Strong Families, Safe Communities Project

SFSC The State of Ohio is committed to improving care coordination and providing support for families with children in crisis who present a risk to themselves, their families or others because of mental illness or a developmental disability. Since 2013, the Strong Families, Safe Communities project has been engaging local systems to identify community-driven solutions that highlight collaboration across agencies to develop the best possible outcomes for these families. This initiative is funded by the Ohio departments of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) and Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS).

Many children who are at risk are not engaged in treatment programs and may not be known to the community until a crisis unfolds. Care coordination and crisis intervention services can quickly stabilize a child’s health. Support for these families will reduce risk of harm and help the family remain together.

Grantees and News Coverage

SFY 2016 Grantees

A virtual town hall titled "Kids in Crisis: Preventing tragedies through earlier intervention" took place on Nov. 2, 2016. DODD Director John Martin and OhioMHAS Director Tracy Plouck shared information about the origins of the project, project partners shared successes and lessons-learned as well as how best practices are being shared across the state, and the FY2016 grantees were recognized. Families shared how the services have made a difference in their lives. Below are materials from the event.

SFY 2014 Program Activities