Pennsylvania Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program

Pennsylvania has experienced a surge in demand for behavioral health and crisis care in recent years and has also seen a significant increase in firearm-related incidents, including gun deaths. Byrne SCIP funding will help augment recent investments made by the Commission to address these important issues in the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is proud of its ability to leverage and utilize various state and federal funding streams so that it can maximize the use of SCIP funds to promote system-wide enhancements and focus on the reduction of gun violence and promote initiatives that provide the support required.

The FY 2022/23 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) funds will complement Pennsylvania’s work to advance use of evidence-based programs and access to care for people with behavioral health needs who interact with the justice system as well as bolster efforts to prevent and reduce gun violence in the Commonwealth. PCCD intends to utilize its existing 2021-2025 Strategic Framework as well as other strategic planning documents (e.g., Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee Strategic Plan, Special Council on Gun Violence Report of Recommendations, etc.) as starting points for the development of the BJA-required Program Plan and Budget by the Advisory Committee of Chairs and the Commission (serving in its role as the Crisis Intervention Advisory Board). PCCD staff – in consultation with members of the Committee of Chairs, Crisis Intervention Advisory Board (e.g., Commission), and other key stakeholders – will crosswalk these previously developed strategic plans in order to develop a comprehensive Program Plan and Budget (“Funding Framework”) articulating funding priorities and objectives to:

Provide a common understanding of SCIP funds purpose and direction, including how SCIP funds intersect with and complement other state and federal funding sources administered by the Commission;
Identify emerging trends in preventing violence and suicide, with a specific focus on firearm-related incidents;
Crosswalk existing strategic priorities, programs, and initiatives already supported by PCCD and partner agencies aligned with SCIP goals and objectives, including any known gaps or areas of need; 
Identify specific funding goals, priorities, and objectives to shape the development of a SCIP funding announcement;
Provide a basis for measuring success (e.g., research and evaluation partners); and
Create a framework and provide context to inform decision-making.