Mental Health Services Act (MHSA)

Prevention and Early Intervention Funds

An opportunity for Ventura

County…

NCLB + IDEA + RTI + MHSA =

The perfect storm to help kids early!

Proposition 63 funds….

1. Community Supports and Services

2. Workforce, education and training

3. Capital facilities

4. Prevention and Early Intervention

5. Innovation

20% of all MHSA funds must go to Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI)

And at least 51% of those funds must go to children and youth ages 0- 25.

Prevention

Risk Factors+ Protection= Resilience

Tier One Interventions can be protective and preventative

Early Intervention• Screening• Low intensity• Relatively short duration

Tier Two interventions can avoid the need for more intensive mental health services

Types of Tier Two Interventions

• Student Assistance Program

• Groups for special topics:

- Grief

- Anger

- Divorce

- ADHD

- Making friends

Prevention And Early Intervention Funds are not for people with

serious mental illness

Students in general

Education may benefit

Process in Ventura County for Planning for MHSA PEI

1. Plan developed

2. Stakeholder meetings held

3. Key community needs identified

State of California Key Community Mental Health Needs

(priorities for the use of PEI funds)

1. Disparities in access to MH services2. Psycho-social impact of trauma for all

ages3. At-risk children, youth and adults*4. Stigma and discrimination5. Suicide risk

*These are our students!

State Priority Populations

1. Underserved cultural populations*

2. Individuals experiencing onset of serious mental illness

3. Children/youth in stressed families*

4. Trauma-exposed*

5. At risk for school failure*

6. At risk for juvenile justice involvement*

What can we do to get involved in the planning?

1. Get on a committee

2. Attend a stakeholders meeting

3. Fill in the survey today, or take it and make copies for your colleagues.