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HEALTH SERVICES AGENCY / MENTAL HEALTH
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Requested Action(s)
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a) AGREEMENT - Request approval and authorization for the Health Services Agency Executive Director to sign Standard Agreement #24MHSOAC038 with the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission for Round 4, Category 1 of the Mental Health Student Services Act of 2019 (MHSSA) grant, in an amount not to exceed $500,000, effective 7/1/24 through 6/30/27
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Financial Impact:
This is a grant receivable to the County in an amount of $500,000. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Background Information:
The purpose of the grant is to enhance an existing county partnership with school-based programs, to expand access to mental health services for children and youth, including campus-based mental health services, and to facilitate linkage and access to ongoing and sustained services.
Tehama County Department of Education has agreed to be the lead agency for the grant, but the application/grant approval required the local mental health to partner and be the fiscal intermediary for the funds.
Grant: MHSSA RFA 004 ~ Marginalized and Vulnerable Youth
Grant Award: $500,000
Grant Term: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027
Program Overview:
Tehama County Department of Education (TCDE) is proposing to introduce a Peer Mentorship program focused on foster and juvenile justice involved youth. The Foster and Justice-Involved Youth Nature Exploration and Mentorship Program. Recognizing the therapeutic benefits of nature and the importance of positive relationships in the lives of at-risk youth, this program aims to foster resilience, confidence, and connections with peers and supportive adults. This will be in partnership with school staff, TCDE’s School Mental Health and Wellness Clinicians, TCDE’s Wellness and Behavior Intervention Technicians, and community volunteers.
Program Components:
Peer Mentor Matching: Youth participants are paired with peer mentors who have a shared background and have previously completed the Peer Mentor Certification course.
Nature Excursions: The program organizes regular outings to local natural resources such as parks, trails, beaches, and nature reserves in Northern California.
Skill Building Workshops: In addition to outdoor adventures, the program offers skill-building workshops focused on outdoor survival skills, environmental stewardship, and nature-based activities such as camping, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Therapeutic Support: Trained facilitators and mental health professionals provide therapeutic support and guidance to foster youth participants throughout the program. Group discussions, reflective exercises, and mindfulness practices are integrated into the program to promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience.
Community Engagement: The program fosters connections with the local community in Tehama County through volunteer opportunities, service projects, and collaborative partnerships with environmental organizations and outdoor recreation providers.
Program Goals:
● To provide foster and justice-involved youth in Tehama County with positive social-emotional supports and life-enhancing experiences through outdoor exploration and mentorship.
● To foster resilience, confidence, and connections with peers and mentors among youth participants.
● To promote environmental awareness, appreciation for nature, and stewardship of natural resources among at-risk youth.
Program Outcomes:
● Increased self-esteem and self-confidence among foster and justice-involved youth participants.
● Improved social skills, communication, and teamwork abilities.
● Enhanced coping skills and emotional regulation strategies.
● Greater connection to nature and environmental consciousness.
● Strengthened peer relationships and sense of community belonging.