In 1997 the state of Wisconsin began to develop a framework for implementing a recovery orientation in its public mental health system. Since then, local stakeholders have worked together to devise a number of recovery initiatives. This presentation will examine one such initiative: a participatory evaluation process to be used in community-based mental health services agencies.
Developed by a group whose members included consumers, advocates, an agency administrator, and a researcher, the process incorporates presentations on key recovery concepts, consumers' stories about the lived experience of recovery, and guided discussions among small groups of consumers and agency administrators and staff. The aim of the evaluation is to have agencies reflect on how they either facilitate or hinder recovery. At the conclusion of the 1 1/2 day workshop, agencies have identified their strengths and weaknesses and have made plans for how they will address the areas that need improvement.
The presentation will describe the participatory evaluation process and its development, with special attention to the lessons learned from pilot testing the process in several community-based mental health agencies.
Learning Objectives: List some key recovery concepts Describe the participatory evaluation process Identify resources for use in their own agencies
Keywords: Mental Health Services, Recovery
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.