MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to improve the availability and quality of support to enhance each individual’s quality of life.
VISION
Our network provides local access to best practices that respond to the unique needs of individuals living in the District’s communities.
PHILOSOPHY
The Capital Area Human Services District commits to the philosophy that all individuals are valuable members of the community, and the District exists to support each consumer, to the full extent that resources permit, to live productively in the location and environment of their choosing, within appropriate and fiscally responsible parameters. The services and supports provided by the District are those determined by the client/consumer/customer to be important to their successful integration into the community. Our staff works with the customer as a unified team to facilitate the individual in attaining their goals.
HISTORY
The Capital Area Human Services District, CAHSD, was established in July 1997. The District concept shifts policy authority and fiscal responsibility from a State-controlled central office to a locally nominated and governor appointed board of seventeen members representing each of the District’s parishes and the fields of community-based, mental health, developmental disabilities, & addictive disorders. The statutes provide that CAHSD shall direct the operation and management of public, community-based programs and services relative to mental health, developmental disabilities, and addictive disorders services for the parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, and East Feliciana. CAHSD was created to be responsive to the local needs of the citizens in its seven parishes. It strives to identify and address local needs through partnerships with local governments, clients, advocates and providers. At the heart of this multi-parish agency is greater accountability to consumers, the community and the taxpayers.
BENEFITS of Community-Based District Services
The benefits and advantages of a community-based service area can be summarized in part as follows:
• Local governance puts responsibility for services "closer to home". The CAHSD becomes a part of the community and service delivery is more responsive to local needs. Problems can be more readily addressed by the local community.
• The District is able to save money through streamlined purchasing, contracting, and collections. Experience has shown that more money can be dedicated to direct service delivery rather than to administration and bureaucracy.
• Flexibility and reduced red tape allow greater service satisfaction for clients. Services can be provided in a more creative, person-centered manner, in keeping with the client's individual needs.
• An integrated organizational structure allows for appropriate sharing of staff and resources to more holistically address client needs, and provides multi-disciplinary services across a connected continuum.
• Collaboration with local agencies, such as school boards, and local juvenile agencies is improved. The community and elected officials can more easily communicate with CAHSD’s Executive Director and program managers directly.
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A local entity becomes more responsible for the level of care provided and has more control over the delivery of services to those most in need.
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Because fiscal and programmatic decisions are made at the community level, local governments have more incentive to support the services directly.
List of Services