Behavioral Health Partnerships for Early Diversion of Adults and Youth

The Behavioral Health Partnerships for Early Diversion of Adults and Youth program is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA focuses on improving behavioral health outcomes nationwide through grant funding, technical assistance, and policy leadership. This funding opportunity is designed to support systemic improvements in how communities respond to individuals with mental health or co-occurring substance use disorders who are at risk of entering the criminal or juvenile justice systems. The primary purpose of this program is to develop and implement early diversion strategies that redirect youth and adults away from arrest or booking and into appropriate community-based behavioral health services. The program emphasizes pre-arrest intervention, including outreach, screening, crisis evaluation, and connection to longer-term care. By strengthening partnerships across law enforcement, behavioral health providers, and community organizations, the initiative aims to reduce recidivism, improve public safety, and increase access to evidence-based treatment. Funding is provided as a discretionary federal grant with an estimated total program funding of just over seven million dollars and approximately ten awards expected. Individual awards may reach up to six hundred fifty thousand dollars per year for a project period of up to five years. Funds are primarily intended to support service delivery and system coordination, including developing diversion plans, expanding behavioral health services, and establishing cross-sector coalitions. Allowable activities include crisis intervention, case management, and referrals to supportive services such as housing, employment, and healthcare. However, funding is subject to strict limitations, including prohibitions on certain policy-related activities and requirements to align with federal priorities. Eligibility for this program is limited to state governments, political subdivisions, tribal organizations, and certain health facilities affiliated with the Indian Health Service. Applicants must demonstrate experience and capacity to deliver behavioral health services and must coordinate with key partners, including law enforcement and crisis response systems. A 25 percent non-federal match is required annually, which may be provided through cash or in-kind contributions. Applicants must also submit documentation verifying the availability and sources of matching funds. The application process involves submission through Grants.gov and eRA Commons and includes a detailed project narrative, budget, and multiple required attachments such as letters of intent from coalition partners, a project timeline, and documentation of organizational credentials. Applicants must also provide a statement confirming that services will focus exclusively on pre-arrest diversion. Applications are evaluated based on need, implementation approach, use of evidence-based practices, organizational capacity, and data collection plans. Additional priority points may be awarded for projects serving veterans. The application deadline is July 15, 2026, with awards expected by September 1, 2026, and project start dates anticipated for September 30, 2026. The project period extends up to five years, during which recipients must meet reporting requirements, including quarterly performance data submission and annual progress reports. SAMHSA provides technical assistance and requires participation in program monitoring and evaluation activities throughout the grant lifecycle.

Ensure strict focus on pre arrest diversion only build strong coalition partnerships include evidence based practices align with SAMHSA priorities and clearly document matching funds