Trauma-Informed Services in Schools

The Trauma-Informed Services in Schools program is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This federal initiative is part of a broader effort to expand access to behavioral health services and improve mental health outcomes for youth across the United States. The program is categorized under discretionary funding and aligns with the agency’s mission to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on communities. It is listed under Assistance Listing 93.532, which supports projects of regional and national significance in mental health services. The primary purpose of this program is to increase student access to evidence-based support services and mental health care by fostering partnerships between school systems and local trauma-informed service providers. The program encourages the development of innovative initiatives that integrate mental health resources into educational environments. These initiatives are expected to improve early identification of trauma, provide appropriate interventions, and build sustainable systems of care that connect students with community-based mental health services. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support the design and implementation of programs that link schools with trauma-informed care systems. Allowable activities likely include program development, coordination with local service providers, training for school personnel, and delivery of mental health services to students. While specific restrictions are not detailed in the forecast, federal grant funding typically requires adherence to allowable cost principles and programmatic guidelines outlined in the full notice of funding opportunity upon release. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement for this program, reducing the financial burden on applicants. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is limited by statute to specific types of educational and tribal entities. Eligible applicants include State Education Agencies, Local Educational Agencies, Indian Tribes or their Tribal Educational Agencies, schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education, Regional Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Educational Organizations. The program includes a commitment to equitable distribution, noting that at least one award will be made to tribes or tribal organizations if sufficient applications are received. The application process is currently in a forecast stage, with an estimated posting date of May 29, 2026. At this stage, detailed submission requirements, application components, and evaluation criteria have not yet been released. However, applicants should anticipate a competitive federal grant process involving submission through Grants.gov, completion of required forms, and provision of detailed program narratives and budgets. Evaluation will likely focus on program design, alignment with trauma-informed care principles, capacity to implement, and expected impact on student mental health outcomes. The total estimated program funding is $5,497,835, with approximately six awards expected to be made. Specific award amounts per recipient have not yet been defined. Key contact information is provided for prospective applicants, including Nancy Kelly, who can be reached via phone at 240-276-1143 or email at tiss_nofo@samhsa.hhs.gov. Additional details, including application deadlines, award timelines, and project start dates, will be available once the full opportunity is officially posted. This program does not currently indicate recurring cycles, though similar initiatives may be reissued in future fiscal years depending on funding availability and program outcomes.