Building Bridges Between Residential and Community Based Service Delivery Providers, Families and Youth

Joint Resolution to Advance a Statement of Shared Core Principles

Developed by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) Child, Adolescent and Family Branch

September 15, 2006 - An exciting and significant step towards transforming the children’s mental health system occurred at the Building Bridges Summit in Omaha, Nebraska on June 14-17, 2006. In order to address the historical tensions between residential and community-based service providers and systems, a meeting was held to better integrate and link residential (out-of-home) and community-based services and supports.

The Summit participants were chosen because of the range of their experience and knowledge as well as their personal commitment to creating services that are respectful, empowering and effective. Participants included residential and home and community-based service providers, family members, youth, national and state policy makers, system of care council members, tribal representatives and representatives of national associations related to children’s mental health and residential care.

The purpose of the Summit was to:

• Establish defined areas of consensus, related to values, philosophies, services and outcomes
• Develop a joint statement about the importance of creating a comprehensive service array for children, youth and families, inclusive of residential and out-of-home treatment settings as part of the entire range of services
• Identify emerging best practices in linking and integrating residential and home and community-based services
• Set the stage for strengthening relationships and promoting consensus building
• Create action steps for the future

To a large degree the summit accomplished these goals. Participants were able to dialogue and learn from each other's perspectives and experiences. Presentations highlighted positive outcomes resulting from integrating residential and system of care services. The youth and family voice was powerful and provided leadership in helping to establish the emerging vision. A particular accomplishment was that a Joint Resolution of common purpose, shared principles, values and practices was developed.

The Joint Resolution identifies an urgent need for transformation and envisions a comprehensive, flexible family-driven and youth-guided array of culturally competent and community-based services and supports, organized in an integrated and coordinated system of care in which families, youth, providers, advocates, and policymakers share responsibility for decision making and accountability for the care, treatment outcomes and well-being of children and youth with mental health needs and their families. Participants believe that actualizing this vision will yield a more efficient service delivery system, more effective and appropriate individualized services to children, youth and families, better use of resources, and improved outcomes.

The meeting and Joint Resolution represent a new level of unity, partnership and collaboration among participating constituencies. A fundamental principle underlying this resolution is that children, youth and families are ultimately empowered across all areas. The group agreed to develop a multi-faceted strategy to promote the implementation of the Joint Resolution in policy and practice across the country. Meeting participants hope that the principles, values, and practices will be adopted and implemented by organizations, local communities, state and national associations, states, and the federal government. The Summit and the follow-up plans are evidence of important, critical new partnerships, and demonstrate a strong commitment to transforming children's mental health care in America.

Participants in the Building Bridges Summit encourage review, discussion and endorsement of the Joint Resolution, and invite interested individuals and groups to join in this mission.

Please click here to learn more about the core principles and values discussed.