National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative - Treatment and Service Adaptation

The National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI) - Treatment and Service Adaptation Centers program is a forecasted funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through its Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This initiative is aligned with the agency’s commitment to improving behavioral health outcomes and advancing trauma-informed practices across the country. Under this initiative, Category II (Cat 2) Centers are a critical component that contribute specialized national expertise on specific types of traumatic experiences, particular population groups, or distinct service systems. The program is expected to support the development and adaptation of effective, evidence-based treatments and service delivery models that can be implemented broadly across U.S. communities. The central purpose of the NCTSI Cat 2 Centers is to enhance the nation’s capacity to address child trauma by adapting and disseminating evidence-based treatments that are responsive to cultural, developmental, and contextual needs. The centers act as national experts in their specific domains and are tasked with supporting other stakeholders—such as service providers, policymakers, and researchers—through training, consultation, and tool development. Their work supports both direct service provision and the transformation of systems to better meet the needs of traumatized children and adolescents. Spending through this grant must be aligned with allowable uses under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance, CFDA 93.243. While the full scope of allowable activities will be detailed in the forthcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), applicants should anticipate the inclusion of activities such as treatment adaptation, implementation support, workforce training, outreach, and collaboration with other NCTSI network members. There are no stated cost-sharing or matching requirements for this grant program, removing a common barrier for participation by nonprofit and community organizations. Eligibility for this opportunity is open to domestic public and private nonprofit entities. This broad eligibility definition may include institutions of higher education, local and state governments, tribal organizations, and other qualified nonprofits, provided they can demonstrate capacity to lead or substantially support the adaptation of trauma treatment services on a national scale. Further clarification on eligibility criteria is expected upon release of the full application guidance. The estimated posting date for this funding opportunity is February 27, 2026. As a forecasted opportunity, no formal application deadline or start date has yet been set. The total anticipated funding for the program is approximately $14.4 million, with around 24 awards expected to be made. Specific award ceilings and floors have not yet been disclosed. The program falls under discretionary grants and does not have a cost-sharing requirement. Given that this opportunity is part of an ongoing national initiative, it is expected to recur regularly, with applicants encouraged to monitor the Grants.gov platform for updates. Inquiries regarding the funding opportunity can be directed to Jennifer Isely at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration via phone at (240) 276-2563 or email at [email protected]. No downloadable PDF version of the full opportunity is currently available. Interested applicants should check back around the estimated post date for the full NOFO and any updated information related to the application process.