Mission Statement

The Mental Health Board of the County of Santa Clara is composed of members of the community at large, clients and family members of clients of the mental health system.  The board’s mission and duties are established in state: Welfare & Institutions Code 5604.2 and county law (See attached Chapter VII, Sections A18 – 141 and A18 - 142).  They include:  review and evaluation of the community’s mental health needs, facilities and special problems; advise the Board of Supervisors and the county metal health director as to any aspect of the county mental health program; and, submit an annual report to the Board of Supervisors on the needs and performance of the county’s mental health system.

Priorities

• Act as a forum for clients, families and other constituents about the needs and quality of services for the mentally ill.
• Work with the director and staff of the Mental Health Department as an advisor to provide input for planning programs and budgets prior to final decisions.
• Provide to the Board of Supervisors an annual report of the Department of Mental Health.  Communicate to the Board of Supervisors as necessary in an on-going dialogue.  
• Make specific recommendations to assist the Board of Supervisors in making decisions concerning mental health services.
• Collect, review, and evaluate information about delivery of care for the mentally ill provided by the Mental Health Department in order to understand and evaluate services to clients that promote recovery, maintenance and return to the community.
• Promote outreach and education about mental health services.
• As informed stakeholders, communicate pertinent information leading to desired public policy outcomes at local, state and federal levels.
• Gain an understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, treatment and advancements in the field of mental health. 
• Recognize people and organizations that have contributed to mental health.
   

Meeting Location

Full Mental Health Board meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 12:00 noon at 1075 East Santa Clara Street, Second Floor; San Jose, CA  95116.

Member Roster:

Mental Health Board Schedule

Mental Health Board Committees Minutes/Agendas 2010

Mental Health Board Committees Minutes/Agendas 2009 

Brown Act

Mental Health Board Ordinance

Welfare & Instructions Code

Mental Health Board Handbook

Report to Board of Supervisors