Project Status

January 15, 2002

In September 2001, NULT issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to supportive, housing social service agencies for NULT funding in Indianapolis. After receiving three excellent applications in response to the RFP, Midtown Mental Health was chosen for NULT funding. Midtown Community Mental Health is a division of Wishard Health Services and operates a program called Youth 2 Adult Transitional (Y2A). The Y2A team targets youth between the ages of 16-22 who are challenged by mental illness or substance abuse. Y2A clients are youths who were previously wards of the court placed in supportive housing, but at the age of 18 “aged out” of the system. Youths are referred to the mental health care system but often will not engage treatment because they do not see others like them.

To encourage engagement, the Y2A team works with youth in non-traditional settings to create “youth friendly” outpatient offices. The Y2A team has formed non-traditional partners such as local coffee houses, churches, businesses and other youth oriented organizations. Staff provides individual/group/family counseling, case management, vocational services, psychiatric evaluation and medication monitoring. Through a transitional housing facility Y2A will assist some youths into moving into permanent housing.

Currently, NULT is working with Midtown Mental Health to identify a home for Y2A. Once selected the facility will be provided to the organization with a long term, affordable lease.