SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

As VA prepares to implement the SSG Fox SPGP and coordinate with grantees, we identify the requirement in 38 CFR 78.50(a) that “Grantees must provide or coordinate the provision of a baseline mental health screening to all participants,” including children, could present significant logistical and legal difficulties. VA is unaware of any validated tool that can be used by non-clinicians as a baseline mental health screening to assess suicide risk and mental and behavioral health conditions for persons under the age of 18. Further, persons under the age of 18 generally need parental consent to access screening services like this, and such a requirement could delay, or at least complicate, compliance with this requirement. It is also unclear how often children under the age of 18 would be active participants in programs administered by grantees, physically present with the grantee or otherwise in contact and coordination with the grantee. Given these factors, we do not believe it is appropriate, at this time, to require applicants to plan to screen participants under the age of 18 in their programs. Consequently, VA will not require applicants under this Notice, or grantees awarded funds pursuant to this Notice, to provide or coordinate a baseline mental health screening to participants under the age of 18. VA will consider possible changes to this requirement, as it prepares a final rule to implement its interim final regulations from March 10, 2022.

We emphasize one point for clarity. VA expects applicants to be aware that children may be members of a household of an eligible individual and consequently could be participants in their programs. VA expects that any applicant awarded a grant who is presented with a person under the age of 18 who is in a mental health crisis or emergency will take all appropriate actions necessary to serve and protect that person.

CORRECTION:

In the Federal Register (FR) NOFO of April 15, 2022, in FR Doc 2022-08040, correct:

(1) Section I (Funding Opportunity Description), Paragraph D (Approach), first paragraph, second sentence to read: “Applicants must include in their application how they will provide or coordinate the provision of the baseline mental health screening to all participants age 18 and over.”

(2) Section I (Funding Opportunity Description), Paragraph D (Approach), third paragraph, first sentence to read: “Baseline mental health screening: Grantees must provide or coordinate the provision of baseline mental health screenings to all participants age 18 and over they serve at the time those services begin.”

(3) Section I (Funding Opportunity Description), Paragraph F (Guidance for the Use of Suicide Prevention Services Funds), fifth paragraph, third and fourth sentences to read: “Grantees must determine and document the degree of risk of suicide for each participant age 18 and over using tools identified in the suicide prevention services grant agreement. Prior to services ending, grantees must provide or coordinate the provision of a mental health screening to all participants age 18 and over they serve, when possible.”

Signing Authority

Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, approved this document on May 23, 2022, and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

87 FR 33880