Commissioners approve contract with Hunterdon Behavioral Health for School Based Initiatives program
Which Includes Expanding Access To Mental Health Care
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – The Hunterdon County Commissioners this week authorized a provider contract with Hunterdon Medical Center, Behavioral Health Department for community-based services known as School Based Initiatives (SBI), a program that targets youth who are experiencing, or at risk of developing emotional or behavioral difficulties, and attend a designated school-based site
Funding for the term of the program will be in the amount of $692,985 for the period of Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2026.
Commissioner Shaun Van Doren, who is the liaison to the Human Services Department said, “I would like to thank the Department of Human Services for their foresight in partnering with the Hunterdon Behavioral Health Unit to offer this School Based Initiatives program. Assisting young people and their families to promote emotional, mental, and physical well-being, while also being able to maintain school enrollment is essential for the health and long-term success of our young people.”
The SBI program provides services to youth who struggle to manage emotional, behavioral and/or addiction issues that impede their healthy function in school or the community, as well as those who may benefit from preventative interventions and strategies.
The program works collaboratively with designated schools and community-based organizations to facilitate linkages, coordinate treatment, and develop services. Services include assessment and referrals, case management, supportive counseling, and recreational programming.
Listed below are the schools currently enrolled and the number of day(s) that services are provided:
- Califon Public School – 1 day
- Delaware Township School – 1 day
- Hampton Public School 2 days (Plus after school/summer recreation)
- JP Case Middle School – 1 day
- Milford Public School – 1 day
- North Hunterdon High School – 4 days (Plus freshman welcome program)
- Voorhees High School – 3 days (Plus freshman welcome program)
Drop-in services are provided at Hampton Public School one afternoon per week, from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. During the summer months, access to staff is available at Hunterdon Medical Center and in schools as determined by school administrators.
