Alternatives to Mental Institutions
Medicaid officials recently awarded $218 million in grants over 5 years to aid states in developing alternatives to institutionalization for children with mental illness. Ten states—Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, South Carolina, and Virginia—are receiving funding to begin demonstration projects. Some of the programs include 24-hour support and crisis intervention for children living in the community, training for families, and after-school programs. “We believe these grants will result in a more caring, compassionate approach to meeting the needs of these children,” Leslie Norwalk, acting CMS administrator, said in a statement. “Integrating them back into their homes and communities gives them the best opportunity to lead successful, productive lives as adults.”