University of Washington, Division of Public Behavioral Health and Justice Policy

The University of Washington Division of Public Behavioral Health and Justice Policy works to improve treatment practices within public social service systems, and has been a key partner in the efforts of Models for Change in Washington to expand access to community-based mental health treatment options for court-involved youth. The Division will use this grant to lead a collaborative statewide effort to divert more youth with mental health disorders from correctional placement to community-based treatment, which will include developing and implementing a strategic plan to reduce the financial, administrative, and regulatory barriers to providing timely and effective community interventions.

To develop and implement culturally-appropriate interventions to address the mental health needs of Latino youth as part of Washington Models for Change (over two years).

In support of community capacity-building for the identification and treatment of youth with mental health and substance abuse conditions in contact with the juvenile justice system as part of the Models for Change initiative (over 2 years).