March 2018 The Roles, Responsibilities, Obligations, & Opportunities When Being a Part of the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness(PAIMI) Advisory Council Member Presented by Ian Watlington, Disability Advocacy Specialist, NDRN 1
Bottom Line is to Make a Difference Make a difference in the lives of people with mental illness. Make a difference in the health of your P&A s PAIMI Program 2
Why the Heck Is There PAIMI/PAC In the First Place? Why Are We Here? 3
Why PAIMI? The Primary Reason: The Congress finds that individuals with mental illness are vulnerable to abuse, n and serious injury 4
Establishment of the PAIMI Program In May of 1986, president Ronald Reagan signed the protection and advocacy for individuals with mental illness (PAIMI) act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 10801). The PAIMI act was passed and is implemented through P&A systems nationwide. A key component of the PAIMI Act was to establish an advisory council whose responsibility was to provide P&A s information about issues relating to individuals with mental health based disabilities. 5
The PAIMI Statute Authorizes P&As to: Investigate incidents of abuse and neglect of individuals with mental illness if the incidents are reported to the system or if there is probable cause to believe that the incidents occurred. Protect and advocate for the rights of covered individuals through activities to ensure the enforcement of the Constitution and Federal and State statutes. 6
PAIMI Statute consideration for PACs Consistent with the amendments to the PAIMI Act of 2000,the P&A systems must give priority services to representing PAIMI-eligible individuals residing in facilities/institutions before using their annual allotments for PAIMI-eligible individuals residing in the community, including their own home (42 U.S.C.10804(d)). Family members, who may request protection and advocacy (P&A) system assistance on behalf of these individuals, are held to these same service limitations. 7
PAIMI Statute consideration for PACs cont. 10802. Definitions For purposes of this subchapter: (3) The term "facilities" may include, but need not be limited to, hospitals, nursing homes, community facilities for individuals with mental illness, board and care homes, homeless shelters, and jails and prisons. 8
Establishment of PAIMI Councils The PAIMI Act requires PAIMI Councils to: Sec. 51.23 Advisory council. Establish an advisory council to: Provide independent advice and recommendations to the P&A system. Work jointly with the governing authority of the P&A in the development of policies and priorities. Submit a section of the P&A system's annual report. 9
Purpose of the PAIMI Councils Act as a link between the P&A and the mental health community that can: Assist the P&A in identifying issues that are of most importance to the mental health community. Provide feedback to the P&A staff and the Board of Directors to develop the annual objectives and priorities for the PAIMI program. (worth repeating) Educate the public about the mission and purpose of the P&A. 10
PAIMI Council Membership The PAIMI Act states that PAC members shall include: Attorneys Mental health professionals Individuals from the public who are knowledgeable about mental illness, the advocacy needs of persons with mental illness and have demonstrated a substantial commitment to improving mental health services. 11
PAIMI Council Membership cont. A provider of mental health services Individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services and family members of such individuals. Efforts shall be made to include members of racial and ethnic minority groups on the advisory council. 12
Membership Requirements The PAIMI Act requires PAIMI Councils to: At least 60 percent of the membership of the Advisory Council shall be comprised of individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services or who are family members of such individuals. The council shall be chaired by an individual who has received or is receiving mental health services or who is a family member of such an individual; PAC Chair shall have a seat on the P&A governing board. 13
PAC Meetings The advisory council shall meet no fewer than three times annually. The terms of council members shall be staggered and for 4 years except that any member appointed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term shall serve for the remainder of such term. A member who has been appointed for a term of 4 years may not be reappointed to the council during the 2-year period beginning on the date on which such 4-year term expired. 14
Meeting Mechanics & PAC Duties Elect a Chair and or a Vice Chair or Co-Chair who must be an individual receiving or have received mental health services or a family member. Create and update procedures to determine how the council will run. 15
Meeting Mechanics & PAC Duties cont. Develop clear and strong codes of conduct so members all know what the expectations are regarding their behavior or how to handle a disagreement. It is recommended that a PAC adopt clear and defined bylaws which dictate how and when the Council makes a decision. This will help avoid conflict at times of disagreement. 16
The Responsibilities of the PAIMI Coordinator to the Council Get support from the PAIMI Coordinator for PAC activities and meetings. What is his/her role? To provide the council with reports, materials and financial data to enable review of existing program policies, priorities and performance outcomes. 17
The Responsibilities of a PAIMI Coordinator to the Council, Contd. Budget report shall include the amount allotted for training of each the advisory council, governing board and staff. Reimbursement of expenses: allotments may be used to pay for all or a part of the expenses incurred by members of the advisory council in order to participate in its activities. 18
How PAIMI Councils Advocate PAC Chair(s) is/are on the Governing Board PAIMI program priorities and policies shall be established annually by the governing authority, with feedback from the advisory council. 19
How PAIMI Councils Advocate, Contd. PAC may hold public input meeting to gather information for priorities. Surveys may also work or ask the I&R staff if there are any hot issues which need to be addressed by the P&A based on the calls and intakes fielded by the P&A. PAC may develop other activities that support goals of the priorities of the PAIMI program. BE active participation meetings/trainings/advocacy, rather than just passively receiving information from your P&A. 20
The Benefits of Serving on a PAIMI Council Assist in the setting the PAIMI priorities Opportunities to educate the public and consumers on the rights of individuals with mental illness and the PAIMI program services. Ability to work with the PAIMI program to meet their goals for the protection and advocacy of individuals they serve. Chances to go to training(s) and get information on what is happening in your community around mental health service and/or the consumers. 21
The Benefits of Serving on a PAIMI Council, cont. Supporting individuals that are receiving services to be safe and free from harm. Taking on a leadership role in advocacy. Assisting to change the mental health system. Learn about legislation and how to talk to policy makers about issues of concern PACs have the opportunity to build relationships with other disability or marginalized groups to gain more power and influence. 22
Help Set the PAIMI Program s Priorities Be the eyes and ears of the mental health community Share with your connections in the community what the P&A does and how PAIMI may help them Advise P&A Staff & Board of any new trends emerging in mental health in which the P&A could play a role. 23
Annual Report: PPR AC Duties of the PAC in doing the PPR AC are: Provide an accounting of the PAC s activities for that year. Give independent feedback regarding the PAIMI program and priorities of that year BE detailed. Let the report tell the story and represent the flavor of your PAC. The Feds and NDRN need more information to share with policy makers & other stakeholders. 24
Other Resources Quarterly PAIMI Council Teleconferences National Disability Rights Network http://www.ndrn.org Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Services http://www.samhsa.gov 25
Question Time Questions about the roles and responsibilities of a PAIMI Council Member 26
How to Get a Hold of Me Ian Watlington, Disability Advocacy Specialist, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) ian.watlington@ndrn.org (Email is best) 202.408.9514 Ext. 124 27
The End Thank you for your work on behalf of people with mental illness and the people who advocate for them. 28