History

The program started in December 1989, as one of the two pilot programs in the state, sponsored by IDMH, today¹s OMH (Office of Mental Health). Mount Sinai approached Mujeres for this collaboration effort due to its cultural proficency in working with the Latino community. Currently, SASS has become a statewide program.

Target population

Youth under 17, from Pilsen/Little Village area, who are in need of mental health services and/or at risk of psychiatric hospitalization (suicidal, homicidal, psycotic, etc). The secondary target population is youth in need of appropriate referrals.

Services

The SASS program provides linkage and referral for uninsured youth who are in need of mental health services. We are contacted by the state of Illinois CARES program for youth that are uninsured. Mujeres provides linkage and referral for psychiatric services to corresponding hospitals. Mujeres also provides support for parents/guardians of the uninsured youth by educating them on mental health facts. Services include: 24-hours crisis intervention, 90 days of intense home based services, case management, respite care and referrals. The program offers assessment and referrals to youth who do not meet SASS criteria.

Staff composition

Supervisor, 2 case managers, (3 full-time staff).

Advocacy efforts

Ongoing advocacy on behalf of clients with various institutions.

Trends

Most of the clients are recent monolingual Spanish speaking who have come from Mexico and have been in the United States less than one year. These youth have mental health issues that were not addressed in their county of origin that is now compounded by the stress of adjusting to life in Chicago. There is also an increase of clients between the ages of 10 to 12 years old. Workers are finding more incidences of mental illness, usually depression, among the parents of clients.

Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault / Women in Transition / Peace Program /

Parent Support / Teen Reach / Latina Leadership / Child Care / Sanctuary / Mother & Daughter