, in response to increasing concerns about the release of a juvenile sex offender who had been determined to still present a high risk of danger to the community. The Act sets forth a process for identifying individuals about to turn 21 who may still be in need of further treatment before they return to their community. Act 21 provides a process for the civil commitment of these individuals to a program designed to provide specialized treatment.
Related Links