Characteristics of a Recovery Oriented System

System Dimension / Recovery System Standards
Design /
  • Mission includes recovery vision and uses the language of recovery.
  • People in recovery and their families are part of the design process.
  • Outcomes are measured and recovery oriented; i.e., improved role functioning, empowerment, enhanced quality of life, etc.
  • Mission is achieved through a set of identified core services which, when used together, contribute to the achievement of recovery outcomes.

Evaluation /
  • Each service program in the system identifiesand achieves a unique recovery outcome for people using the service.
  • Outcomes assessment includes people in recovery and their families using the service.

Leadership /
  • Leadership constantly reinforces recovery vision and recovery system standards in its written and public statements, and in its actions.

Management /
  • Core set of processesand protocols are described and monitored for each identified service.
  • Policies and procedures relate directly to implementing the service process and protocols, and are compatible with recovery values.
  • Management information systems collect data on service process and report outcomes.
  • Supervisors provide feedback to their employees on the effectiveness of service process and protocols based on individual recovery outcome assessments.
  • Staff assignments are based on competencies and preferences whenever possible.

Integration /
  • Service coordination is available for all individuals in recovery who desire it.
  • All service programs have certain procedural elements in common,i.e., assessment, planning, and intervention.
  • Referral between services includes the individual’s recovery goals.

Comprehensive /
  • Individual recovery goals include functioning in a variety of living, learning, working, and/or social environments that are not controlled by the mental health service providers,i.e., YMCA, school, church, and job.
  • Service programs provide an array of support in all settings related to the individual’s recovery goals.

Involvement /
  • People in recovery are actively sought for employment at all levels of the organization.
  • User-controlled, self-help services are available in all geographic service areas.
  • People in recovery and their families are integrally involved in system design and evaluation.

Cultural Relevance /
  • Staff has appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitude to provide effective service for the culturally diverse populations using the system.
  • Assessments, planning, and service interventions are provided in a culturally competent manner.
  • Programs and settings reflect the culture of the population served.

Advocacy /
  • System advocates for a holistic understanding of the people served.
  • System advocates for people in recovery to have the opportunity to participate in community roles.
  • System advocates for an understanding of the recovery potential of people served.

Training /
  • Staff are trained in the recovery vision and the implications for their service programs.
  • Staff are trained to improve knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to provide specific services.

Funding /
  • Service dollars are expended based on the needs expressed by the served population.
  • Service dollars are expended based on the expected processes outcomes.

Access /
  • Access to service environments is by preference of the person in recovery, not by professional preference.
  • Access to service environment is not contingent upon using a particular mental health service.
  • Access to living, learning, working, and social environments outside the mental health system is expected.

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