CMS has issued a request for applications for the Medicaid Program Demonstration Project: Community-Based Alternatives to Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities. These demonstration projects can be used by states to provide a comprehensive package of home and community-based services to children who would meet the level of care of a psychiatric residential treatment facility. The state can divert children from entry into a facility or provide post-discharge services for those leaving a facility.
CMS will award 10 grants and expects them to range from $21.7 million to $50 million for the five-year demonstration. States must respond by October 18th, so advocates should work quickly to urge their state to apply and to provide letters of support and input into the plan. CMS will give preference to states that significantly involve youth and family in the design, development, implementation, and review of the project -- so advocates should offer to provide assistance and support to the applicants.

Get a copy of the grant application and more information from the CMS website.