Mental Health Oversight Council Working Mission, Vision, & Principles to Guide Mental Health System Change
Mission:
Partners in planning for a recovery-based mental health system throughout Montana.
Vision:
We envision a collaborative public mental health system that promotes independence, self-determination and recovery through individual, family, advocate and community participation.
With effective treatment, knowledge and support, Montanans with mental disorders will achieve education, meaningful work, satisfying family relationships, friendships and participation in the community.
Principles:
We see these principles as a natural outgrowth of our MHOAC mission and vision statement. They provide more definition around what we mean by "self-determination and recovery."
The defining principle is that the system is recovery/resiliency-based. To the Oversight Council that means:
- The focus is on recovery, wellness/health and return to life and work.
- More equity, access and satisfaction with the system that recognizes the distinct systems of care necessary to meet the needs of children and their families and adults and their support systems.
- Stigma is reduced - summed up in humorous way on a bumper sticker Jacob saw: "You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me…" and another saying: "the mentally ill are us."
- Mentally ill peoples' lives are improved and they live in their communities with support systems. The emphasis is on keeping kids and adults in their community settings rather than in institutional placements.
- The system is flexible, based on the individual needs of consumers.
- Community education and awareness is paramount. People also understand that mental illness is a brain disorder and does not define the person.
- First responders respond and respond appropriately - diverting the mentally ill from the criminal justice system in the first place.
- Montana sets the standard for a regional system. We identify and overcome structural barriers to access and community based care.
- More and more effective collaboration and interagency agreements. We have cooperation, trust and respect on everything from the small issues to big issues. We acknowledge the high incidence of co-occurring disorders and address them.
- Native American issues must be brought forward and addressed both for life on Indian reservations and for Indians who live in other Montana places
Page last updated: 09/01/2006
