Sonoma County, California 94952, United States
California Code, Welfare and Institutions Code -WIC §5001
Patients Rights Advocacy
The provisions of this part and Part 1.5 (commencing with Section 5585 ) shall be construed to promote the legislative intent as follows:
(a) To end the inappropriate, indefinite, and involuntary commitment of persons with mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, and chronic alcoholism, and to eliminate legal disabilities.
(b) To provide prompt evaluation and treatment of persons with mental health disorders or impaired by chronic alcoholism.
(c) To guarantee and protect public safety.
(d) To safeguard individual rights through judicial review.
(e) To provide individualized treatment, supervision, and placement services by a conservatorship program for persons who are gravely disabled.
(f) To encourage the full use of all existing agencies, professional personnel, and public funds to accomplish these objectives and to prevent duplication of services and unnecessary expenditures.
(g) To protect persons with mental health disorders and developmental disabilities from criminal acts.
(h) To provide consistent standards for protection of the personal rights of persons receiving services under this part and under Part 1.5 (commencing with Section 5585 ).
(i) To provide services in the least restrictive setting appropriate to the needs of each person receiving services under this part and under Part 1.5 (commencing with Section 5585 ).
SB-369 Prisoners: California Reentry Commission.(2019-2020)
CCJBH Stakeholder Input
Input opportunity: Stakeholder feedback from people with lived experience of incarceration and reintegration
Many people with serious behavioral health challenges land up in jail as a result of their behavior in crisis. On discharge many do not have the services they need to be successful on release SB 369, Hertzberg. Prisoners: California Reentry Commission is an attempt to ensure changes are made to the system to ensure successful transitions from jail back into society. Many of the provisions are essential for people with behavioral health challenges and address issues like reinstatement of benefits, drivers license, ID, education and employment, housing and other essential services .
SB 369, Hertzberg. Prisoners: California Reentry Commission. Failed to pass in 2020
10.14.20 SB 369 Veto Message: Overview of the Mandate and CDCR/CCJBH’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Preliminary Findings to identify Barriers to Reentry and Strategies to Overcome Them
GOVERNOR'S VETO MESSAGE: I am returning Senate Bill 369 without my signature. This bill would establish the California Reentry Commission and task it with developing a new health and safety agenda for those returning home from custody, reviewing the barriers to reentry and coordinating with other entities to establish a grant program for reentry service providers. I share the author's commitment in supporting successful re-entry for persons returning to the community from prison. That is why I launched Returning Home Well, a public-private partnership that will provide critical supports including housing, healthcare, treatment, transportation, direct assistance, and employment support for Californians returning home from SB 369 Page 7 prison early due to COVID-19. I also agree that there is more to do to ensure that all persons returning home are given the support that they need. I do not, however, think that creating a new commission with over 20 members and appointees is necessary to achieve this goal. I am, instead, directing the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health to engage with stakeholders, evaluate the barriers of reentry and determine what steps need to be taken to overcome those barriers ( Contract to do this work is with CalVoices ACCESS Ambassador program)
If you are interested in providing your public comment/additional feedback directly to CCJBH you can email them at CCJBH@cdcr.ca.gov by April 5, 2021. Or if you wish to remain anonymous with your feedback you can email your responses to us at access@calvoices.org and we will incorporate your feedback into our notes and recommendations that will be given directly to the CCJBH.
Next steps for CCJBH Stakeholder feedback from people with lived experience of incarceration and reintegration
Here is a brief reminder of the next steps for those of you interested:
- The CDCR/CCHCS Transition Team and CCJBH will seek stakeholder input at the Forensic Mental Health Association Conference, Words 2 Deeds Track, on April 2nd, with another two-week public comment period (April 15th). You can register here http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07eho7jl1y1bdf4dd6&llr=njltlbcab
- The final draft of the SB 369 Barriers Table will be presented at the CCJBH Full Council Meeting on Friday, April 30th, with a final two-week public comment period to follow. The meeting details will be updated to this site https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/ccjbh/meetings/
- The CDCR/CCHCS Transition Team and CCJBH will draft a final report summarizing the research feedback captured from the stakeholder meetings, with a target date to submit to the Governor’s Office in July 2021.
