Anyone faced with dealing with a mental illness can be easily overwhelmed by the vast "alphabet soup" of organizations, government agencies and programs that touch the lives of persons with mental illness. In addition, there is the huge learning curve to be overcome concerning the illness itself, the brain and medications.

For assistance with the illnesses, the brain and medications, check out the following web locations:

• NAMI Helpline
• Internet Mental Health

This glossary is our attempt to help you understand the "players", the services available, and some of the concepts used in the world of mental health in Maryland. The glossary is derived from definitions from NAMI members and definitions from the following glossaries:

• Maryland Mental Hygiene Adminstration
• Common Acronyms, Training Institutes Conference on Developing Local Systems of Care in a Managed Care Environment for Children and Adolescents with Serious Emotional Disturbances and their Families, June, 1998

Maryland Mental Health Glossary of Terms

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J

JOBS - Job Opportunities & Basic Skills Program (required by ADFC)

JCAHO - Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. A peer- review organization which surveys, evaluates, and accredits hospitals.

JTPA - Job Training Partnership Act

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K

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L

LCC - Local Coordinating Council ( for children's services) - An interagency committee of major agencies dealing with children and adolescents in a county (Department of Juvenile Justice, the school system, Department of Social Services, Directorate of Mental Health). The committee finds appropriate placements for disabled children and adolescents with complex needs.

LCSW - Licensed Certified Social Worker (highest level license in State of Maryland)

LEA - Local Education Agency - This normally identifies a local board of education as it relates to funding and service provision for students within that county.

Lisa L. - A successful Maryland class action lawsuit (1987) on behalf of children and adolescents which requires the timely discharge from hospital to community placement.

LMB - Local Management Board - (Formerly known as Local Planning Entity LPE)- Serves as the coordinating board for local jurisdictions and ensures the implementation of interagency service delivery system for children, youth and families.

LMHAC - Local Mental Health Advisory Committee