Cooperative agreement with Policy Research, Inc., to continue the National GAINS Center for People with Co-Occurring Disorders in the Justice System. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) and Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), HHS.

This notice is to inform the public of a planned $1,100,000 cooperative agreement award to Policy Research, Inc., to support the National GAINS Center for People with Co-occurring Disorders in the Justice System. CSAT and CMHS will make this award if the application is recommended for approval by the initial review group and the CSAT and CMHS National Advisory Councils. This is not a formal request for applications; assistance will be provided only to Policy Research, Inc. The purpose of the award is to support developing knowledge, conducting analyses of state-of-the-art practices, and disseminating and transferring information related to treating and managing persons in the justice system who are dually diagnosed with substance abuse and mental disorders. The GAINS Center promotes effective solutions by gathering information, assessing what works, interpreting the facts, networking with key stakeholders, and stimulating change. Eligibility for this program is limited to Policy Research, Inc., a non-profit corporation which operates the National GAINS Center. The GAINS Center has been federally funded by SAMHSA through the National Institute of Corrections/Department of Justice. This resource center has established, on a national level, a locus for the collection and dissemination of information about effective mental health and substance abuse services for people with co-occurring disorders in the justice system. The Center gathers information designed to influence the range and scope of mental health and substance abuse services provided in the justice system, tailors these materials to the specific needs of localities, and provides technical assistance to help them plan, implement, and operate appropriate, cost-effective programs. SAMHSA, for administrative reasons, can no longer fund the Center in this fashion because the former funding mechanism is no longer available. Therefore, SAMHSA will fund the project directly to complete the originally approved term of 5 years. An award to Policy Research, Inc., will enable the GAINS Center to build upon prior work and current activities underway in its work plan. This conversion to direct SAMHSA (CSAT and CMHS) funding will permit several important projects to be completed.