2007 Policy Priorities
System Reform
Expedite completion of the System Reform process of the Transformation Grant with substantial consumer/family input to insure access to the Public Mental Health System and integrated comprehensive health care for all individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and functional disabilities, regardless of income.
Funding for the
Public Mental Health System
Provide sufficient funding to meet unmet needs of those with SMI and serious emotional disturbance (SED); needs such as case management, prevention/early intervention, housing, supported employment, transportation, transition services including children and elderly, and respite services for families caring for children and elders.
Effective Community Based Treatment
Use evidence based practices to achieve and maintain an integrated community support network that provides individualized, supportive and recovery-based treatment, enabling consumers to live stable lives in the community.
Provide case management that follows the consumer and implements an individualized treatment plan wherever the consumer is located, coordinating services and supporting consumers through all transitions within the mental health system.
Housing
Expand housing options to create a continuum of safe affordable housing for those with SMI including crisis and temporary housing after discharge from the hospital or prison and residential rehabilitation housing which provides therapeutic support.
Pharmacy
Facilitate access by individuals with SMI to treatments with appropriate, adequate and effective medications based upon clinical judgments with effective medical monitoring.
Hospitals
Establish an adequate number of beds to ensure hospital placement where appropriate within legal time limits facilitating prompt, appropriate transfers from emergency departments.
Forensics
Screen adults and children entering the justice system for SMI or SED and provide programs to address their treatment and service as a primary part of their rehabilitation and discharge planning.