California Legislation
Petition Letter Portal
This site was designed to facilitate the submission of position letters to committees as bills move through California’s legislative process. The site is still a work in progress and we are striving to provide you and committees with features that streamline the overall position letter process.
Who should use this site? Anyone wishing to submit a position on a California Legislative bill can use this site. Please note we have three categories of registrants:
- Registered Lobbyists with the Secretary of State
- Organizations – an individual affiliated with an organization
- Individuals
How Do I Get Started?
After completing a one-time registration to obtain a username and password, log in to submit your position letter as a registered lobbyist, organization or individual seeking to communicate your views to the bill author’s staff as well as the committee that will be hearing the bill.
If you want to submit written comments, you will need to create an individual account. Here's info from the FAQ's about leaving comments.
As an Individual, how do I send comments to the committee?
- Select measure type, measure number and Session Type.
- Click on the “Search” button.
- Select the appropriate Committee
- Select Your Stance
- Input note message in the note box.
- Complete the Captcha and select the “Submit” button
I Need More Help
For a list of site FAQs, click here.
To submit a request for assistance or provide site feedback, click here.
We value your input which will help us further improve the position letter process.
WEBSITE: https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/faces/index.xhtml
How a bill becomes a law
Peer Advocacy Opportunities
SURVEY 2020
State Advocacy 1-2-3 Webinar Series (May 28)
State Advocacy 1-2-3 Webinar Series (May 28)
Client and Leadership Annual Survey
Please, Take Our Annual Survey to Inform Our State of the Community Report
This year we are researching the implementation and effectiveness of Peer Support Services across the state in order to determine if we are utilizing peers to the fullest extent, and to determine if we are collecting meaningful data that supports the evidence-based practice (EBP) of Peer Support. Your knowledge and expertise are essential to this endeavor, and also critical to informing our annual State of the Community Report (SOCR).
State Advocacy 1-2-3 Webinar Series (May 28)
State Advocacy 1-2-3 Webinar Series (May 28)
State Advocacy 1-2-3 Webinar Series (May 28)
State Advocacy 1-2-3 Webinar SeriesThe Peer Action League - PAL State Advocacy 1-2-3 is a series of three webinars on the basics and details of how consumer peers and others can liaison at the State level in a meaningful and consequential manner for a peer-driven transformation of the California behavioral health system. Register for the May 28 webinar,
What is ACCESS?
State Advocacy 1-2-3 Webinar Series (May 28)
Peer Voices of California
What is ACCESS?...
Among five other stakeholder groups contracted by the MHSOAC, ACCESS promotes client advocacy across the state in order to ensure services are client-driven from start to finish. ACCESS advocates at the local and state level to promote values of the Recovery Model in mental health services.
STORY
ACCESS California is a statewide consumer-led public mental health advocacy program of Cal Voices a continuation of NorCal MHA. ACCESS is funded by the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC) through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA/Prop. 63). Recognizing the statewide client advocacy voice had waned since the passage of the MHSA in 2004, NorCal MHA conceived the ACCESS program in 2016 to elevate and empower the client voice throughout California. In 2017, the MHSOAC formally funded the ACCESS California program specifically to accomplish these goals.
MISSION
ACCESS California's mission is to strengthen and expand local and statewide client stakeholder advocacy in California's Public Mental Health System through individual and community empowerment. Through our ongoing research, data collection and evaluation, legislative and policy analysis, advocacy, education, training, outreach, and engagement activities, ACCESS implements strategies to elevate the voices, identify the needs, and increase genuine public participation of client stakeholders to drive truly transformative change in the Public Mental Health System.
Peer Voices of California
ACCESS Regional Community Empowerment Workshops
Peer Voices of California
Peer Voices of California Join Our Peer/Client Advocacy Coalition
To be fully effective, our voices of lived experience must be joined together behind common messages and combined advocacy efforts. When you join the coalition, you will be informed of state-level and local advocacy opportunities, with tips to help you advocate effectively. You will also receive updates to keep you educated about the Mental Health Services Act, changes to Medi-Cal, and legislation that has the potential to impact you. https://www.accesscalifornia.org/peeradvocacycoalition
ACCESS Regional Community Empowerment Workshops
ACCESS Regional Community Empowerment Workshops
ACCESS Regional Community Empowerment Workshops
ACCESS' Community Empowerment Workshop educates clients, peers, advocates, and community stakeholders on key provisions of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), including its requirements pertaining to the Community Program Planning Process and meaningful stakeholder involvement in mental health systems development, oversight, and evaluation. This Workshop also teaches attendees how to craft impactful policy statements to deliver at public meetings.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the training.
