N.J. Admin. Code § 10:37-5.75

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 19, October 7, 2024

Section 10:37-5.75 - Designation of responsibility

(a) The goal is to have a SP Program Element in each county, in order to offer SA services to target population clients entering the mental health system. The specific role of the SA program in a particular county shall be outlined in an approved County Plan and/or in the State Mental Health Plan.

(b) Each SA program shall be sponsored by an organization, or a component thereof, independent of a direct mental health or other human service provider. Such an entity might be, but is not limited to a County Mental Health Association, advocacy group, etc. The Division may waive this requirement if an agency presents an organizational structure which demonstrates clear administrative autonomy between the advocacy activities and the provision of direct services.

1. For the purpose of this section, "Direct Services" shall mean the provision of any one of the other Program Elements contained in this chapter or related social, vocational, and housing services.

(c) Counties designated by the Division in the State Plan and determined by the Division to have complied with the funding priorities noted in 10:37-5.1(a), (b) and (c), shall work with the Division to develop a SA Program in the Fiscal Year following that designation.

(d) Each SA program shall be formally affiliated with all mental health provider agencies (including State and county hospitals), the County Mental Health Board, and related human service providers (especially housing and county welfare).

1. Affiliation agreements with mental health providers must clearly define the local role of the SA program and assure client access.

2. Affiliation agreements with human service providers must assure that their services be accessible and available to mental health target population clients within the county.

3. Each SA program shall be formally affiliated with all external advocacy groups, particularly those that seek to redress client grievances, and/or abridgement of clients' rights. At a minimum, this must include the Division of Mental Health Advocacy and the County Mental Health Board.

(e) Community education/consultation activities aimed at non-mental health/human service gatekeeper agencies, as appropriate, shall define the role of the SA program if/when a SA client comes into contact with that gatekeeper agency.

(f) The SA program shall participate in client complaint procedures as determined by the Division and consistent with the regulations in 10:37-4.6.

(g) The SA program may work with C & E programs of mental health agencies, volunteer groups, etc. to facilitate the integration of mental health clients into local communities through companionship, community education, and other volunteer programs.

(h) The SA program may periodically site visit mental health agencies and State and county hospitals that serve its area and prepare reports to the County Mental Health Board and the Division, if such a role is identified as appropriate by the county and/or the Division.

(i) SA workers shall provide outreach to boarding homes to assure availability of services to residents, as needed.

(j) The SA Program Element shall not engage in the provision of clinical mental health services.

N.J. Admin. Code § 10:37-5.75