The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) today announced funding availability totaling $600,000 to expand the statewide capacity of Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) programs that divert adults with a substance use disorder (SUD) or a co-occurring disorder (substance use disorder and mental health issues) from the criminal justice system to community-based services.
LEAD services allow public safety officials to work with behavioral health providers by diverting low-level drug offenders to treatment and support services, rather than jail and prosecution. LEAD case managers work with participants to connect them to intensive interventions such as assertive community treatment, residential SUD services, comprehensive case management, medication assisted treatment, and other support services.
“People with substance use disorders and mental health issues are over-represented in jails and prisons,” said Susie Mullens, Interim Director of DHHR’s Office of Drug Control Policy. “Under Governor Jim Justice’s leadership, the goal within a community setting, a low-level offender may have access to a more complete continuum of care as opposed to limited access typically offered within a correctional setting.”
DHHR’s Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities is soliciting applications from public or private, not-for-profit or for-profit agencies with experience serving individuals and families affected by opioid use disorder to provide local leadership in developing and sustaining these partnerships; provide the necessary access to trauma-informed intensive case management; and assure access to intensive SUD treatment interventions and a wide range of other support services. Priority consideration will be given to licensed behavioral health agencies.
Proposals must be submitted by June 5, 2018. Proposal details and requirements are available online: dhhr.wv.gov/bhhf/afa.
Funding will be awarded based on accepted proposals that meet all required criteria.