San Bernardino County, Calif.
The Department of Behavioral Health strives to provide effective services that promote recovery and resiliency for Individuals. A component of California’s Proposition 63 Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), Community Services and Supports (CSS), was required to develop community-based mental health services specifically directed to unserved and underserved populations. One of the programs developed to help meet the needs was the Office of Consumer and Family Affairs (OCFA). This is a program staffed solely by consumer and family members employed by DBH as Peer and Family Advocates (PFA). OCFA’s primary function is to provide assistance and support to consumers and their families by promoting programs and services for the recovery and benefit of consumers and family members. Through this program, several consumer trainings have been developed which consists of a twelve week facilitator training course for individuals who want to teach classes such as, anger management and personal development. Facilitator Training empowers individuals with acquired skills to become leaders, better listeners and to combat distorted thinking. The training also teaches conflict resolution, self-esteem, communication, sexual assault, domestic violence, co-dependency, learning how to be assertive and how to become team players. This program meets the criteria for an award, by encouraging persons to invest in themselves, time management skills and the necessary energy in becoming a Group Facilitator. Group Facilitators understand that individuals will live a more resilient and satisfied life when able to share their experience of “life” and recovery. This training provides assistance, support and representation to consumers including, team encouragement, praise, and support for participants. After completion of this course, Group Facilitators earn a certificate of completion and graduation of the program which allows for graduates to become volunteers with the department and helps others to seek employment with the department and other partner agencies.
Contact:
Ms. Victoria Hall
Mental Health Education Consultant
