Services Grant Program for Residential Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Services Grant Program for Residential Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women (PPW)?

The PPW program is a FY 2011 discretionary services grant opportunity from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), through its Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). It is designed to expand access to comprehensive residential substance use disorder treatment for pregnant women and postpartum women (up to 12 months after childbirth), along with services for their minor children.

What is the main goal of this grant program?

The central goal is to increase access to a full continuum of residential treatment, prevention, and recovery support services for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders, while also addressing the needs of their minor children through a family-centered model.

What does “family-centered model” mean in this program?

Family-centered means the program is designed around the health, safety, and long-term stability of the entire family system, not only the mother as an individual. Services focus on relationships and family functioning as important influences on recovery and long-term outcomes.

Who is the intended population for services under this grant?

The focus population is low-income women (as defined by federal poverty guidelines) who are age 18 or older and who are pregnant or postpartum (up to 12 months after childbirth), along with their minor children age 17 and under, especially when they have limited access to quality health services.

Are certain communities specifically prioritized?

Yes. SAMHSA identifies traditionally underserved communities as a priority, particularly racial and ethnic minority women. The opportunity explicitly notes concern about high morbidity and mortality rates experienced by African American pregnant women and their infants.

Does the program include services for children?

Yes. The program includes services for minor children (age 17 and under). SAMHSA treats early childhood as a critical window for lifelong social and emotional development and encourages applicants to ensure the needs of young children are addressed, while still serving all minor children affected by the mother’s substance use disorder and recovery process.

Is the program limited to residential treatment only?

The core setting is residential treatment for mothers and children, but the program also encourages involvement of relevant non-residential family members when appropriate (such as fathers, partners, and other family members) to strengthen outcomes and support the family environment the mother and children will return to after residential care.

What types of services are projects expected to provide?

Projects are expected to deliver a full continuum of residential treatment, prevention, and recovery support services addressing the multiple needs common in this population. The program emphasizes evidence-based treatment and parenting approaches, including trauma-specific services delivered within a trauma-informed framework.

Are evidence-based practices required or encouraged?

They are strongly emphasized. SAMHSA highlights the use of evidence-based treatment and evidence-based parenting approaches, including trauma-specific services delivered within a trauma-informed framework.

What is meant by “trauma-informed” and “trauma-specific” services in this opportunity?

Based on the notice, grantees are expected to provide trauma-specific services (services directly addressing trauma) and to deliver them within a trauma-informed framework (an approach that recognizes the role of trauma and supports safe, appropriate service delivery).

What outcomes is SAMHSA aiming for through PPW grants?

The intended outcomes include reducing the use and misuse of prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances; increasing the likelihood of safe and healthy pregnancies; improving birth outcomes; and reducing perinatal and environmentally related harms to infants and children associated with parental substance use.

Does the program also focus on mental and physical health beyond substance use?

Yes. The program aims to improve both mental and physical health for women and children, prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders among children, strengthen parenting skills and overall family functioning, and support economic stability and quality of life.

Does the program address safety concerns like violence, neglect, or abuse?

Yes. A stated goal is to reduce involvement with and exposure to crime, violence, neglect, and physical, emotional, or sexual abuse for all family members connected to the household.

Does SAMHSA expect programs to address tobacco use?

Yes. SAMHSA encourages grantees to maintain smoke-free workplaces and to promote abstinence from all tobacco products, indicating an expectation that programs address health risks beyond illicit substances alone.

How quickly must services begin after the project period starts?

Service grants are expected to translate quickly into direct service delivery. Grantees must begin providing services no later than the fourth month of the project period.

What is the legal authority for this grant program?

The program is authorized under Section 508 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended.

How many awards did SAMHSA anticipate making under this opportunity?

SAMHSA anticipated making 19 awards under this opportunity.

What was the estimated total funding amount for the opportunity?

The estimated total funding amount was $98,000,000.

What is the maximum award amount (ceiling) per grant?

The award ceiling was $524,000 per award.

Is there a minimum award amount (floor)?

No award floor was stated in the provided information.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. There was no cost-sharing or matching requirement.

What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is health.

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The CFDA number is 93.243, titled “Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance.”

When was the opportunity posted, and what were the key dates?

The opportunity was posted on April 8, 2011. The application deadline was June 7, 2011. The archive date was July 7, 2011.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to domestic public and private nonprofit entities.

What types of organizations are listed as eligible examples?

Examples include state and local governments; federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations; urban Indian organizations; public or private universities and colleges; and community- and faith-based organizations.

Can a consortium of tribes or tribal organizations apply?

Yes. Consortia of tribes or tribal organizations may apply, but each participating entity must document its approval.

Are for-profit organizations allowed to apply?

No. The statute specifically prohibits awards to for-profit agencies.

Were any prior grantees barred from applying?

Yes. PPW grantees funded in FY 2009 were not eligible to reapply for this FY 2011 competition.

Which SAMHSA office is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT).

How does this opportunity align with SAMHSA priorities?

This PPW opportunity is framed as contributing to two of SAMHSA’s Strategic Initiatives: the Prevention of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness initiative and the Trauma and Justice initiative. It also connects to the Healthy People 2020 Substance Abuse topic area.

Where can applicants get help or request the full announcement?

The notice provides a SAMHSA grants management contact (Love Foster Horton) and references an official program link for additional details.