STATUS REPORT ON THE MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATIVE PLANNING PROCESS
A. PLANNING PRINCIPLES

There was strong support from all quarters for the planning principles
enunciated in the earlier decument, and as a result another Statement of
these principles that has been improved and elaborated through your input
1s included below:

Mental health servicas shall be optimally provided:

= to address potential mental health needs before disabling effects occur
using educational and preventive approaches, as well as early assessment
and intervention techniques.

~ to respond to actual assessed needs for mental health care, while giving
priority to the most seriously 111 and due regard for both personal
rights and public safety.

~ to. maximize the quality of life of the mentally 111 within the mainstream
of community life wherever possible in a way that respects inaividua}
rights and privacy.

- in a tinely and efficient manner close to patients’ homes in oraer to
preserve and enhance their natural support networks.

- to meet high standards of professional training and clinical service,
with a strong emphasis on practical research at all levels.

= to maintain continuity in care arrangements between service units in a
co-ordinated system of care.

- through regular monitoring and evaluating, to ensure that resources
applied to mental health care are utilized effectively ana efficiently in
order to optimize quality, comprehensiveness and continuity of care

- to ensure that replacement facilities or services to be aeveloped are in
place prior to any corresponding reductions or adjustments in elements of
the existing service system, and that sufficient funding for this is
available during the development period.

‘- to maintain and improve an appropriate focus on programs for groups with
' Special needs such as children and adolescents, the elderly, the
handicapped and cultural minorities.

I think it is most important that we continue to refer to these planning

principles to ensure that our service system plans address these basic
concerns,

B. SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION RESPONSES

The large number of issues discussed are described below under each of the
several major categories that were used to analyze the suomissions, with
reference to problems identified, recommendations with broad consensus, and

questions for further aiscussion and response.
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