Welfare and Institutions Code section 5961.5

(a)

As a component of the initiative, the State Department of Health Care Services shall develop and select evidence-based interventions and community-defined promising practices to improve outcomes for children and youth with, or at high risk for, behavioral health conditions.

(b)

Prior to selecting the evidence-based interventions, as described in subdivision (a), the department shall establish a workgroup comprised of subject matter experts and affected stakeholders to consider evidence-based interventions based on robust evidence for effectiveness, impact on racial equity, and sustainability.

(c)

The department, or its contracted vendor, shall provide competitive grants to entities it deems qualified to support the implementation of the evidence-based interventions and community-defined promising practices developed pursuant to subdivision (a).

(d)

Subject to subdivision (e), entities eligible to receive grants pursuant to this section may include Medi-Cal behavioral health delivery systems, city mental health authorities, tribal entities, health care service plans, Medi-Cal managed care plans, community-based organizations, and behavioral health providers.

(e)

The department shall determine the eligibility criteria, grant application process, and methodology for the distribution of funds appropriated for the purposes described in this section to those entities it deems qualified.

(f)

As a condition of funding, grant recipients shall share standardized data, in a manner and form determined by the department.

(g)

For purposes of this section, “Medi-Cal behavioral health delivery system” shall have the same meaning as specified in subdivision (i) of Section 14184.101.