The Southern Community Empowerment Workshop will be taking place on Thursday, June 18th 1-4 pm.
The Los Angeles Community Empowerment Workshop will be taking place on Tuesday, July 7th 1-4 pm.
However, we at ACCESS are working hard to find ways for us to stay connected, and we are committed to implementing new and innovative approaches to continue our important work and advance the Client Voice throughout California.
email access@calvoices.org for more information
ACCESS LEADERSHIP TRAINING (Southern Region)
ACCESS Regional Community Empowerment Workshops
ACCESS Regional Community Empowerment Workshops
ACCESS LEADERSHIP TRAINING
ACCESS' Leadership Training educates participants about their responsibilities under the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), and teaches them how to effectively implement the MHSA's six General Standards and Community Program Planning Process requirements. Many mental health policy makers have never received a meaningful overview of the MHSA and other applicable mental health laws that apply to their work, the role of committees and bodies in the public mental health system, stakeholder inclusion and accountability, fiscal transparency, or open meeting laws prior to assuming the responsibilities of their positions. Without a deep understanding of the goals and values of the MHSA and the principles upon which public mental health services are founded, they cannot be truly effective in their roles. This training provides agency leaders and other key decision-makers in California's Public Mental Health System a better understanding of their roles and how to effectuate the transformative change and community participation envisioned under the MHSA.
We hold trainings in all 5 regions of California. If you do not live in the Southern Region, you will not be eligible to attend this training, but stay tuned for future trainings in your region!
The Southern MHSA Leadership Training
Wednesday, June 17th 1-4 pm.
(Imperial, Kern, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tri-Cities, Ventura)
The Los Angeles MHSA Leadership Training Wednesday, July 8th 1-4 pm.
(Los Angeles County Service Areas).
ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE
SPACE IS LIMITED SO REGISTER NOW WHILE SPACE IS STILL AVAILABLE
REGISTER FOR SOUTHERN LEADERSHIP TRAINING
REGISTER FOR LOS ANGELES LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Or email access@calvoices.org for more information.
Cal Voices - NorCalMHA
Cal Voices - NorCalMHA
Cal Voices - NorCalMHA
Cal Voices - improving the lives of residents in the diverse communities of Northern California through advocacy, education, research, and culturally relevant services.
Cal Voices Resources
Cal Voices recognizes that the Mental Health System can be confusing to navigate at times and you might not be able to easily access or locate resources near you. Well we have happily taken care of the hard part and have compiled a list of resources that are avaialble to you. You can click here to access those resources.
- Do you have mental health questions that you would like answers to? Be sure to check out our Mental Health FAQ page.
- Check out our Mental Health Legislation page to see the legislation that Cal Voices is actively participating in.
- We have also listed various articles and links to mental health material that could be useful to you. Check that out here.
(ACCESS is a program of CalVoices)
(916) 376-7736
Tools To Thrive
Cal Voices - NorCalMHA
Cal Voices - NorCalMHA
Since 1949, Mental Health America and our affiliates across the country have led the observance of May is Mental Health Month by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. We welcome other organizations to join us in spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about by using the May is Mental Health Month toolkit materials and conducting awareness activities.
This year's toolkit includes:PDF's and Printable Handouts
- Owning Your Feelings
- Finding the Positive
- Eliminating Toxic Influences
- Creating Healthy Routines
- Supporting Others
- Connecting with Others
- Tools2Thrive Poster
- Screening Poster
Download the 2020 Mental Health Month Toolkit, Here.
COVID 19 Related Policy Resources
World Health Organization
DHCS Behavioral Health Information Notice No: 20-009 May 1, 2020
DHCS Behavioral Health Information Notice No: 20-009 May 1, 2020
Summary
• A pneumonia of unknown cause detected in Wuhan, China was first reported to the WHO Country Office in China on 31 December 2019.
