LSF Health Systems Awarded $1.6 million grant to help youth with emotional and behavioral conditions

The four-year grant will increase access to trauma treatment and services for youth in Putnam and St. Johns counties

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – LSF Health Systems received a $1.6 million federal grant for the COACHES Trauma-Focused High Fidelity Wraparound Project. The four-year grant is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative and will focus on children and young adults in Putnam and St. Johns counties.

The goal of the COACHES project is to increase access to evidence-based trauma treatment and services for youth between the ages of 6 and 21 whose lives have been impacted negatively by emotional and/or physical factors. It will also focus on those at risk or with substance use disorders who have experienced one or more Adverse Childhood Experiences. It will serve 180 individuals and their families.

The project will target children with a history of trauma and those served by the child welfare system, who may also have:

  • A higher risk for out-of-home placement
  • A history of two or more psychiatric hospitalizations
  • Involvement with the Department of Juvenile Justice
  • Poor academic performance and/or suspensions

Dr. Christine Cauffield, CEO of LSF Health Systems expects the program to solve current problems and prevent more issues from developing down the line. “We hope to prevent out-of-home placements and admissions to juvenile justice programs. These kids need our help to set them on the right path,” Cauffield said.

LSF Health Systems is partnering with St. Augustine Youth Services on the project. Two teams comprised of a trauma-trained clinician, a wraparound case manager, and a shared peer support specialist, will deliver services in person, in home or on-site as well as via telehealth, to meet the service needs of youth and their families.

LSF Health Systems is a Managing Entity contracted with the Department of Children and Families to oversee behavioral healthcare for people who face poverty and are without insurance. For more information, visit www.lsfhealthsystems.org