WASHINGTON – Maine has been awarded $8.9 million in federal grants over six years to provide comprehensive community mental health services for children with serious emotional disturbances and their families.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will receive $999,728 for the first year to support the state’s Behavioral Health Services in building an infrastructure and implementing an integrated system of care for children ages birth through 18 with serious emotional disturbances.

There will be special emphasis on more effectively addressing the needs of vulnerable and high risk groups, and young people who have experienced trauma.