Early Mental Health
In recognition of the significant impact impaired attachment can have on young children's growth and development, First 5 Shasta is implementing the Early Mental Health Initiative (EMHI). The EMHI includes two components - Clinical Services and Family Support Services. Both are intended to serve families with children from the prenatal stage up to age 24 months and to develop services and supports that address parent/primary caregiver issues interfering with attachment. Through the EMHI a continuum of services will be developed that address barriers to attachment. Programs funded will create a "collaborative network" that offers a range of services for families, and to refer families to other network partners when most appropriate for a family's needs.

Initiative Focus: 3 Areas Related to Attachment	FAQ
Addressing parent/primary caregiver social-emotional challenges to develop healthy attachment Addressing maternal depression Providing parenting support for parents/primary caregivers with chronic and persistent mental illness	Available 3/29! Frequently asked questions... and answers.
Desired Results
Increased Family Protective Factors Reduced Family Risk Factors Increased Parental Capacity to Attach

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS
In order to develop a range of services that address the varied needs of families, two separate Request for Applications (RFA) are available to interested applicants.

RFA: Clinical Services	RFA: Family Support Services
Intervention types: Clinical support	Intervention types: Parent-to-parent support, social activity, parenting skill development, connections to community resources
Funding period: July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2013	Funding period: July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2013
Funding available: Approx. $350,000 - $400,000	Funding available: Approx. $200,000 - $250,000
Number of programs that may be funded: Up to 2	Number of programs that may be funded: Up to 4

Funding Opportunities

Good Neighbor Grants
A total of $5,000 is available per fiscal year for small "Good Neighbor" awards.  Funds are awarded at the discretion of First 5 Shasta's executive director.  To discuss projects that may be enhanced by a Good Neighbor award, call 530-229-8300.

Direct Service Grants
Not currently seeking proposals. Please check back for future announcements.

Special Opportunity Funding
Not currently seeking proposals as 2009-10 funds were directed to Temporary Support Grants awarded in Fall 2009. Please check back for future announcements.