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Resolution Authorizing Chairman’s Signature to Application and Other Funding-Related Documents to Florida Department of Children and Families Under Criminal Justice, Substance Abuse, Mental Health Reinvestment Grant Program
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) released the Criminal Justice, Mental Health and Substance Abuse (CJMHSA) Reinvestment Grant Program on January 23, 2026. The program provides funding through competitive grants to plan, implement, or expand initiatives that increase public safety, avert increased spending on criminal and juvenile justice systems and improve the accessibility and effectiveness of treatment services for adults and juveniles who have a mental illness, substance use disorder or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders and who are in or at risk of entering, the criminal or juvenile justice systems.
The Housing and Supportive Services Department requests to submit the attached Planning Grant application in the amount of $22,827 to fund the development of a comprehensive, data-driven strategic plan through a Sequential Intercept Mapping, and Needs Assessment that will be conducted by University of South Florida to improve outcomes for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders who are involved in, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system. A 100% match is required and is provided with cash and partner in-kind services in the amount of $15,792. Hernando county is contributing $7,036 to the match in in-kind services and administrative costs.
By successfully participating in the Planning Grant, Hernando County would then be eligible to apply for the next round of Implementation Grant funding with a maximum award amount of $1,200,000 for a period of performance of 36 months with a 100% match requirement. The Implementation Grant aims to implement and expand an established Strategic Plan, expand Diversion Programs, expand initiatives within public safety and avert increased cost for the identified target population in the criminal justice system.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None at this time.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board is authorized to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve the application to Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) for the Criminal Justice, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Grant Program. It is additionally recommended that the Board approve and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached associated letter of commitment, application appendix C, H (3), I and N, and resolution authorizing the Chairman to sign and submit the application and that the Director of Procurement & Strategic Initiatives be authorized to sign and submit any other funding-related documents as may be requested by DCF. All such future documents requiring her signature will be ratified by the Board.