NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The state has received a $221,000 federal grant that will be used to expand a juvenile court project that screens youth for mental health, substance abuse and family services.
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services said in a news release that the funding will expand the screening process for youth referred to juvenile courts, provide support services to families and increase the use of evidence-based therapeutic practices for the juvenile justice population.
Between August 2010 and July 2012, more than 2,600 juveniles have been screened across 10 counties, resulting in almost 1,400 referrals for mental health, substance abuse and family services.
The grant will allow expansion of this program into more counties.
