Block Grants: Federal Set-Asides for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
HRD-88-17
Published: Oct 14, 1987. Publicly Released: Oct 14, 1987.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO examined: (1) how states determined needs and made decisions on their use of Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health (ADAMH) Services Block Grant funds; and (2) how states implemented the set-aside provisions that targeted female substance abusers and mentally ill children and adolescents.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| In reauthorizing the ADAMH or other block grants, Congress should promote new or expanded services for target populations using the set-aside approach. Congress should also consider specifying the time period prior to enactment of legislation during which states could count previously initiated services toward meeting the set-aside requirement. | The Omnibus Anti Drug Abuse Act of 1988, which reauthorizes the ADMS block grant, requires that states set aside a percent of its federal for new and expanded services for intravenous drug abusers, women substance abusers, especially pregnant women and women with dependent children, and seriously emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. |
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Topics
Substance abuse treatmentBlock grantsChild care programsSubstance abuse treatmentstate relationsGrant administrationGrants to statesMental health care servicesProgram managementState-administered programs