Specifications include, but are not limited to: The passage of the Mental Health Services Act in 2004 initiated the concept of transparent and collaborative processes being implemented, at the state and local levels, to determine the mental health needs, priorities, and services for California mental health consumers and their families. Welfare and Institutions (W&I) Code Section 5892(d) requires the Mental Health Services administrative fund to “include funds to assist consumers and family members to ensure that the appropriate state and county agencies give full consideration to concerns about quality, structure of service delivery, or access to services.” Through the MHSA, California has encouraged the transformation of its mental health system by supporting the need for and development of a partnership between state and local level planning and program implementation. The MHSA was designed to change not only the way people access mental health services and participate in policy planning, but to change public perception and stigma associated with mental illness. Through support of advocacy efforts, MHSA funding encourages dialogue that addresses not just the local needs of a community and region but that aligns with state level needs and priorities in a way that acknowledges and adheres to the diverse cultural values among California’s family members. One contract will be awarded to a statewide advocacy organization that will provide advocacy, training and education, and outreach and engagement on behalf of the Population throughout California. This contract opportunity supports the goals of the MHSA and proposes, through the engagement and participation of the Population to support the goal of system transformation that is client and family driven, culturally competent, and collaborative in design. This contract will provide the opportunity to conduct activities and events led by the Population that highlight local mental health services available, to have the Population identify existing needs in their local communities, reduce stigma, and inform local and statewide leadership on the specific needs of the family members.