• WHO is working 24/7 to analyse data, provide advice, coordinate with partners, help countries prepare, increase supplies and manage expert networks.
• The outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020.
• On 11 February 2020, WHO announced a name for the new coronavirus disease: COVID-19.
• To stay up to date, follow @DrTedros and @WHO on Twitter, read WHO’s daily situation reports and news releases, and watch our regular press conferences. More information about WHO's response in countries can also be found here.
DHCS Behavioral Health Information Notice No: 20-009 May 1, 2020
DHCS Behavioral Health Information Notice No: 20-009 May 1, 2020
DHCS Behavioral Health Information Notice No: 20-009 May 1, 2020
REFERENCE: DHCS COVID-19 Response website
PURPOSE: Provide guidance on concrete steps counties and providers should take to minimize the spread of COVID-19, ensure ongoing access to care, and provide guidance on flexibilities given the Section 1135 waiver granted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), effective March 15, 2020, and Governor’s Executive Orders N-43-20 and N-55-20.
BACKGROUND: DHCS is issuing guidance to counties and Medi-Cal providers to assist them in providing medically necessary health care services in a timely fashion for patients impacted by COVID-19. DHCS was given authority to grant flexibility for certain requirements through Executive Order (EO) N-43-20 and N-55-20. See DHCS COVID-19 Response website for information notices related other Executive Order flexibilities related to Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Programs, Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) programs, and residential and inpatient mental health treatment facilitie
California Department of Public Health
DHCS Behavioral Health Information Notice No: 20-009 May 1, 2020
California's Legislative Analyst Office (LAO)
California Department of Public Health COVID-19 Updates
California is issuing daily updates on COVID-19. To see the most recent update, visit the CDPH News Release page.
CDPH Daily Update Page
California's Legislative Analyst Office (LAO)
California's Legislative Analyst Office (LAO)
California's Legislative Analyst Office (LAO)
COVID-19 Issues
Our COVID-19 Issues series will look at how recent actions by the federal government affect California as well as how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency may affect the state budget more broadly. We will add to the series and update the posts as additional actions are taken and additional information becomes available.
Legislative Analyst Office Report
COVID-19 RAPID RESPONSE NETWORK
California's Legislative Analyst Office (LAO)
COVID-19 RAPID RESPONSE NETWORK
Supporting California’s behavioral health system
County behavioral health departments and their community allies are responding quickly to changing conditions and to the evolving understanding of COVID-19. Each day requires complex decisions, often with few precedents.
To help provide precise information to specific questions, the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission is partnering with Social Finance to provide a mechanism for county officials to easily elevate issues, and to be connected to organizations or experts with responsive information or experience.
COVID-19 Response: Isolation & Quarantine of Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Conversations with 9 comparison jurisdictions suggests that capacity forecasting for isolation and quarantine units has been largely reactive.
Published: April 2020
Best Practices in Delivering Virtual School Based Counseling
Perspectives and resources for California school-based therapists
Published: April 16, 2020
COVID-19 Guidance for Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities
Response to a county behavioral health department as a part of the MHSOAC Rapid Response Network
Published: April 2020
Aggregated COVID-19 Response Procedures for Adults in Residential Care
The procedures have been aggregated from various health resources to outline initial response procedures upon presentation of COVID-19 symptoms
Published: April 20, 2020
Housing Instability and Mitigation Policies in Response to COVID-19
Among the most critical economic impacts of COVID-19 is maintaining housing
Published: April 10, 2020
Recommendations for Supporting Staff In High-risk Environments During Crisis
Aiming to facilitate connections among jurisdictions facing similar challenges with support from external experts
Published: May 5, 2020
CA .gov
California's Legislative Analyst Office (LAO)
COVID-19 RAPID RESPONSE NETWORK
Your actions save lives
People can spread coronavirus even if they don’t show symptoms. Stay home except for essential needs or permitted activities. If you go out, stay 6 feet away from others and wear a cloth mask.
Survivors of COVID-19: Donate your plasma
Blood plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients may be able to help sick people get better faster. If you have recovered from COVID-19, your donation could help—consider donating and find a donation center.
