The state plan recommends that the state continue the current mechanisms for ensuring consumer and family involvement. Specifically, currently, many boards, committees and councils have consumer and family representation that is mandated by state or federal laws. These include, but are not limited to, seats on the Commission on MH/DD/SAS; Area Boards; the Mental Health Planning Council; and the Council on Developmental Disabilities. Inclusion of consumers and families in other groups is mandated by state policy; for example, the statewide Client Rights Policy Advisory Committee and state, regional and local System of Care Collaboratives. The state plan recommends these mechanisms continue, with one important change: information, education and supports should be provided as needed to ensure that consumers and family members are able to participate effectively.

A second recommendation in the state plan is to establish a State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee; and in each region of the state, as part of the Local Business Plan, establish a Local Consumer and Family Advisory Committee. These Committees would be independent of state and local agencies. The Division and LMEs should provide meaningful support to members of Consumer and Family Advisory Committees, including:

• Compensation for time
• Transportation or compensation for travel
• Childcare and eldercare if needed
• Flexible scheduling of meeting times
• Information and education regarding the service system, for example:
  User-friendly primer regarding existing system and funding sources
  A list of the services that are available and how to access them and
  Materials regarding model systems and best practice services/supports

The state plan recommends that the Division establish an Office of Consumer Affairs. The Office should be led by a consumer who reports directly to the Division Director and is a member of the Division's management team. Staff of the Office of Consumer Affairs should include a designated position for each of the disabilities and should be provided administrative support.

Finally, the state plan recommends that LMEs have a clearly defined planning process asking consumers and families for their views about the service system and, especially, about service gaps.