Our Vision:
CalMEND envisions that all individuals will receive supportIt is essential that the mental health system provides a range of options in voluntary services so that together, the client, family and recovery team may explore different courses of action and make informed decisions regarding care and recovery goals. A client is not simply a subject who complies with directives from his/her provider, but rather, clients (and their identified family) and providers are partners in the healing process. "Choice," from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee that optimizes their developmentIn the recovery model, a client's role includes learning how to take charge of his/her own healing process. A client will develop this attribute through a range of sources and experiences as the individual faces situations in which he/she can learn more about his/her abilities to understand and grow. Any situation can be a learning opportunity if, through it, the client is able to develop coping skills and resilience. "Personal Learning & Growth" from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee and increases their resiliencyIt can be a normal part of recovery to have setbacks. Resiliency is the ability to withstand or quickly recover from difficult circumstances. By using selected supports, retaining knowledge, maintaining a positive attitude, and continuing his/her individualized recovery plan, a client will often be healthier than before the setback, with new self-knowledge."Resilience," from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee and recoveryMental health recovery is a journey of healing and transformation enabling a person with a mental health problem to live a meaningful life in a community of his or her choice while striving to achieve his or her full potential. "Recovery," from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee from mental illness.
Our Mission:
CalMEND’s mission is to developAs vital informants to system design and development, it is essential that client and family members participate on development and decision-making bodies within all levels of the mental health system, are educated about mental health funding and the implementation of laws, have impact on policy and quality improvement issues, and are recognized in their roles as experts by compensation for their time at a fair and competitive rate. "Client & Family Involvement in System Development," from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee and support publicly funded mental health services and supports in California that are person-centeredPerson-centeredness is a comprehensive approach to understanding each individual and their family’s history, common needs, strengths, recovery, culture and spirituality. Using a person-centered approach means service plans and outcomes are built upon respect for the unique preferences, strengths and dignity of each whole person."Person-Centered," from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee, safe,It is essential that services are provided in an emotionally and physically safe, trusting and caring environment for clients, family members and the recovery team. "Safe," from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee effective,Effective services are evidence-based (or promising) and respectful of - in fact, provided in response to - individual choice and preference. "Effective," from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee efficient, timelyTimely engagement in services and/or supports is achieved through a shared decision-making process and is based on individual needs for responsiveness. Timely care may be anticipatory and respond to both immediate needs and long-term recovery goals. When needed, it is imperative that services are promptly and appropriately provided on an individualized basis in order to restore and sustain clients’ and families’ integration in the community. "Timely," from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee and equitableIt is vital that no stigma or discrimination is applied to clients and families and that access and quality of care do not vary because of client or family characteristics such as race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, diagnosis, geographic location, socioeconomic or legal status. "Equitable," from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee, that are supported by friendsNatural supports are personal associations and relationships that are developed in the community and enhance the quality and security of one’s life. This includes family relationships, diverse friendships that reflect neighborhood and community, fellow students and/or employees, and affiliations developed in clubs, organizations or through other activities. Natural supports are critical to decreasing stigma and isolation as social inclusion increases wellness. "Natural Supports," from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee and communityCommunity-level partnerships and collaborations support recovery by not only providing integrated services within the mental health system, but also through the coordinated inclusion of community resources and other services, such as supportive housing, employment, meaningful activity and social activities. Accordingly, it is imperative that the mental health system direct outreach efforts to the broad array of diverse communities in which clients are a part (i.e. support groups, educational, religious and cultural centers, wellness centers, advocacy support, etc.) in order to promote understanding and responsiveness to the needs of clients and families on their recovery journeys, create awareness of stigma and discrimination, and further, work consistently to reduce it for persons with mental illness."Community Partnerships & Collaboration," from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee, that promote wellness/recovery, and that fully incorporate shared decision-makingAn interactive partnership is formed between a client, his/her selected family and the recovery team whereby the provider acts in the capacity of consultant to the client by providing information, discussing options, clarifying values and preferences and supporting the client’s autonomy. This process is used to make decisions regarding care options and recovery goals. "Shared Decision-Making," from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee between consumers, family membersFamily-friendly care starts with the identification of a client’s family of choice (i.e. parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, best friends, ministers, caregivers, next door neighbors, etc.) and is supported by ongoing attempts to engage and encourage healthy education, support and involvement in the recovery journey. For adults, the scope of shared personal information is client-directed to maintain an effective, healing partnership. "Family-Friendly Care," from CalMEND's Philosophies and Principles, defined by the Client and Family Subcommittee and providers.
CalMEND will serve to:
- Develop a care management program that is applicable in all settings of care for individuals with mental illness;
- Create a blueprint for redesign of clinical care provisions of the mental health care system;
- Design tools and techniques to promote recovery-driven practices and programs; and
- Address ethnic, cultural and linguistic disparities through the promotion of culturally competent, relevant and informed services throughout care systems.
