834 Jail Based Mental Health Services

The 834 Jail Based Mental Health Services grant is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), specifically through its Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery. This state-funded initiative reflects the state’s strategic commitment to enhancing mental health service provision within county jails, particularly for individuals in the forensic system who have been deemed Unfit to Stand Trial (UST) and are awaiting admission to a State Operated Psychiatric Hospital (SOPH). The overarching objective of the program is to mitigate deterioration in mental health among these individuals by offering therapeutic support and structured programming within the jail setting, prior to their hospital transfer. This grant will fund three targeted programs within McHenry, Franklin, and Kankakee Counties, each operating a set number of dedicated beds for UST individuals. These beds will serve as a specialized unit within each county jail, designed to offer clinical mental health services that meet state standards. Each funded program must ensure adequate clinical staffing, including a licensed psychiatric provider (delivering both in-person and telehealth services), as well as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), or a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Staff will be responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments, overseeing medication management, providing individual and group therapy, and facilitating educational and court-process-related support for participants. Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity include government organizations, small businesses, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations. To apply, organizations must meet various prequalification requirements, including registration in the SAM.gov system, a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, and absence from federal or state sanction lists. Additionally, applicants must propose to operate services in one of the three designated county jails and ensure that program participants are drawn from the UST population awaiting SOPH admission. Applications must be submitted by March 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time. The required application materials include a Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, a program narrative, a completed budget in the CSA Tracking System, a conflict of interest disclosure, and other supporting documentation such as subcontractor budgets (if applicable). The Technical Assistance Session, which is mandatory for applicants, will be held virtually on February 17, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., and registration is required via the official IDHS site. Evaluation of applications will follow a merit-based process with scoring criteria emphasizing organizational capacity, program design, data and reporting procedures, and alignment with IDHS's equity goals. The grant period will run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of two additional one-year renewals, contingent on performance and continued funding availability. Funding awards will range from $300,000 to $520,000, depending on the specific county and scope of service delivery. This is a non-recurring, state-funded grant opportunity that does not require cost sharing or matching. Indirect costs are allowed, including use of a 15% de minimis rate if the applicant has not negotiated an indirect cost rate. The opportunity is designed to address a critical gap in jail-based mental health services, with an emphasis on restoring fitness to stand trial and facilitating smooth transitions to SOPHs or community-based settings.

Follow format and narrative instructions precisely; label all sections clearly; confirm application receipt within 48 hours or risk disqualification.