California is working around the clock to respond to COVID-19
- Directed Californians to stay at home to slow the spread of the virus
- Made testing free for most Californians who are medically eligible for testing
- Ensured students continue to learn and get meals even when schools physically close
- Deployed the California National Guard to work at food banks
- Distributed millions of N95 masks and other protective gear to health care workers, with more to come soon
- Secured travel trailers and hotels to house people experiencing homelessness
Involuntary Treatment Act
SB 5720
The National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy (NARPA) urges Washington Governor Jay Inslee to veto SB 5720 The Involuntary Treatment Act, with the exception of Section 103.
This bill, passed by the legislature this year, poses real threats to individuals with psychiatric diagnoses. The bill rolls back rights protections for individuals; and allows involuntary detention under a breathtakingly broad set of circumstances; it also exposes individuals to the harm caused by being detained under conditions that often inflict great trauma, and at the present time, to the dangerous and potentially deadly consequences of the current pandemic, which poses heightened risks in confined institutional settings like psychiatric hospitals. Washington is already ground zero for COVID-19 in the United States and has experienced the deadly risks of its spread within institutional walls. Expanding involuntary institutional confinement, as SB 5720 would do, is a terrible idea.
Learn more ( March 15, 2020)
Peer Certification
SB 803
SB 803 (Beall) PRESS RELEASE
Principle author Senator Jim Beall, Principal Co-author Assemblymember Marie Waldron, Co-authors Senator Wiener and Senator Wilk Assembly members Aguiar-Curry, Arambula Aguiar-Curry, Grayson, Ramos and Wicks CAMHPRO a co sponsor
SB 803 Peers Press Release January 8 2020
Senator Jim Beall Champions Mental Health Legislation to Certify Peers
Today, ( Jan 8) long-time mental health champion Senator Jim Beall introduced legislation SB 803 to create state certification for mental health care providers known as Peer Support Specialists.
Last year, Senator Beall’s bipartisan effort, SB 10, made it to the Governor’s desk with unanimous votes, where it was vetoed. Sen. Beall is reintroducing this legislative initiative as an effort to make strategic, cost-effective reforms to California’s mental health programs.
“Statewide certification of Peer Support Specialists will ultimately save the state money while improving mental health outcomes. The Governor and I have the same goals- help people and use our resources wisely. SB 803 will improve our system in an ongoing, sustainable way.”
A peer is a person who draws on lived experience with mental illness and/or substance use disorder and recovery, bolstered by specialized training, to deliver valuable support services in a mental health and/or substance use setting. “It is time that peers are validated as an essential and professional part of the behavioral health workforce” asserts Sally Zinman, Executive Director of California Association of Mental Health Peer Run Organizations (CAMHPRO).
The state is facing a shortage of qualified mental health professionals to ensure all Californians receive care. Peer Support Specialists are a much needed addition to the workforce.
Dr. Jonathan Sherin, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, emphasized that LA County is ready to take action.
“LA County looks to expand upon and professionalize its peer support programs in a sustainable manner which will not be possible until we secure statewide certification and a reliable reimbursement mechanism. Leveraging lived experience through peer support is critical to the service transformation we need in California. The state must make the most of every resource available to address our mental health crisis; recognizing and resourcing Peer Support Specialists statewide will be a wise investment.”
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and 48 states have a certification process in place or in development for mental health peer support specialists. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released guidance in 2007 for establishing a certification program for peers to enable the use of federal Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) financial participation with a 50% match.
Studies show that peers contribute to the ability of people with mental illness and substance abuse to obtain education and employment, contributing to the California economy rather than depending on social safety nets alone.
In California, demand for peer services is growing, but there is no statewide scope of practice, training standards, supervision standards, or certification.
“While California faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals needed to serve our diverse communities, the specific services delivered by trained, supervised peers have shown to improve client outcomes and reduce costs at the same time. But California can only realize these benefits for our mental health clients in Medi-Cal if we join the 48 states that have already recognized the effectiveness of Peer Support Services through certification.”
SB 803, The Peer Support Specialist Certification Act of 2020 establishes a statewide certification program for peer support specialists and provides the structure needed to maximize the federal match for peer services under Medi-Cal.
The legislation is applauded by a broad and large coalition of supporters, and is sponsored by California Association of Mental Health Peer Run Organizations, County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California, County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors, and Steinberg Institute.
